Chapter Five: A Soulless Entity

“Keep your hooves crossed that this goes well” Ivan spoke to Kara who walked beside him as he led the small procession through the halls towards the delivery bay where waited their transport.

“Wouldn’t that make it hard to walk?” She threw back with a smile.

“Oh snap!” Applejack who walked behind Kara gave a short laugh. “She got ya there.”

“Well noticed Miss Applejack.” Ivan grinned at the blonde maned earth pony. “I see your powers of observation are still as sharp as ever.”

“I can’t believe we’re actually doing this.” Twilight added her piece, walking with head lowered beside Applejack.

“I can.” Ivan stated. “We are the only ones that can do it after all.”

“Ah’m jus looking forward to findin Apple Bloom.” Applejack displayed a look of worry. “If ah can find her that is.”

“You will Applejack.” Twilight reassured her. “You won’t be searching alone either.”

“Ah know Twi.” Applejack bumped against Twilight with a warm smile.

“I can’t wait to see how the Princess reacts.” Kara smiled up at Ivan.

“Princess Celestia?” Twilight asked with worry.

“Don’t worry Twilight.” Ivan answered her fears of meeting with her teacher. “I will handle it.”

“I meant how are you going to explain Miss Pie?” Kara corrected with some small glee.

“Pinkie Pie’s comin!?” Applejack exploded.

Ivan cast his student a sidelong glance of irritation, one of which she ignored with a smirk. “Well played Kara.” He murmured so silently only she could hear.

“Just getting even.” She responded likewise.

“Yes indeed Applejack.” Ivan nodded, speaking louder this time. “Miss Pie will be joining us.”

“Are ya crazy?” Applejack whispered at him as a group of black robed ponies walked by them.

“Some would say so yes.” He nodded. “But I have her assurance that she will behave.”

“And you believe her?” Applejack was incredulous at the news. “Is it jus me or does that sound stupid to any of y’all?”

“I believe we can trust Miss Pie with this.” Kara shrugged. “Though that doesn’t mean I’m going to turn my back on her.”

“Yer damn straight!” Applejack snorted wildly. “Ah didn’ know she’d be comin with us!”

“It hardly matters Applejack.” Ivan rolled his eyes to himself, Kara it seemed had gained a rebellious touch to her nature now they were on their way, he would have to return the favour sometime in the future. “What matters is that we get to Ponyville.”

“Ah don’ want her anywhere near mah sister!” Applejack answered.

“From what I know Pinkamena would never bring harm to her.” Ivan responded.

“He’s right Applejack.” Twilight added to her friend, hoping to calm her nerves. “Pinkie Pie looked out for them when everything was happening.”

Applejack shook her head. “An from what ah’ve heard she turned mah sister into a killer!”

“Not exactly.” Ivan put forward to close off the topic, it had gotten out of control and he didn’t like that. “Whatever the case she’s along for the ride so let’s not start any fights that we can’t win okay?”

He had directed this to Applejack who immediately shut up, she couldn’t deny that the rumors she had heard had made her think twice about provoking Pinkie Pie should she meet with her again, yet even still she couldn’t shake the feeling that Pinkie Pie would end up betraying them.

“Alright...” Applejack shrugged finally. “Ah’ll give her a chance, but as soon as she goes psycho Ah’m out!”

“Good!” Ivan grinned once more. “We’re all set then!”

Applejack pulled in close to Twilight and whispered. “Bad enough Rarity’s comin too let alone that pink sack'o mad apples.”

“I understand Applejack.” Twilight responded equally hushed. “But we have little choice... apparently.”

They finally reached the warehouse section of the institute, where waited the two wagons they were expecting. One was large and the other smaller, both were barred so as their passengers could not escape if they should feel the desire to try.

Applejack had wondered at the need for two wagons to carry them all but since the revelation of a certain pink pony joining them she understood full well the need for the extra one. At the head of each wagon were two ponies, though they wore no clothing the two patients recognized them as orderlies. Perhaps not their names but they had seen them around.

Lemon was also there, already waiting inside the larger of the barred wagons, he was dressed in a old grey T-Shirt with a ragged peak cap. They seemed to suit him, giving him the look of a common work pony.

The guise was not lost on the two patients who suddenly wandered what the overly large Stallion would be doing on this particular mission. Ivan led his troupe to stand by the wagons where he left them to converse amongst themselves. He knew what was coming and hoped the presence of Twilight would cause a certain ruler of Equestria to hesitate before speaking to them.

It was a long shot but one he knew would work.

He waited a small distance away from the others and soon the other two members of their group were brought in, the three behind him fell into silence as Rarity was brought in first, guided by two orderlies who knew Rarity well enough to keep their distance.

Her straightjacket had been removed yet she kept an air of calm serenity about her that belied her true nature. She was dangerous, there was no doubt about that but as long as she acted within the boundaries of control he would trust her enough to allow her to move freely without restriction.

“Good morning doctor!” Rarity greeted him.

“Rarity.” Ivan nodded. “How are you feeling this day?”

“Better now that I can move by myself.” She motioned her forelegs which were now free. “I must thank you for this opportunity to prove myself sane.”

“Yes.” He gave her the look he had given her before, one that obviously stated how little he believed of what she had just said. “Why don’t you go stand with the others while we wait for our pink friend.”

“I would love to!” Rarity smiled brightly, so brightly he groaned.

“Just reign in your hunger until we’re in ponyville.” He instructed as she moved past him and away from her handlers.

“Why doctor!” Rarity responded dramatically. “Whatever could you mean?”

“Yes.” He stated, he nodded to the two orderlies to leave and prepared himself for the next step, which apparently happened to be Princess Celestia. He almost groaned again but halted that, he had hoped Pinkamena would arrive before the Princess but there you go, never trust others to arrive on time.

“Princess.” He greeted her with a nod.

“Ivan.” She returned the nod. “Is this your group?”

“It is, bar another who has yet to arrive.” Ivan answered.

Celestia inspected them from a distance, she wasn’t surprised by his choices, in a way she had expected them and for that she was grateful, she knew he could handle these ponies... even so she could not help but spend a while looking covertly towards the purple unicorn hiding behind Applejack trembling with absolute fear.

“Not yet Princess.” Ivan answered. “She isn’t ready.”

“I...” Celestia began but gave up, in the end these things took time. “I understand...” She eyed Ivan suspiciously. “Are you sure that she is ready for this?”

“I wouldn’t bring her if I didn’t.” Ivan answered firmly. “Of all those I chose to go with me she’s the one most ready to handle what is to come.”

She could not help but agree for that feeling was telling her such once again, she knew she could rely on her student too, if anypony out there could fix this mess it was Twilight... though it brought her pain to put it all upon her student’s shoulders once again.

“And the other?” Celestia asked, turning her attention back to Ivan.

“As fate would have it she is here right now.” Ivan informed, motioning behind her with a hoof.

Celestia turned to greet the pony that arrived only to find herself staring at an image she had not expected. She now understood why Ivan had waited until the end to show her his group. He had been right to for even now she felt her arguments and denials rising in her chest.

Once, before all this she would have trusted this pony with all her very soul, but now...

Pinkamena was wheeled up to them, entire body strapped upright into a trolley designed to carry ponies, her forelegs were trapped in a straightjacket and the lower half of her face hidden behind a mask made to prevent her biting ponies to death. As the orderly pushing the trolley set it up to stand on its own Ivan nodded him away, the orderly walked backwards awkwardly in a half bow directed at the princess, grateful for the escape Ivan provided him.

The image of this pink pony was not one that inspired confidence in Celestia.

“Good Morning Princess Celestia, Doctor Ivan.” Pinkamena greeted them, though the way she greeted them could easily be described as chilly. Celestia resisted the urge to shiver as her eyes locked with those of the insane Pinkamena. “I trust you are both well?”

“Pinkamena.” Ivan nodded in turn, giving her the eyes that said: Don’t push it!

“I suppose this is the point where our beloved Princess here makes her decision as to whether we may leave or not.” The pink pony stated, it was not really a question so much as an observation.

“Correct.” Ivan answered calmly, though inside he wanted to growl at her.

“Then I guess I should make my case now, at least to alleviate her worries.” In the whole time she had arrived her eyes had not once left those of Celestia’s, their hungry nature causing the Princess distress and though she did not reveal anything both knew she felt it.

“Princess.” Pinkamena began. “I know I’m not the most trustworthy pony around but I assure you Ivan and myself have an agreement which I will not betray.”

“And you swear to that?” Celestia raised a brow.

“I do.” Pinkamena answered.

“Then... I guess I have no choice but to agree to this madness.” Celestia sighed.

“It’s the right choice Princess.” Ivan gave to her an apologetic smile. “She has a skill set we need to ensure our mission is successful.”

“I’m putting my faith in you Ivan.” She looked to him. “Don’t disappoint me.”

“Ah princess.” He chuckled that disarming chuckle of his. “I never disappoint.”

Celestia resisted the urge to roll her eyes and turned once more to psychotic pony. “Look after them Pinkamena.”

“I will do my best.” Pinkamena responded with a cruel smile. Celestia nodded and turned to leave, she would speak no words of encouragement today. “Oh, princess?” The pink pony called causing Celestia to pause and look back. “I love the new perfume.”

Ivan facehoofed, he could not help it, he dragged the hoof down across his face and as one eye became visible it stared at Pinkamena balefully. It wouldn’t have been so bad a thing to say if it had not been for the sarcastic hungry nature of the pink pony’s voice.

Celestia left them and Ivan managed to wait until she was gone before muttering. “Was that really necessary?”

“Would you have given up on an opportunity like that?” She returned.

He shrugged and moved behind her to push the trolley over to the wagon, where he deposited her trolley and all into the back of the wagon. He wasn’t overly gentle but then he had been pushed quite far in the last few days.

“Easy now doctor.” She answered his ministrations as he strapped her trolley down onto the floor of the smaller wagon. “I have rights as a patient and prisoner after all.”

“Yes... good luck with that.” Ivan sighed quickly removing himself from the smaller wagon and shutting the door behind him. He moved over to the small group of ponies that would travel with him, Applejack Twilight and Kara standing a pony’s distance from Rarity who had a profound expression of pure innocence.

“Alright.” Ivan began. “I’m not even going to ask what happened because by Applejack’s expression I can already tell.”

“She... she...” Applejack had to force back her anger.

“Yes, yes.” Ivan waved an impatient hoof. “She did something that was terribly confusing and uncomfortable for you and now you want me to berate her... well... I’ll do that on the road, the faster we are away the sooner we will get to Ponyville.”

This seemed to pacify Applejack somewhat, her desire to find her sister overriding any outrage she had at Rarity’s... whatever it was she had done.

“Everyone on the wagon.” Ivan instructed.

“Oh dear...” Rarity sighed as she climbed up first. “I take it we won’t be riding first class?”

“Very funny Rarity.” Ivan growled silently to himself.

“Here let me help you.” Rarity offered a hoof to Applejack.

“Y’all keep your hooves to yerself!” Applejack warned climbing aboard all the while maneuvering around Rarity as if she were infected with the plague.

“Come along now girls!” Twilight attempted. “Let’s at least try to be friends.”

“I would love nothing more.” Rarity smirked.

Applejack shuddered. “Yeah ah'll bet!”

“My little Applejack, whatever could you mean?”

“Y’all know what ah mean!”

“Girls!” Twilight complained. “Let’s not make this any more awkward than it already it is!”

Applejack sighed. “Ah’m sorry Twi, just a bit shocked is all.”

“I too apologize Twilight.” Rarity replied with a teensy bit of honesty lining the mirth. “I acted boorishly, here let me help you up.” She offered a hoof to her fellow unicorn.

“Thank you very much Rarrrrrrrrrrrrrity!!!” Twilight almost squealed, turning to her friend with a horrified look. “Did you just...!?”

“Ah told you!”

Kara looked to Ivan with an expression of tired disbelief. Ivan shrugged. “They just need to get used to each other again, it will get easier.”

“Yes...” She answered, imitating his deadpan expression quite well.

Kara climbed on board and so too did Ivan. Ivan pulled the barred door closed behind him and banged against a bar with a hoof. “Alright let’s be off then!”

Ahead wide delivery doors where opened and the orderlies driving the wagons began to pull their load through them. Ivan sat down next to Kara and frowned, something was wrong with the scene inside his cage but he couldn’t quite put a hoof on it...

“Rarity?” Ivan sighed as realization struck.

“Yes doctor?”

“Please leave poor Lemon alone.” He commanded.

“Oh very well...” She answered with a noise of disappointment. Lemon Curry threw Ivan a grateful glance, he was a married Stallion after all.
***

It was a cold miserable day in Ponyville, such had become the case in the town since he had released hell upon it. Qray wasn’t feeling quite right that morning, something was off, he couldn’t place a hoof on it at all... the workers were taking their sweet time, whatever it was that was watching him continued to do so without fear and the monsters had begun to cause problems for his work crew.

But that wasn’t the cause of this odd feeling slowly building pressure at the top of his spine, it felt as if something was coming, an instinct he had gained during his time amongst the Gryphons. No... whatever this was it wasn’t good and no amount of reassurance from his benefactor could waylay the doubt.

Qray wasn’t the sort to overly worry about anything but this was strange, he had never felt its like before, something was coming that much he could tell, whatever it was or whoever it was would only cause him problems.

They were making progress however, they had found an ancient network of tunnels amongst the known systems. These corridors were ancient, so much so the air had been stale enough to make those who entered choke. The detail and work upon the stone were not natural they had been hoof carved, the images upon the walls protected from time by a sheath of clear crystal like glass that covered every surface.

The images themselves spoke of an ancient war, one long since forgotten by all, the tunnels were indeed of the Alicorn age, when all ponies had wings horns and powerful magic.

The tunnels had been broken though, generations had passed since their making and this outpost had suffered shifts in the earth as the land moved. Earthquakes from ages ago had ruined the pathways, filling them with rubble and stone that had set them back further.

Whenever a new area was opened Qray would be one of the first to venture down it, searching for that pull that had led him to find this place. His friend wanted whatever it was that was stored here and in return Qray would get his chance to do to Canterlot what he had done to Ponyville... though on a much larger scale.

He would find the routes they needed to take, many of the tunnels would only lead to dead ends of perhaps rooms where Alicorns had slept when they had dwelled here. Whatever the ancient race of ponies had been fighting nothing here described it, all the images would show of the enemy of their ancient people was a mass of black nothingness.

Perhaps the carvings had been damaged by the shifts in tectonic plates or perhaps Qray was missing something, the voice in his head didn’t know either... he guessed he would just be left unsatisfied without an answer.

It matters little, we are here for only one thing.

“Maybe you don’t care.” Qray snarled. “But this is history beyond what we know, Equestria would go crazy for a find such as this.”

If all goes well it will regardless.

Qray nodded but he still rolled his eyes, it had no taste for time this thing in his mind, in fact it seemed only to care about one thing and even that was a mystery to Qray. He was tired of the secrets, they were beginning to wear on his patience.

He found another caved in area and groaned, he turned behind him to where his two followers waited. “Go back, get a work crew.”

They both leapt to the task though it only required one, Qray shook his head, he was surrounded by idiots. He looked to the walls while he waited, it should be dark here but it just wasn’t, the walls seemed to reflect the light wherever they had left torches, the light bouncing from wall to wall and carries quite far.

He didn’t need the light, he had the eyes of a pegasus and the dark meant little to him.

Yet it was here, at least it would drive the creatures that had emerged inside the tunnels away. It was near, he was sure of it, the chamber where it was held was only fifty meters from him, getting there would be tricky, this place was a maze and apparently for good reason.

Whatever the ancient Alicorns had been fighting it seemed apparent little could stop them, this was perhaps the only way they could buy themselves enough time to regroup should an attack have come.

He wondered what the enemy of his ancient people had been and more importantly who had won the war? Perhaps solving the mystery would answer the biggest question in Equestrian history, the one question that not even Celestia or her sister could answer.

What had happened to the Alicorns?

It doesn’t matter! The voice berated him. All that matters is the prize!

Again he found himself irritated by the true driving force behind all this, sometimes he wished for nothing more than the chance to grab it by its throat and strangle it.

Qray sighed and adjusted the belts strapped to his body, they had begun to chafe. He didn’t like to be underground, he was meant to be out amongst the clouds. His wings had begun to ache which was a sign that he needed to rest, he should go outside and fly for a while.

Yes... that would probably do him some good.
***

Lemon hummed, he didn’t stop... he had taken to carving a piece of wood with a small knife, perhaps not the smartest thing to have around a bunch of lunatics but he obviously felt confident enough to be able to keep it.

She didn’t mind the humming so much, in fact he had quite a soft sing song voice.

Ivan seemed to be thinking, in fact that was all he did during the entirety of his journey so far, no words of encouragement or even words of complaint, he was just lost in silent deep thoughts that she could not even comprehend.

That wasn’t much of a problem however, it wasn’t as if he was going out of his way to be irritating.

Applejack had leaned her back against the bars and was gently snoring, her chest slowly rising and falling with each small bump in the road they took. She seemed oblivious to the world and she doubted nothing much would rouse her from her sleep.

The snoring was annoying she couldn’t deny.

Twilight read from a book, it was such an obvious occurrence that she wondered why she hadn’t thought it would happen before, the pages of a book were just Twilight’s natural habitat, surrounded by words for nourishment and dried old parchment for shelter.

The occasional rustle of pages grated somewhat.

Kara was almost an exact duplicate of Ivan but for the occasional looks she stole of him, something was bothering the pale mare and that interested her. To think gentle Kara would hold any form of resentment towards Ivan was somewhat a shock.

The fact that Kara was secretly harboring romantic feelings for him was amusing too.

Pinkamena was behind them, laying flat looking up at the sky unblinkingly inside her own barred wagon. She was a little disappointed she hadn’t been put in the same wagon, it wasn’t as if she’d have her way with Pinkamena or anything during the pink pony’s moment of helplessness.

alright... that was a lie.

Rarity couldn’t understand why she felt so annoyed, perhaps it was a need to be back home, she desired to be amongst her things once again, her boutique, her dresses, her bathtub and her toys, especially her toys! She had been without satisfaction for some time now!

She felt constricted inside this barred wagon, on display like a caged animal...

That kind of thinking only made her feel more anxious to be out, these ponies were absolutely hopeless, none of them wanted to play or even seemed interested in the idea of playing, they all had troubles she could hardly care about and it left her to entertain herself.

Oh that was it, the reason she was so annoyed.

“This is so borrrring!” Rarity complained. “Please tell me we are almost there?”

Ivan answered, in a manner that seemed pre-recorded. “We are about halfway there yes.”

“Halfway is not near.” Rarity groaned. “Can we not at least talk? I feel like we are on our way to be executed somewhere quiet where no one will ever find our bodies!”

“And what shall we talk about Miss Rarity?” Ivan replied. “Why don’t you start the conversation.”

“Oh well if you don’t mind...” Rarity began with a sly smile.

“And keep it PG-13 for the young will you.” Ivan interrupted before Rarity could truly begin.

The white unicorn’s smile fell away somewhat. “And now you have taken the fun out of it.” She sighed. “Why are you so cruel.”

“There are children aboard this wagon Miss Rarity.” Ivan answered turning to look at her. “Not everypony here is as old as you are.”

The cruel laugh that rose from Pinkamena was all that needed to be said about that...

Well that wasn’t a good start, in fact Rarity suddenly found herself feeling a rush of fire in her mind, rage wasn’t something she often allowed to take control, usually when she did she would be so flabbergasted she would either explode with a screech or just stumble in her words.

She had to maintain control.

“Well I never!” Rarity harrumphed. “I expected better from you doctor!”

“I meant in terms of your maturity Miss Rarity.” Ivan replied.

“Well...” Rarity frowned, scanning the words in case an insult had been insinuated somewhere. “Still, choose your words more carefully next time.”

“What should we be expecting when we arrive?” Twilight asked Ivan. “At the wall I mean.”

“Exactly what you said.” Ivan shrugged. “A really big wall surrounding the entire town and three miles of field around it.”

“It amazed me that they managed to construct such a thing in such a short time.” Twilight rubbed a hoof against her chin thoughtfully.

“That you will have to bring up with the Black Guard.” Ivan sighed.

“The Black Whosits?” Applejack asked. “Are they Luna’s guard or somethin?”

“No.” Twilight shook her head. “They serve Equestria as a secret service, ensuring our safety from alien incursion.”

“Think of them as a secret police.” Ivan instructed them. “Long ago they were an inquisition that murdered and brutalized everypony until they submitted to Equestria’s rule.”

Twilight argued against that. “That’s not exactly right.”

“Isn’t it?” Ivan raised a brow. “They were once known as the Inquisition were they not?”

“Well...” Twilight’s arguments suddenly fell flat. “Yes but...” Ivan just stared at her until she sighed shrugged, she couldn’t deny he was right in that regard, even Celestia was weary of the Black Guard.

“When we arrive they will admit us entry but beyond that they will not help us.” Ivan shook his head. “Until the curse has been lifted they will not let anything out, including us.”

“So once we’re in there’s no goin back?” Applejack asked with a grimace.

“Indeed.” Ivan nodded.

The majority of the group felt uneasy about that, it wasn’t for nothing that such precautions were being taken, it meant all the rumors of Ponyville must be true.

“Don’t expect them to be friendly either, they have no understanding of society or Equine rights, they will treat us like cattle and expect us to remain silent, most likely they will just throw us into Ponyville without much ceremony.”

“They sound like terrible ponies.” Rarity responded, raising her chin in superiority at the very idea of such a thing.

“They are.” Ivan answered simply.

“But they have saved Equestria before.”Twilight attempted, feeling she should at least say something in their defense.

“Their laws are different to ours.” Ivan added. “Whatever you do, do not insult them, provoke them...” He then faced Rarity. “Or touch them!”

“Doctor I have no idea...” Rarity began.

“They will not hesitate to kill you if they perceive you to be a threat.” Ivan interrupted her. “There’s a reason nopony likes them and why both the Night and Day guard despise them, if they believe you are somehow tainted they will kill you.”

“Well...” Applejack snorted. “They sound like a bunch of...”

“Just be polite whatever you do.” Twilight broke her friend’s sentence before the farm pony swore. “They live by an ancient code similar to that of Knights.”

“But with all the cruelty of priests.” Ivan saw fit to add, Twilight threw him a worried glance, it was obvious Twilight didn’t want her friends to be afraid.

But Rarity knew to take Ivan’s warnings to heart, these Black Guard sounded as if they were made from stone, if they hated corruption then they would not like her, that she could admit to herself, she took risks true but she wasn’t stupid she wanted to get to Ponyville and at least bathe once before she died.

She was so sick of showers, so very sick of them!
***

“Ah jus think we should, that’s all.”

Should she ignore that? Her friend did sound quite worried but then again Apple Bloom was the sort to get worried at the drop of a hat, being the more responsible one. Bloom had really taken to her job within their little gang.

Scootaloo had of course grown tired of it... she had little patience these days, especially since Pinkamena had been taken away. This whole thing had gotten boring, they were taking less and less risks.

Sure Pinkamena didn’t take so many risks either but Scootaloo guessed that was a habit she had gotten from Dash. Scoots shuddered at those memories, the idea that she had once worshiped such an idiot still rankled her.

“Does it really matter?” Scootaloo complained. “We’re safe here right?”

The clubhouse had seen a lot of alterations since that night so long ago, for one thing it was literally covered in their pictures both big and small, displaying a wide range of brutality and gore. It was a little untidy and they pretty much just dumped the rubbish outside the tree house.

Sweetie Belle had given up trying to keep it clean ages ago, though she wasn’t as bad as Rarity when it came to cleanliness she still had some flaws. Now however she just lay on her cushion reading more of that book she had stolen from her sister the day it had been delivered.

“Only coz of him.” Apple Bloom shook her head, standing by the window and watching the dark clouds above. “We should ask him what to do next!”

“He always comes to us when he wants something.” Scootaloo shrugged. “Why should we bother calling him?”

“Ah jus think...”

“I know you just think.” Scootaloo snapped, fluttering her wings with annoyance causing her hammock hanging from the ceiling to swing slightly.

“Aww come on Scootaloo.” Sweetie Belle spoke in that soft sweet voice of hers. “Lets not fight.”

Scootaloo had gotten annoyed with that noise too, Sweetie Belle was sometimes just a bit too sugary. “You know what?” the pegasus declared said finally, leaping from her hammock to land upon the wood flooring with a thud. “You two stay here, I’m going for a walk.”

Apple Bloom just sighed. “Don’t get yerself caught again, savin you last time was a real chore.”

“I didn’t ask for your help.” Scootaloo snapped. “I was fine by myself.”

“Was that why you were so glad to see us?” Sweetie Belle countered, she had too good a memory in Scootaloo’s opinion.

Scootaloo frowned and shook her head, leaving the clubhouse and slamming the door behind her. She was in a sour mood that was for sure, she missed Pinkamena quite a bit and found it difficult to get over the loss, in a way she felt as abandoned now as she had when her family had left her at the orphanage... and when Rainbow Dash had called her a loser and told her to get lost.

She knew Pinkamena didn’t want to go but it felt bad all the same and was something that made Scootaloo wish she had of gone with her instead of hiding like Pinkamena had told her.

She remembered the night... she remembered the moment quite well...
***

There was mayhem outside, the noise alone was enough to signify that yet it mattered little, the sky had turned black and since then the sun had not risen at all. Ponies had gone crazy everywhere and many remained in their homes barricaded and terrified, losing their minds to fear.

But not Scootaloo, all she had felt when the dark had come was hate.

‘Get lost loser!’

That is what she had said to her.

‘Your so annoying, no wonder your family dumped you the first chance they got!’

Scootaloo had wanted nothing more than to punish Rainbow Dash for that, she knew nothing yet chose to judge anyway, the heartless nature of the attack had broken Scootaloo and left her feeling dead inside... but when the tears had come she did not sob, she raged.

And taking a life she had found hope amongst her hopeless feelings, she had found her... Pinkamena had then brought her home and given her a place to stay. The Boarding Home where she had stayed had been burned down, along with everything she had owned.

Yet it was her guardian angel that had saved her...

Pinkamena tested the edge of a blade, she had many and all of them had been sharpened to such a degree that they would slice through paper placed atop it. Pinkamena had taught her so much, the pony anatomy was now so well known to her now she knew where every weak spots were on a body.

And better still she let Scootaloo help sometimes.

But not tonight even though Scootaloo wanted nothing more than to do so, she had been allowed to be present however, that much Scootaloo was grateful for. For Pinkamena’s next victim was none other than the pegasus the small filly despised most.

Rainbow Dash squirmed with panic as Pinkamena selected the blade she would use. “Have you ever wondered why they call it a hacksaw?” Pinkamena asked of Dash. “I mean you don’t hack with it... that was what I was doing with that knife.”

“You’re insane!!!” Dash choked, the pain on her wing still fresh.

“True.” Pinkamena shrugged. “Which isn’t a good thing for you is it.”

“Look... we can sort this out...” Dash pleaded, her tears washing her face. “Whatever I did wrong I’m sorry!”

“Its not what you did wrong my little Dashie.” Pinkamena sighed, moving so close her lips almost touched to those of Dash. “Its just your time.”

“But...!?”

“No buts Dashie.” Pinkamena whispered into the pegasi’s ear. “That’s just the way the world is, cruel and heartless, the way I am now and I have to say I’m much happier.”

“Oh Celestia!” Dash whined, trying her best to pull away from Pinkamena but failing miserably in the face of the metal bonds holding her to the shiny metal frame.

“Celestia doesn’t help criminal’s like you.” Pinkamena chuckled mirthlessly. “A pony who used and abandoned everypony she loved just to save herself.”

“I...” Dash began but stopped, she couldn’t lie now, not to this pony who would only hurt her more for doing so.

“Are you ready Dashie?” Pinkamena whispered to her, almost seductively. “I think its time to resume this little game of ours.”

“Please no...” Dash squeaked.

Pinkamena snorted and moved the hacksaw into position. Scootaloo licked her lips.

A massive bang distracted them, sounds of hoofsteps thumped above from the ground floor and new yells exploded into the dark night outside. “What the!?” Scootaloo frowned.

The basement door smashed open and through it charged two guards, one dressed in gold the other in midnight blue. Pinkamena reacted quickly by dropping the hacksaw and lifting a butchers knife from the small table beside her.

She threw it in one motion catching the golden armoured guard in the chest, the bat winged guard did not stop, moving quickly over his fallen comrade while dragging a large sword from his back, the blade swung wide and almost cut Pinkamena in half.

Though the blade missed her its tip caught the bond holding Dash’s left foreleg in place. Dash saw her chance to escape and shook her hoof free, she then began to undo the clamps holding her in place.

Scootaloo felt torn, on the one hand her teacher and friend Pinkamena was caught in a corner of the room attempting to defend herself with a skinning blade against a massive sword and on the other the pony she hated most was going to get away.

But she was a loyal friend unlike Dash and so she chose the right one.

She leapt to the table and picked up a knife and flapping her wings she sailed over to the corner of the room, landing on the guards back and driving her blade into his neck. The guard yelled and swore, blood exploded from his ragged wound.

Pinkamena dragged her own blade across his throat as he fell, ensuring his death and preventing him a chance of getting any sort of vengeance. Scootaloo spun to face their captive but the cyan pegasus was always bounding up the stairs to the ground floor.

“Lets get after her!” Scootaloo growled.

“No!” Pinkamena made her freeze in place, the orange filly turned to face the pink mare. Pinkamena’s expression was serious. “These two were royal guards.”

“So?” Scootaloo asked with confusion. Pinkamena gave her a withering look, one that made Scootaloo scuff at the ground with a forehoof.

“It means the barrier keeping them out of Ponyville has fallen and now they’re inside.” Pinkamena answered. “It means they are coming to take all the survivors away and now that we have both of us killed guards neither of use can claim we killed only in self defense.”

Scootaloo was a little too filled with adrenaline for all that to sink in immediately so while she waited Pinkamena took two saddlebags and began filling them with various tools and trophies. She paused at the dress and sighed, touching it with a longing that made Scootaloo frown.

She didn’t understand that... sure it was made of all the cutiemarks Pinkamena had cut from her victims but it still made her think of Rarity... and she really didn’t want to think of her after that sleepover fiasco.

Finally the penny dropped, Pinkamena had finished packing having decided to leave the dress behind. Throwing the larger of the two saddlebags over her shoulder she then picked up the belt containing a wide selection of blades including her favorite scalpel.

That meant only one thing and suddenly Scootaloo felt very cold. “We have to get out right now.” Pinkamena instructed.

They had to leave, they had made plans to do so in the event something went wrong, they had even set up a place to hide. “We can come back... right?” Scootaloo asked with some concern.

“There is a chance.” Pinkamena shrugged. “But there is a bigger chance we may never come back.”

“But your dress!” Scootaloo began, of all the trophies her teacher had that was her most prized possession.

Pinkamena sighed and placed a hoof upon the filly’s shoulder, leaning down to look Scootaloo in the eyes. “We always knew this might be a possibility, if it wasn’t the guard it would have been the monsters or a mob of angry townsfolk.”

Scootaloo frowned, she didn’t like the idea of being homeless again, in fact the very idea terrified her. But Pinkamena was right and Scootaloo wouldn’t be alone this time. The pink pony offered the filly a smaller set of saddlebags, Scootaloo put the harness over her back and felt the lump at her side, lifting the right bag slightly she saw a hunting knife there, the sheath of which had been sewn into the fabric.

She wasn’t surprised though she did feel glad, it meant Pinkamena trusted her if they should get into a confrontation of some kind.

Pinkamena was already on the move, heading to the ground floor, Scootaloo ever loyal to her teacher was close on her hooves.
***

Scootaloo shook her head to clear her thoughts, they were getting the better of her again, she began walking through the trees that surrounded the clubhouse, though they were in a secluded area there had always been the risk that they would be discovered.

But thanks to the ancient creature they had summoned nopony went near them, as if blind to the structure, she had seen ponies walk around the area without even noticing the curve to their movements, as if reality had been folded in on itself... or as Apple Bloom had said.

‘When space bends all up into a point, where yer usual stuff happens around it instead of through it, like when y’all throw a ball but the wind blows it away, you just move around it... ya see?”

Scootaloo had to get Sweetie Belle to translate most of what Apple Bloom said, since she had taken an interest in building things like houses... architecture she believed it was called, the earth pony had been borrowing more and more books from Twilight about the way things worked.

Damn that barn falling down, now Apple Bloom was the smartest of the three leaving Scootaloo to take the place of the dumbest... Sweetie Belle had even mocked her once saying she was getting more like Rainbow Dash everyday.

She had come close to hitting her then and there for that, though back then it would have been in defense of Dash, not for the insult of being compared to her. Suffice to say Sweetie Belle didn’t play around like that anymore.

Scootaloo remembered when she had moved into the clubhouse with the two, after Pinkamena had been taken... Applejack had been taken during the first raid the guards made into Ponyville. Scoots had been the second to move in though, Sweetie Belle having already taken up residence there after the whole Rarity going weird thing.

It was only fate that Scootaloo would do the same, they seemed to do everything together in the end, eat, sleep, fight and kill together... though Sweetie Belle only ever watched the killings she still helped to point out any missed evidence they left behind.

Scootalooo once more felt that feeling that was making her feel so wierd...

And once more the memory cropped up.
***

She thought it wouldn’t happen but it had, they didn’t even have time to set fire to the house, which Pinkamena had been about to do when they reached the kitchen, more guards bashed through what remained of the front door leading to the counter.

Pinkamena swore, she moved to the back door and kicked it open, motioning for Scootaloo to follow they exited through it, bolting for the streets as they did. There were cries now, of anger and insanity and of military commands. Ponies were fighting the guards savagely, those that remained in the town and walked the streets were the dangerous ones.

These were the army fighting the armoured guards now and they were doing so with everything they had, some fell, the unicorns of the guard used their magic to capture those who struggled the rest did their best to protect them.

It was hard going, the mad had survived quite a bit in the days since the madness had fallen and that had made them confident, the guard had obviously not anticipated this, there weren’t many of them and the only thing going for the guards was the fact that there weren’t many ponies left in town.

Still it gave Pinkamena and Scootaloo the time they needed to escape.

Once away from the main confusion they began to move more sneakily, thankfully that was something she was good at, Pinkamena was by far the better though, so aware of their surrounding she knew exactly when to move without much need to look.

She did have her Pinkie Senses though.

It didn’t take long to get away from the town and to the path they had discovered that led to Whitetail Wood, a rough shortcut but one they were sure was safe. Though it tired her Scootaloo was able to keep up with the pink pony, she was proud of that.

They came to a small clearing large enough for them to have a breather, Pinkamena took the time to get her bearings while Scootaloo caught her breath back, her teacher was faster even than Dash when she wanted to be.

“They were looking for me.” Pinkamena answered.

“What?” Scootaloo frowned.

Pinkamena scowled. “They immediately came to Sugar Cube corner before they made their move, my guess is they also struck five other homes too.”

“What do you...” Scootaloo paused suddenly as she caught Pinkamena’s meaning. “You think they came to rescue you?”

“We’re the Elements of Harmony.” The pink pony nodded.”We’re too important to lose, Celestia and Luna probably ordered them to secure us and get us out.”

“Wow...” Scootaloo considered it. “What about everypony else?”

“They can wait.” Pinkamena smiled. “We were the priority.”

The stood for a moment while Pinkamena thought, Scootaloo always wondered what went through the earth pony’s mind at times like these, how she thought, Scootaloo wanted to be like her so mush that she even wanted to think like her, she was the best pony after all.

“Well they certainly found me.” Pinkamena sighed.

“And Dash.” Scootaloo smirked. “That must of been a surprise.”

“They did look a little confused.” Pinkamena nodded. “It’s a shame that damned barrier collapsed so early... oh well we’ll have to get her later.” Scootaloo grinned at that, Pinkamena never let her prey go, once she had targeted someone they were dead, that was that.

“But that means we can get out right?” Scootaloo asked. “Leave this dump and go somewhere else?”

“I thought you didn’t want to leave.” Pinkamena smiled.

Scootaloo frowned and pulled a bashful expression. “Well... yeah but... its just smart to... right?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “And we have more than enough bits to see us quite far.”

“Do you think they caught Dash?” Scootaloo asked.

“They will.” Pinkamena responded. “But seeing how fast she ran when she got free they will have to catch up with her first.”
***

Scootaloo looked up at the sky, it looked like it would rain soon, she hated this weather. though she preferred it dark she was still a pegasus, clear skies were just better to look at, they felt better too. She wondered why she was so grouchy, even when she had Pinkamena around she had been bitchy to her friends but recently it had gotten worse.

She had almost given up on them twice and that was hardly fair, they were a team even if Scootaloo was more a team with Pinkamena, they were like sisters to her.

Better sisters than Rainbow Dash had been.

But then Pinkamena wasn’t like a sister... no that comparison was not at all right, she was more like the mother Scootaloo had never had, she had been caring, compassionate... often demanding and frightening... but she nurtured and reared Scootaloo and turned her into a professional killer.

That’s what mothers did right? Oh yeah sure, the Predator kind of mother, maybe a wolf or a gryphon or something. Still Scootaloo had been so grateful for everything Pinkamena had done for her, even when she scolded her or threatened her or stared at her like she was going to kill her.

That was something mothers did, that Scootaloo did know, she had seen it after all.

But why did she feel so bad? What made her feel as if her stomach were churning?
***

They made their way through the wood, they had provisions and weapons to defend themselves, if they pushed themselves they would reach Hoofington within the week, the biggest problem they faced after that was where to go from there, should they set up shop in the city or move on?

Probably not the best place to start, Scootaloo thought, so close to Ponyville it would only bring attention to them.

It would probably be better to go to Roam in Itaily, it was pretty distant and the ponies there spoke a different language, though they might even go to Hoofenheim in Germaney, that was north from Itaily... they spoke a different language there too.

So many places to go, that was a good thing though, the world was their oyster right? Go wherever they pleased and do whatever they wanted... sure they would have to play an act, pretend to be normal ponies, probably change their appearance a bit, dye their manes...

Scootaloo sighed, part of her had hoped they would stay in Ponyville together forever...

“Wait.” Pinkamena commanded.

Scootaloo frowned and looked around them, she saw nothing nor did she hear anything. “What’s wrong?” She whispered to the mare.

Pinkamena only looked up through the trees, Scootlaoo followed her line of sight but saw nothing, it was dark above and... then she saw it, a large line blocking out the small light they had from the sky. When Scootaloo looked back down she noticed Pinkamena had already begun to climb a tree.

Scootaloo followed, taking the tree beside the one Pinkamena had chosen, that was another thing the little pegasus was good at, climbing trees. Yet even so the pink pony still beat her to the top. When Scootaloo broke through the leaves above she frowned, confused as to what it was she was seeing.

It stretched outwards, swallowing the horizon and moving in a curve that circled... “It’s a wall.” The filly answered her own question.

“Yes.” Pinkamena nodded.

“Its massive.” Scootaloo blanched suddenly, realizing what this meant.

“Yes.”

“You think it surrounds the entire town?” Scootaloo asked.

“Yes.”

Scootaloo’s frown deepened, what did this mean exactly? Of course she knew what it meant, they couldn’t get out now, once more they were trapped in Ponyville. That was a bad thing, she knew that but why then did she feel oddly happy?

Ponyville was her home, this was where she belonged, she couldn’t describe why that felt so important but she knew it was, she couldn’t leave the town, not now, she needed to be here.

Confused she didn’t realize Pinkamena had begun to climb back down until the mare was halfway to the ground. The orange pegasus followed quickly, reaching the bottom and catching up with the earth pony in moments.

“What do we do?” Scootaloo asked with concern.

“Rethink our strategy.” Pinkamena responded, pushing through some shrubbery, Scootaloo had difficulty getting through and even found herself caught, she went to call out to Pinkamena before the pony got to far ahead.

“Now!”

The voice was a surprise, mainly because it was not her own, but what surprised Scootaloo most was the sudden rush of Stallions in golden armour. They meant business, they had their swords out.

Pinkamena was already on them though, pulling at two long knives from her belt and slashing them into the necks of the first two to get close. She then spun, delivering a high kick to a third with a hind leg. Scootaloo watched open mouthed, sure she had seen Pinkamena fight but it always surprised the Filly as to how good she was.

She fought like a demon, cutting their numbers down and washing the trees with their blood.

Scootaloo regained her wits enough to begin struggling with the branches that held her trapped in the brush. She wanted to help her friend, she wanted to save her.

The guard kept coming and so too did unicorns, they tried to lift the pink pony at first but received only a thrown knife in the chest for their troubles, that was the power of the Pinkie Sense. She took many of them but even so she was only one pony, they caught her eventually, three of them tackling her to the ground.

She fell so she faced the trapped Filly, who was wildly trying to break free, Pinkamena locked eyes with her student, eyes hard and cold, her lips moved silently, mouthing the word: ‘Don’t.’

Scootaloo only nodded though she wanted nothing more than to leap out and fight but she couldn’t disobey the command, Pinkamena had told her not to and she couldn’t fail her... she watched as her teacher was hogtied, legs locked in chains and large stallions standing on her to keep her on the floor.

Pinkamena was cold, her expression icy, as it had been when she was slaughtered them. She showed no weakness and had even stopped resisting, they then dragged her away. Scootaloo locked eyes with her teacher one last time for a brief moment until the pink pony disappeared in the dark out of sight, leaving Scootaloo alone once again...
***

But that wasn’t right... she had protected Scootaloo, even allowed herself to be caught to give Scootaloo the chance to escape... she hadn’t abandoned her she had saved her!

Even though she would never have believed it Pinkamena had truly cared for her, had given up her own freedom to ensure Scootaloo kept hers, she didn’t throw their relationship away as her parents and Dash had done.

Then Scootaloo felt that feeling again... Oh... She thought to herself as the answer was revealed, she now knew the reason she felt so bad...

It was guilt...
***

They all looked up at the wall as it came into sight, even Ivan who had yet to see it himself. The massive structure was taller than they could believe and its seemed to glow with an array of soft colours. It was grey in colour like stone but even from this distance it was obviously too smooth and unbroken to be just ordinary stone.

“Now that’s impressive.” Applejack nodded in appreciation. “These Black Guard know what they’re doin at least.”

“They hoard and keep secret all their magical knowledge.” Ivan explained. “Even so this must have taken a lot out of their magic users.” He smirked darkly. “And maintaining it must be agonizingly exhausting.”

“Can’t anypony help them?” Twilight asked.

“Did I not say they hoard knowledge?” Ivan answered. “They get very jealous of their secrets.”

“How do you know all this?” Rarity gave him a suspicious look.

Ivan’s answer was delivered with a cold touch. “I have run into them a few times in the past.”

“Sounds like an interestin story.” Applejack hinted, obviously interested.

“A story that can wait.” He replied. “Remember what I said, these ponies don’t like outsiders, do what they say and make no complaints.”

“Was that directed at me again doctor?” Rarity frowned at him.

“Oh yes, thank you for reminding me Miss Rarity.” Ivan grinned. “No whining either.”

The wagon came to halt just outside the wall, the orderlies must have known something because the wall displayed no sign of a door. Those inside the wagon all turned to Ivan who merely stared upwards. Following his gaze they saw something moving from above, it took a while for them to see what it was clearly.

A stone platform slowly descended towards them, it was quite large and was lowered by large steel chains bolted into each corner. Applejack felt her tension rise as she realized what was about to happen.

“We’re not goin up in that thing!” She declared. “Right?”

“Oh yes.” Ivan nodded. “It’s rather simple, safe too, no need to be alarmed.”

“Uh huh.” She frowned. “An ah’m supposed to trust the guy who brought a psychopath with us?”

Ivan grinned at her and laughed, giving her shoulder a friendly shove. When the platform touched upon the ground they took note of an odd looking young Stallion. He was a unicorn with his body near entirely hidden in the folds of a large black robe, the wide hood of which was down revealing his head. Over the robe was a mass of heavy black armour, upon which large spikes struck out from the shoulders and spine.

His coat was a pale blue, his eyes were a deep red and his mane a dark purple. He stood so still that even when the platform hit the ground and shook he did not, but that wasn’t what was strange, it was his expression.

He appeared to be dead, there was absolutely no emotion in his eyes nor his features. He just stood there as if he had been frozen with a look of absolute noncommittal upon his face. The wagons were wheeled up onto the Platform, the Orderlies then removed their harnesses and departed without another word.

The mares in Ivan’s wagon watched them go with confusion. “Its alright ladies.” Ivan reassured them with a warm smile. “This is just procedure.”

“But why?” Applejack asked. “Seems like a lot of trouble jus to get us inside.”

“They don’t like outsiders.” Ivan answered. “The only reason they’re letting us in is because we’ll be over the other side almost immediately.”

“Tell me Ivan.” Rarity gave him an expression of wonder. “What do they think of Princess Celestia?”

Ivan shrugged. “The Black Guard? They think she’s a nuisance.”

“I doubt...” Twilight began.

“Silence.” The young Black Guard warrior whispered, his voice so chilling it froze most of them to the bone. He stared at them through the bars, eyes focused mainly on Ivan. The lift surged upward but the gang took no notice, focused only on the exchange between the two.

Ivan grinned in a friendly manner at the guard but all knew that had a hidden meaning, one the unicorn stallion understood all too well. Even so the Black Guard’s face remained ultimately impassive.

“In the Black Guard's eyes...” Ivan continued. “... Celestia is only around to give the ponies of Equestria something to unite behind, like a figurehead with no real power.”

The black armoured warrior said nothing, only stared.

“They are trained to believe only their code is real.” Ivan added. “Everything else is an illusion that must be ignored, joy, sorrow, friendship, trust, truth, justice, life, family, pain... even love, they believe it a weakness, none of them have the ability to feel.”

And still no reaction from the Black Guard.

“You see, they burn their emotions away.” Ivan finished. “Now let’s hurry this contraption up shall we? Chop chop!” Ivan demanded, slapping his hooves together.

The pegasus gave a brief nod and his horn glowed slightly a light azure, the lift moved slightly faster.

“What was that about?” Applejack whispered to Kara.

“Ivan was making a point.” Kara answered. “They don’t care if you insult them so long as you don’t insult their code, such a thing is sacrilege to them.”

“What exactly is this code?” Rarity leaned towards them.

“Enough.” The warrior whispered to them, causing the two younger mares to flinch.

“I don’t know.” Kara answered Rarity’s question anyway, giving the Guard a defiant stare. Applejack shared a confused look with Rarity.

They reached the top, below them the ground was hazy, distant, even the clouds seemed lower than massive. As the reached the top of the wall they noticed it held a small fort, which was a surprise, even now they could see how thick the massive wall around Ponyville actually was, nothing would get through it, no matter how hard it tried.

There were four more black clad guards atop the wall, each stood stock still in their places awaiting any danger that would appear, if not for the colours and various casts of the various ponies they would be exact duplicates of each other.

The barred doors to the wagons popped open with a pale blue light and the prisoners stepped out, their guide nodded for them to follow and led them across the wall to the other side. Ivan took the time to get Pinkamena, wheeling her out after them.

At the opposite side of the wall was another lift exact to the first, their guide walked onto it and motioned them to follow.

As it descended they all finally looked over the town that drew such terrible feelings in their hearts. Ponyville was a distant smudge yet even so they could feel the great depression that hung over it like a diseased malice waiting to snap them up into its hungry maw.

But what lay above the town made them shudder, though it had cleared up a bit the dark mass of inky black clouds still swirled above like an angry vortex threatening to suck it all up. Its perpetual turning made most of them feel uneasy, bad memories re-emerging from the dark vaults of their minds.

“Stewardess? Oh stewardess?” The voice of Pinkamena dragged them away from their dark thoughts and directed their attention to the scene that was about to play out.

The Black Guard looked to the pink pony with the same expression he gave Ivan.

“I just wanted to let you know that I’m going to make it my mission to learn all your secrets and I would also like to take the time to say something about your flawed code.”

The guard’s eye twitched.

“Any code that denies the right to enjoy a cupcake is without a doubt the single most idiotic code on the face of Equestria.” Ivan was prepared for it when it came, which was why Pinkamena remained alive. The guard barely moved yet as he swung a foreleg upwards a long lightning shaped blade shot out from his sleeve.

Ivan wheeled Pinkamena back slightly so the blades tip did not bite into flesh, instead coming to a stop with the blade’s tips a hairs breath away from her jugular. Ivan moved again to take his place beside Pinkamena’s trolley.

“Don’t let her get to you.” Ivan offered to the guard. “It would look poorly upon your kind should you prove so easily provoked.”

“I wasn’t even trying.” The pink pony smirked, she had not even blinked as the blade had swung to kill her.

“The last thing you want is to kill one of the Elements of Harmony.” Ivan also added. “They are a crucial part in Equestria’s continued survival after all.”

“Does that mean I can say anything I like to him?” Pinkamena sounded thoughtful. “If that’s the case I have a whole dissertation prepared.”

“Believe me Miss Pie.” Ivan sighed. “They never truly believed the Elements worth very much.”

“Oh what a shame.” Pinkamena sighed, smiling through her mask. “I guess it will have to wait.”

“At least you can say you have more balls than he does.” Ivan grinned.

“They castrate themselves as well?”It seemed even the cold Pinkamena could be surprised.

“They worship the idea of sterility.” Ivan answered. “Along with emotions they burn away their sense of touch too.”

“So he’ll never know the warmth of another body?” She smirked. “That’s rather pathetic.”

“Do you think that’s really necessary Ivan?” Twilight muttered to him with a mixture of shock and anger. “You’re treading on dangerous ground here.”

“He doesn’t mind.” Ivan shrugged. “Do you, you senseless waste of life?”

The guard shook his head at that and retracted the blade, taking his usual stance without flaw, making the others feel as if the armoured warrior were a robot of some kind. The journey down seemed longer than the one going up, truth be told they had not expected Ivan to so casually throw insults after warning them not to.

It was very disconcerting.

They did reach the ground eventually and none hesitated to leap off from the platform, except Ivan who took his sweet time wheeling Pinkamena off from the stone. Once off however Ivan turned to the guard and smiled up at him. “Thank you for the ride you nutless lying murdering sack of shite.”

The guard ignored him and began the journey back up to the top of the wall.

Twilight’s breath exploded from her lungs, she had not seen this side of Ivan before and it worried her greatly, in fact her whole perception of him had changed, how could he be so rash to say such things and endanger them all, was he insane!?

“What were you thinking!?” She demanded of him.

Ivan sighed and looked up to face the rapidly ascending platform. “You wouldn’t understand Twilight...”

“Try me.” She narrowed her eyes.

He shook his head and gave to her a penetrating stare. “You were not there Twilight, you have to see what they’re capable of before you can judge me.”

“But...!!!” Twilight began but paused when Kara laid a hoof on her shoulder.

“Let it go Twilight, just this once.” Kara pleaded. “He’s right.”

“You were never in danger.” Ivan answered. “They know me well enough and I know how to speak to them.”

“Had a lot of practice?” Applejack raised a brow, discovering another clue to that interesting story he had denied her and wishing to pursue it.

“More than I would have liked.” Ivan nodded.

They stood in silence for a while, slowly it dawned on a few of them that they had stepped hoof onto dangerous ground without even thinking about it, now turning to look in the direction of their home. It wasn’t visible from this distance but they could feel it, like a dead weight in their chests.

Ivan saw this moment of doubt and worry and decided to end it right then and there. “Who wants to help me unstrap Miss Pie?” He grinned.

A new silence formed in the group, one that was a touch more uncomfortable.

Lemon Curry, who had remained silent throughout the entire journey let out a silent sigh, he too understood Ivan’s delight in insulting those creatures atop the wall, he too had seen what they did to keep their code alive.

He had seen quite a bit of it first hoof and ever since he wanted nothing more than to forget it.

But that would be impossible.

He shook his head to clear the cobwebs of fear, there wasn’t much that gave him the chills but the Black Guard was one of them, they were as Ivan had said barely alive.

“Help me with this would you Lemon?” Ivan’s voice called to him. “There’s a good chap.” Lemon nodded to himself and moved to do so, all the while keeping his mind away from the dark memories of his broken childhood. “Watch out for the catch there... oh never mind, I’d say be more careful in the future but...”

Lemon resisted the urge to throw a sarcastic expression at Ivan as he put his mouth over the cut on his right leg his carelessness had just awarded him.

“Oh and that’s one of those new elastic straps so take care... sorry I should have warned you about that earlier... just keep a hold of them... and roll around the ground groaning there’s a good chap, its sure to go numb in a moment then you can walk it off...”

Lemon tried to climb back onto his hooves, his nethers aching terribly, yet even as he tried to keep his balance he fell.

“I wouldn’t sit there if I were...”Ivan attempted but was too late. “Oh alright if you must sit in dirty puddles, I guess it makes your disguise look more authentic but... hey at least it took your mind off the pain right?”

Lemon did his best not to groan with despair, this was going to be a long day he knew it.

“Stop dawdling Lemon!” Ivan grinned with amusement. “These straps won’t undo themselves!”

Author's Note

Ah yes, and now the fun begins, now I no longer have to hold back... not that I was holding back much... or was I? Probably not... Or probably yes?

No, not really.

Or is it, yes, really?

Enough of this, bored, I hope you keep reading and continue to enjoy the story as much as I have!