Blue, part two: A shattered country

Vinyl closed her eyes, took a deep breath, then peered at Trixie.

"I won't ask if I'm seeing what I'm seeing, because, I well, duh, see it. But don't you think dooming her eternal soul to suffering just because—"

"Oh, I asked her to arrange a meeting," said Octavia. Vinyl raised a hoof, then lowered it gently.

"Why exactly? I mean, I'm sorry, if I didn't—"

Octavia made a calming gesture.

"You misunderstand. I'm not here to fling guilt. Quite the opposite, actually. While I do admit dying was quite painful, and if possible, would have loved to evade it, there's more to the story than you ken."

"What exactly?" Vinyl asked. Octavia gave her a gentle smile.

"It was inevitable."

Vinyl waited, but Octavia seemed to have finished whatever she was going to say. Trixie shrugged when she met Vinyl's glance, suggesting it wasn't just her who didn't get a word of that.

"What exactly—" she began, but stopped immediately, because the second statue, with a bit of a glow, produced an irate ghost of a unicorn.

"Seriously! You didn't tell them half of it! And what the hell is ken, anyway?!"

Octavia covered her mouth with a hoof.

"You're right! I'm so daft!" She turned back towards Vinyl. "Indeed, I forgot to tell you one thing: I had little to bide, see?"

Vinyl ran that through her head.

"You were... going to die?" she risked. Octavia nodded.

"Aye. A few months ago, I went to a hospital after one of my performances, because I was feeling quite faint. One thing led to another, and, well, it turned out I had a perfectly documented, but just as well uncurable disease. My doctors gave me a year, at most."

Vinyl cast down her gaze.

"That doesn't excuse what I did to you."

"To us? In my understanding, the equipment could have been tampered with, and you most certainly didn't try to harm us in any way."

"That's the only logical explanation, you know," Trixie said in a nonchalant voice. "That mysterious purveyor could have slipped right back in with different clothes, and remove whatever they cast upon your stuff."

"Okay, I get it," said Vinyl. "You're not really angry, and I'm thankful for that. But you," she said, turning to the other ghost, "don't tell me you're not the least bit upset?"

"Oh I'm pissed all right," said Lyra. "Not at you, though. I'm pretty pissed, that I got offed just to justify sending you in prison. I mean, if someone killed me because they wanted my money, fine! But this? Anypony would have been fine for my killer... Which means he looks at my death as something of a chore."

Trixie perked up.

"He?"

"I can't be bothered with this 'they' nonsense," Lyra said, rolling her eyes. "I didn't see who did it, I just guessed it was a he."

"At any rate, we don't want to guilt-trip you," Octavia said. "Actually, we're here to help you."

Vinyl narrowed her eyes.

"How?"

"Remember how you said you weren't really combat-oriented?" said Trixie. "They can help you with that. Since you're a unicorn, you can try using reverse possession magic. Let me tell you the details."

"This isn't right," Twilight said. "Something must've happened, otherwise the griffons would be retaliating about now. Am I not right, General?"

"Indeed," said General Purpose. "Still, Sharptalon is a formidable fellow, perhaps he–"

The general was interrupted by an entering pony. He started to raise an eyebrow, but before he could even finish it, the intruder simply put a piece of paper in front of Diamond Rose, confusing her a bit. She picked it up, and read it, huffing a little.

"Well, my esteemed colleagues, it seems we have received a report from our spies. Although, to be honest, I have no idea why I received this paper instead of Regent Sparkle, but nevertheless, let me just summarize it shortly."

She paused, taking a deep breath for maximum effect.

"General Sharptalon has been executed for treason."

"What?" shouted Straight Purpose. "When? How?"

"Well, if this is correct, two days ago, and by beheading. Also, his head seems to have been put on a pike in the capital."

Twilight blinked slowly.

"Gentleponies, I hope you all realise what this means," she said finally.

The gathered ponies were the ones that Diamond Rose began to call 'the usual bunch.' Regent Sparkle, Applejack and Redblood from the CCF, Lightning Dust and Raindrops from the Wonderbolts, General Straight Purpose and last, but not least, Night Shade. Speaking of whom, he rose to speak.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but this should effectively mean that the invasion is over as of now."

"No, you are absolutely right," said the general, "since they lost not only most of their military force, but technically all of their high command, too. In this case, I shall withdraw all my request for funding, although I still think we're woefully underarmed for an actual war."

"Thank you, General," Twilight said, "but with the griffon army beaten, I doubt any creature would dare threaten our borders. Or was there something else...?"

All eyes turned to the two present CCF members. Applejack gestured to Redblood, who cleared his throat.

"Currently, there are no changeling sightings in Equestria. We're constantly training unicorns to be able to identify changelings, and dispatch them to various settlements. So far, since the fall of the last hive, there hasn't been any activity–"

The council was interrupted again, by the same pony as before, placing another paper in front of the increasingly confused Rose. Just as before, he disappeared before they could get a word in.

"I wonder if he's doing this on purpose," said Rose, reading the paper. This time however, she seemed to pale a little bit.

"I believe you are mistaken, Prince Redblood," she said. "This spy report claims they found a hive within Equestria."

Applejack slammed at the table.

"Right, we'll depart immediately–"

"–But it seems to be empty," Rose continued.

"Give that to me," said Twilight, perhaps in a slightly raised voice. She skimmed over the paper, furrowing her brow.

"The report actually says that though the hive is devoid of life, there seems to be a lot of changeling blood in the main chamber. Also, there seem to be a lot of pony hoofprints there as well. My theory is that somepony went into this hive, and somehow made them flee."

"Could it be this Mare-Do-Well figure?" Rose asked. She was taken aback by both Twilight and Applejack leaning forward suddenly.

"Mare-Do-Well?!" they asked in unison. Rose nodded uncertainly.

"Yes, I mean, haven't you read the papers?"

"Forgive me, if I was a bit preoccupied," Twilight snorted. Applejack gave a simple shrug.

"We seem to have a vigilante on our hooves. In the last month, there have been sightings all over Equestria, of a masked, costumed pony, whom one of the Ponyvilleans identified as Mare-Do-Well. She seems to target unsolvable crimes, or untouchable ponies. She gets damning evidence, and leaves it with the authorities."

"We can't condone vigilantism, no matter how noble the intent," said Twilight. Rose gestured towards everyone present.

"This is exactly why I've been suggesting a united police force. If anything, we need to keep up law and order now more than ever."

"I agree," General Purpose said. Rose was a bit surprised. She expected the general to oppose the thought the most.

"We simply don't have the ponysonnel," said Raindrops. "Think what you want, but we don't even have two hundred flyers. Detract any from them, and Equestria has no airforce, to speak of."

"Also, I'm afraid we'll have to burden the army with a request, General," Dust said. "As you are all painfully aware, Canter-Berry has been razed by the griffons. I've received an order from the princess to bury all dead locals that are still above ground, and I think I need more ponypower."

The general nodded.

"Certainly. A grim task, but it must be done."

Twilight stood up.

"Now hold on," she said slowly. "Why hasn't this been addressed–"

By this time, all eyes were on the intruding pony when he entered.

"Listen, I don't know who you are, but–" Twilight began, but the pony simply bowed, leaving a third piece of paper in front of her. A muscle began to twitch under her nose, but nevertheless, she took the time to read it.

"...The rising enterpreneur Green Soylent keeps a secret where he gets his ingredients. Well, this was a waste of time, since he donates a lot of food to charity, and keeps his prices low when there wasn't even competition to begin with. Where were we?"

"First, we discussed Mare-Do-Well, then–"

"Ah, yes, I've been meaning to say: it's highly likely that this Mare-Do-Well impersonator is our little culprit of finding and exterminating that hive. Commendable, but illegal. We shall indeed capture her, when–"

She was ready this time. The moment the door opened, she lit up hear horn and started screaming.

"IF YOU TRY TO LEAVE ONCE AGAIN WITHOUT – oh."

The pony now trembling on his hooves was a royal guard, surprised by the sudden animosity. Behind him, though...

"Ah, Archmage Sparkle, how delightful to see you again."

Twilight was very close to spitting in Open Book's face. She still managed to grunt out a 'what now?!’, though.

"Oh, nothing, Your Eminence," said Book. "You see, I'm sorry I accused you last time, and I am fully confident in your innocence, but–"

Twilight buried her face in her hooves.

"They found another one of those stupid 'Sparkle' calling cards, didn't they? That's the fifth this month!"

"I'm terribly sorry, Your Eminence," Book purred, "but there are simply some in the council that wishes you to–"

"Fine, fine, let's get this over with – again." She turned back to the rest of the ponies. "Meeting's adjourned, for now, but mark my words, I'll have a job for one of you to catch a very impudent thief."

The Lunamoons kept a neat, and extensive library. From books about metalworking to magic theory, through romance and adventure, one could find a read for their tastes. Of course, since the manor was empty for years, the freshest book was quite dated. This didn't really bother Mordant; he was starved for literature, so to say. Sure, changelings hoarded a lot of pony stuff, but none as good as this very piece of heaven right there. He was so engrossed in browsing that he didn't notice Luna standing beside her.

"Anything worthwhile?"

Mordant spun around, but relaxed when he saw the princess smile.

"...Perhaps."

Luna stepped closer, gently sweeping the shelf with her wing.

"I see the clan still kept its old habits after so much time," she said.

Mordant remained silent, following her movement with his eyes.

"You know, young one, back in the day, it was really unusual to read," she continued." The Lunamoons were an exception amongst unicorns; they always sought out knowledge and understanding."

"Understanding."

The princess froze. Mordant wished he could take it back, but there was nothing he could do now. Luna lowered and gently shook her head.

"In a way, you are right to be skeptical. If you went out into any town, any city, you'd be greeted with fear and contempt. Long since have passed the days when the six races lived together."

"Six?" Mordant asked, interest piqued. Luna smiled at him.

"Yes. The six pony races: unicorns, earth ponies, pegasi, crystal ponies, bat ponies, and last, but not least, changelings."

"Us? Ponies?"

He eyed the princess with suspicion, but there wasn't a shed of dishonesty on her face. She was also very faintly fond of him. Changelings had a knack for sensing that.

"Yes. In times ancient, six ponies were chosen; each one from each race. The six ponies were granted the power to rule; but also the power to protect, and aid those who would require it. In those days, we needed not differentiate between any of the six races, because the chosen ones worked hard to spread unity and peace."

"But we're still like this," Mordant said, "and just as you said, there seems to be no goodwill towards us. What happened?"

Luna sighed.

"It is a terrible and ancient story; perhaps I'll have the chance to tell you one day, when you can afford to hear the events of several centuries. Let it be enough, that because of arrogance, greed, but most importantly contempt and carelessness, the races were divided." She sighed again, shaking her head. "Nothing that happened back then, could be called a proper resolution, but we made a promise to a dying friend: that we would not search for, or disturb the three races of the north, unless they wanted our help, or if they came with ill intent."

"Three races of the north?" Mordant asked.

"Changelings. Bat ponies. Pegasi."

Mordant furrowed his brow.

"Wait, pegasi? Aren't they here right now in Equestria? And what about crystal ponies? Aren't they north?"

Luna nodded.

"Yes, and no. I told you, those were different times... not necessarily better, but different. Still, there are some things worth bringing back."

Mordant stared at her in silence, trying to read her face. He finally spoke up.

"Why tell me this?"

Luna gestured at him with her hoof.

"You have followed me, my little changeling, when I offered my protection. You have lived with us peacefully, and worked hard everyday. Both of you."

Mordant seemed embarassed.

"I've merely applied what little I picked up about cooking. And Lacuna... She enjoys cleaning, and the like."

"Still, nopony said that you have to do that," a new voice said. They both turned to see Trixie limping towards them. "The fact that we gave you two shelter does not mean we expect servitude."

"There is a difference in being forced to serve, or choosing to help out," Mordant said slowly. "If you lived under Chrysalis, you'd know the difference."

"I suppose I should be grateful that I didn't" Trixie said. "Still, for someone supposed to be the queen of the changelings, she doesn't seem to be that popular with you."

Mordant shrugged.

"Her whole reign is one of blood. She took the throne by killing the previous queen; after that, her first order was to destroy the small pony settlement we lived near, and were feeding off carefully."

"That seems... counter-productive, to say the least," Trixie said.

"Well, her second order was to move out, and leave all of the sick, injured, and old behind. She also experimented a lot with hatching."

Trixie furrowed her brow.

"You mean like those gigantic drones with her?"

Mordant nodded, making a pained expression.

"They were bred to be extra obedient and powerful – to balance it out, they weren't able to exist without workers to take care of their needs."

"But enough of that," he continued in a different tone. "Dinner is nowhere near ready, and the stallions who are still not home were supposed to bring me ingredients."

"It's starting to worry me, too," Luna said. "I do understand that they sent Vinyl home to allleviate our worries, but hours have passed since then. I think I will go to the observatory, and take another look around."

Following her with their eyes, the two were silent until she was completely gone. Mordant was the first to speak up.

"Since I have nothing to do, I'll just go and check up on Lacuna."

"She's in my room, upstairs," Trixie said. The changeling narrowed his eyes.

"Why?"

"She was reading a picture book." Trixie paused, trying to sound normal. "She can't read, can she?"

"So what if she can't?" Mordant snapped.

"Nothing," Trixie said. "Provided we live through this, there will be plenty of time to teach her."

Mordant cast his gaze on the ground.

"She'll like that." He pawed at the ground, unsure. "Listen... I know I can be a bit... irritable when she is brought up, but... I just don't want anyling to think less of her. She's just a simple worker, like me; and neither of us wanted or needed this... conflict we were forced into...twice."

"I hope you'll believe me when I say I believe you," Trixie said. Mordant smiled.

"I think I will. You're a bit of an ass, but in a good way."

He trotted up the stairs, and quickly left Trixie's vision. The showmare grimaced, distorting her mouth.

"In a good way...?"

Well into the evening, Bon Bon was returning to Zecora’s place. She noticed a few Ponyville citizens frolicking around the edge of town, and decided to take it slowly and surely. Every speck of light, every treasonous branch was her enemy.

She wished she understood. What little she could see in the dark, didn’t really tell her what was going on. Ponies were looking confused, hopeful, and some were looking happy; one thing, however, was the same about them.

They all looked very determined. Bon Bon considered if they were looking for her, but seeing that most of them were going to or coming from the direction of Sweet Apple Acres, she dismissed the notion. With Mac on the case, many were inspired to work during the evening hours, or even later. Hard work did inspire a lot of ponies, it seemed.

After what seemed like an eternity, Bon Bon managed to circumnavigate them. At times likes this, she considered if being a unicorn or a pegasus would’ve been more useful. Not for long, though, because she’d never seen a unicorn or a pegasus who was really good with their hooves.

When she was sure she wouldn’t be heard, she doubled her steps. Zecora’s hut was barely lit, as always, but even that small light seemed to have guided her, nevertheless. She considered asking if that’s zebra magic, but she didn’t want to seem rude. The important thing was that she never got lost when she followed the light.

She stopped for a moment, taking in her surroundings. The forest was by no means silent, buti t was quiet. Quiet, as in nothing out of the ordinary made a sound. That was a bit weird in itself.

Carefully appraching the hut, she failed to see anything different. One careful step after another, she got closer; the feeling of being watched ever growing.

She swore she heard the wind make a sound, and dodged left.

Something crashed into the place she was standing just a moment ago. Hurriedly, she took a stance, but relaxed as she saw Cloudchaser picking herself up from the ground.

"I… Why?" she asked.

"Look, I know you think I'm some damsel in need of rest and protection, but listen to me! I've rested more in these few weeks than anytime else in my life. I'm physically fit, not to mention a Wonderbolts trainee. I refuse to sit on my perfectly serviceable wings!"

Bon Bon took off her mask, and rubbed her temple.

"I didn't say anything to that effort," she said, "nor will I ever do. You were sick, wounded, and malnourished. I don't care how macho you are, you needed time to recover. If you're fine now, that's fine. End of discussion."

She pushed Cloudchaser aside, and tried to enter the hut, when the pegasus called out.

"Wait! Look, I… I just meant to say that I'm ready."

"For what?" Bon Bon asked, not turning around.

"Helping you. Look, I know what you're going to say, dangerous stuff, yada, yada. I don't care. No, I'm not suicidal," she added, seeing Bon Bon opening her mouth,"but I have perspective. That perspective being: 'Don't let this progress any further.' I can only do that if I help you out."

Bon Bon was still silent. Cloudchaser decided to press on.

"Look, you know how long I've been with the Wonderbolts, right? I don't claim to be the best, hay, not even one of the top ten. But that's just it. You're one pony. I don't blame you about what happened, but it shows! You can't do this alone."

The earth pony was still silent, unnerving Cloudchaser a little. When she finally spoke, it was relief like no other.

"If we get caught, the best we can expect is to get shipped into Azure City immediately. I've already made some ponies… quite anxious, if the newspapers are anything to go by. If you want to come with me, I need to know that you're on board. This is not personal vendetta. This is making sure the little ponies don't get the bottom of the cup, when this blows over."

"I understand. Help ponies. Simple."

"No!" Bon Bon yelled, finally turning around. "It's not simple! I'm asking you to trust me, and help me expose stuff that can't be done legally! Do you think I've done all this to satisfy my sense of justice? No! I did it, because the fact that ponies so corrupt, arrogant, and insane can exist in the same place some of the best ponies live make me vomit! And I want them out my muzzle, out of my country, and preferably, out of my reality, but that's not gonna happen by itself. So I ask you this: Will you follow my lead? Will you do what's needed to keep things sane?"

"Things are insane already, but yeah. I'm prepared to do whatever is needed to do this."

Bon Bon nodded.

"Good. We'll talk more later. Right now, I'm tired, and I'll have to figure out who is incorruptible enough to dump this evidence on," she said while waving a dossier.

As time passed on, the ponies left at Lunamoon manor grew increasingly worried. Night has fallen, and shopping for groceries most certainly did not call for that much time. Trixie was tapping a hoof on the dinner table in the dining room, watching Rainbow pace back and forth. Mordant, for his part, has prepared snacks, which were mostly gone by that time.

You could hear a pinprick drop when Trixie stopped. All of a sudden, both her and Luna became extremely focused; yet it was Luna, whose expression melted into a smile first.

"They're back."

True to her word, the door opened, and the three stallions marched in, looking tired, but otherwise unharmed. They proceeded to drop their saddlebags, which were immediately seized by Mordant.

"About time," he grumbled, disappearing into the kitchen. Lacuna soon followed, humming happily.

"Before you say anything," Shining began, "yes, we know we're late. We didn't expect… Well, all this."

"All what?" Rainbow asked, finally stopping. Fancypants produced a scroll, and unfurled it upon the table; pressing down the edges with weight.

"We've stumbled upon this by accident. Apparently, if you throw enough coins around, ponies invite you to secret gatherings."

Trixie narrowed her eyes, and took a look at the scroll. When she finished reading, she topped that with further furrowing her brow.

"Really? You just got this?"

"Well, yes," Soarin said. "The cover stories you had us go over a million times actually came hoofy. Everypony believed—"

There weren't many times that Luna lost her temper. Usually, it was something flippant Trixie said, but even when she was angry, she didn't raise her voice.

That was why they weren't expecting the stomp.

It wasn't particularly powerful, but it made a very loud, very threatening noise, prompting the changelings to peek back into the room. Everypony was silent, except for Luna, who at this point was bubbling with rage.

"This! THIS! This is the thing that I wanted to evade at any cost! Frontier justice! Lynch mobs!"

The rest were incoherent noises until Lacuna ran to her side, nuzzling her. Surprised by the changeling's sudden appearance, Luna deflated a bit, then patted her on the head.

"There, there. I apologise, my little changeling. I shouldn't have seethed in this manner. I am fine now."

"If you say so," Lacuna replied. This was the first time most of them heard her talk, and just like Trixie, they were amazed by her soothing, pleasant tone.

It was so distracting, in fact, that Rainbow had to clear her throat to get things back on track.

"Okay, I get something's up, but can't you tell the whole story? I'm kinda lost."

Shining looked at Fancypants, who gestured back at him, as if telling him to go ahead.

"To begin with, we didn't really plan on investigating all this stuff, but while Vinyl and Fancypants were browsing foodstuffs, I took a look around Trottigham's main plaza. There were some stragglers around, but nothing serious. Then, all of a sudden, there was some sort of rumble, and four ponies entered the shop."

"The problem with that was simple; they had concealed weapons. I shuffled back, while Soarin kept a lookout. Apparently, these ponies left their money home, because they couldn't pay, and were about to leave, but Fancypants stepped in, and paid for them."

"Ah, yes, I was meaning to ask," said Fancypants, "Was that a bad thing? I acted on the spur of the moment, but…"

Shining shook his head.

"No. I doubt they'd remember our faces, much less our voices or anything. So, anyway…"

"Um, thank you? What is this?"

Fancypants tried to read the scroll handed to him, but one of the ponies stopped him.

"Not here. Read it at a safe space," he said in a low tone. Out loud, he turned to the shopkeeper, going "Well, this nice fellow certainly saved our hides, ma'am. I wouldn't want to cause trouble, so I'll just withhold on the flakes, and get what this generous gentlepony just offered to pay for. Seriously, thank you very much."

"Oh, don't mention it, maybe you'll be in the same situation once. I know how annoying it is to have to go back home empty-hoofed."

With that said, he pulled back a little, pretending to check out a series of shelves containing cutlery. His mind was racing, though. Shining Armour said these ponies were trying to conceal weapons, which didn't really mash with their carefree, attention-grabbing behaviour. Maybe…

He pulled back a row further, making sure the cashier wasn't seeing him, and finally unfurled the scroll.

He was glad he checked it out without Vinyl seeing it, because when he saw the first sentence, he felt sure she'd have shouted. Clearly, he had to show this to the others, but…

He made a decision; swiping a pair of scissors, he went up to Vinyl, and gently nudged her.

"Darling? Sorry, but we'll have to come back later. I've forgot all about the meeting at five."

His heart nearly stopped when Vinyl returned a blank look with a simple "What?", but then nearly sighed in relief when she continued with "Seriously?! I told you I'd only go with you if you hurried it up, and we're already late?! Hah!"

She turned, grabbing the scissors, and placing it in front of the shopkeeper.

"At least we have this! When we get home, you'll get a reminder about punctuality, Mister!"

Fancypants was barely able to shoot an apologetic smile towards the shopkeeper, and put down a few bits, when he was grabbed by Vinyl, and dragged outside. Fortunately, there wasn't a single soul nearby, so they could pull into an alleyway close by.

"So what up, dude? Don't make me improv like that, I'm not that good at it."

"On the contrary, I believe you managed to fool that mare quite well. I swear I've heard her smirking. Where is Shining Armour, though?"

Vinyl gestured towards the plaze with a nod.

"I think he's at that apple stand over there. Seriously, is there something wrong?"

"I… I don't know yet," he admitted, "but if I'm wrong, I'm just making everypony worry for no reason. We should—"

"What's all this then?"

Fancypants felt his heart stop, and Vinyl seemed to share the sentiment, because she placed a moderately strong kick to the chest of the intruder.

"Soarin, I swear to Celestia, if you're sneaking up on me again, next time it will be your softer parts."

"Noted," Soarin said, looking no less worse for the wear. Apparently, Shining was with him this whole time, because he entered the alley, too.

"What are we doing? If we dally here much longer, ponies are bound to get suspicious."

"Well yes," Fancypants said, showing him the parchment, "I… came upon this just minutes ago."

"You could've cleaned it, dude."

Fancypants turned to Vinyl with a confused expression, but he heard Soarin snort behind him. Shining, for his part, shot a disapproving look at her, then returned to studying the parchment. His expression darkened, however, and he spun it right back.

"Vinyl, can I ask you something?"

"Yeah, dude, hit me."

"How fast are you?"

"Err, I could use some exercise, I know, but…"

"All right. Fancypants, how's your stamina?"

"Canterlot Charity Marathon winner, three weeks ago."

Shining raised his eyebrows, but didn't comment.

"Okay, I had military training, and I don't think Soarin needs to be even considered. Vinyl, you're the one that has to go back, and tell the others we're going to be late. If this is nothing, we've wasted a few hours. If it is… We'll see."

"Uh, sure, dude."

They watched her take off, then after a short while, they left the alley, going the opposite direction.

"Okay, that's enough foreplay, get to the meat of it!"

The seven ponies present were surprised by the sudden appearance of Lyra, save for the two who actually knew about her. Shining opened his mouth, but Luna spoke first.

"Trixie?" she asked, in the tone of a schoolteacher inquiring about the rude drawings on the blackboard. The unicorn gave a smile that looked more like a pained grin than anything, but didn't answer.

Lyra, on the other hoof, was having none of it.

"Look, just how hard is it to frickin' say what this is all about? Wasn't this urgent or someting?"

Trixie rolled her eyes, and levitated the parchment in front of her. By reflex, she tried to grab it, but her body went through it.

"Oh. Right. Ghost."

She floated back, this time simply reading the parchment. The grimace that crept on her muzzle was completely devoid of good humour.

"Meeting? Justice? Hanging?! What the chocolate fudge-covered—"

"I'm sorry, what?" Octavia said, appearing, once again startling those who didn't know about them. Luna slowly turned her head towards Trixie, and held her gaze until the unicorn had the decency to look away.

"We will talk about this," Luna warned, then she turned back to the others. "While I do not mind a detailed report, perhaps Miss…"

"Lyra. Lyra Heartstrings."

"Yes, indeed, Ms. Hearthstrings is right." She paused, shooting a quick glance towards the ghost unicorn. "In a certain sense, at least. What this seems to suggest is that the town to settlements over has imprisoned a blue-coloured pony, and they intend to hold a…" She wrinkled her muzzle in disgust. "A trial, though I loathe to refer to it as such in any conceiveable way. What is clear is that without intervention, this could go very, very awry. Shining Armour, what can you confirm about this?"

"A lot, actually," he replied. "On the other hoof, I think time would be better spent gathering what we remember of the place."

"Wait, you actually went there?" Lyra asked.

"More like galloped as fast as we could, but yes."

"Right," Trixie said, gesturing owards the western hallway. "Third door on your left. Should have plenty of paper, ink, and a few… things to use."

Shining nodded, and the three stallions left for the room.

"Vinyl, what we talked about can be used during sleep, too. It might be useful to practice while you can."

"Sure, but… uuuh, dudette, aren't we moving out as soon as the colts draw up their battle plan and stuff?"

"No. Right now, it's about eleven o'clock, we have made no preparations, and we know of nothing of what awaits us. We're tired, out of juice – at least I know I am – and the… colts just ran the equivalent of a smaller marathon in record time, so the best thing you can do is to go to sleep, and be at your very best in the morning."

There was a hint of approval in Luna's nod.

"I agree. Since I cannot take a more active role, I shall aid in the preparations of any equipment, any spell you might deem useful. But make no mistake, Trixie, the conversation will happen sometime."

"Peh. As if I could forget," Trixie muttered, but quickly shut up when she saw Luna's disapproving expression. Everypony left, except for her and Rainbow. The pegasus seemed unusually contemplative.

"Hey… Trixie?" she spoke up slowly, "do… do you think this is…"

"How ponies are really? The cynic in me wants to say yes."

"Do you know about the wendigoes?" Rainbow asked. Trixie raised an eyebrow.

"Well yes, but – Oh. If your question is if this was their doing, I wouldn't think so. The story said disunity brought the wendigoes, not the other way around."

Rainbow hung her head.

"I know, it's just…"

"Anything's better than this being ponies' true face, huh?"

Silence was her only answer. Trixie sighed, and wrapped one of her forelegs around Rainbow's shoulder.

"Look, if it makes you feel any better, I think there's something going on in the background here. But, unless we find out exactly what, there is no reason to guess, okay?"

Her reward was a tentative smile.

"Yeah, I… I guess you're right. I'm… just gonna go to sleep. Tomorrow, we kick butts. And… Trixie?"

"Hm?"

"Thanks."