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Broken Bluebird, Part 2

By Anonimoose
Created: 2023-09-16 09:12:21
Expiry: Never
spg

  1. "Define 'missing'?"
  2. > "Uh-uh-uh, Anonymous. You wanted the hook, you got it - nothing more."
  3. > Gritting your teeth at the Queen's tone, you squeeze the bridge of your nose.
  4. > Returning Chissik now - while she was still accompanying Trixie - would force you to find another handler for the showpony if you needed to use her again.
  5. > But that could be done, with some time.
  6. > What Chrysalis offered seemed far more critical.
  7. > A princess, missing?
  8. > Why hadn't your ponies reported this - surely they should have gotten word through to you faster than it took to reach the Crystal Empire and then the Changelings?
  9. "Fine. As soon as I can, I will make contact with Chissik and return her to your control. But, in accordance with our earlier agreement, if I need a task carried out you agree to still have her handle it?"
  10. > "Of course, Anonymous."
  11. > Her tone suggests there'd never been any question, prompting you to suppress a snort at the thought of the Changeling ruler being honest.
  12. "Then you have my word - provided this is as good as you say. Talk."
  13. > And talk she does, ignoring your demanding tone to get straight to the point:
  14. > "Twilight Sparkle abruptly vanished from Ponyville two weeks ago and has not been seen there since."
  15. > You're forced to admit - when you'd reached out to Rarity to negotiate the fillies' return, you had been told Twilight wasn't there first.
  16. > At the time you'd thought nothing of it, but now...
  17. "How do you know what's going on in Ponyville?"
  18. > "Oh, Anonymous."
  19. > An amused little titter issues through the speaker.
  20. > "I might not be trying to conquer Equestria at the moment, but that doesn't mean I've told all my subjects to abandon their duty."
  21. "Terms of your treaty with Cadance are that you keep your changelings out of Equestrian affairs, Chrysalis."
  22. > "And I will respect the boundaries of the pink whore's domain. The rest of Equestria has no agreement with me, though."
  23. "Celestia and Luna won't see it that way. Or any of the rest of the government. You're inviting a conflict."
  24. > The Queen's tone turns harder
  25. > "You worry about yourself, Anonymous. I will keep my subjects safe."
  26. > You're about to point out that your safety was as much dependent on her treaty holding, but squelch the words in your throat.
  27. > No time for that argument now, not when something else was on the line.
  28. > You'd deal with the loose cannon that the changeling queen was later.
  29. "Go on, then. I assume there's more than her just not being home?"
  30. > "Two days ago, one of my infiltrators positioned on the docks of Vanhoofer tasted a princess' magic being used - aboard a ship. The crew would not let him get close to investigate further."
  31. "Tell me he didn't do anything rash."
  32. > "Of course not. He told the dock guards that the ship was suspicious, but when they searched it, no princess was there."
  33. "And your agent was certain?"
  34. > "Absolutely. Less than three hours later, the Vanhoover guard suddenly turned out in force to hunt Sparkle. Apparently two ponies came running to the guard saying that she had secretly hired them to help her with something, then suddenly left them as well."
  35. "Let me guess: The guard didn't get aboard that ship?"
  36. > "Before they could reach it the ship suddenly cast off and departed. They chased it briefly, but suddenly came back without reaching it."
  37. > Your brows knit tightly as confirms your suspicion.
  38. > Well-trained guard pegasi, not checking a ship that had only just left port?
  39. "You had the ship under watch the entire time, I presume."
  40. > "Naturally. Just as it was departing, my agent tasted a princess' magic in use again. She was there."
  41. "Those guards were told to stop. Someone didn't want them knowing she was aboard."
  42. > "Of course. I'd love to have asked her hired help what she was doing, but they've suddenly decided to take a vacation to Canterlot - and even I do not risk going there again."
  43. > You can't help but feel a slight shudder at the was Chrysalis places such emphasis on 'love'.
  44. > She wasn't supposed to be holding captives now, but you increasingly suspected that those two ponies would not have been returned from any interrogations.
  45. > But - more importantly now - what would Twilight Sparkle be doing aboard a simple cargo vessel under such secrecy?
  46. > And why hire help?
  47. > Princesses could surely requisition the services of the most loyal of Equestria's guard?
  48. "Well. I do think you've got something there. I'm wondering, though, what is she doing..."
  49. > "That is not my concern. I am still under treaty, after all."
  50. > You grit your teeth slightly at Chrysalis' continued disregard for your situation.
  51. "...fine. Get a proper report put together, with all the information laid out. I'll check my sources. If they match your story, Chissik will be yours again."
  52. > "Oh, excellent!"
  53. > Her tone turns abruptly chipper as the changeling queen claps her forehooves together; you never could quite get those sudden emotional switches she went through.
  54. > Yet, this time she for once sounds genuinely pleased to have her... servant? Subject?
  55. > Whatever Chissik was to her, Chrysalis was glad to have her back.
  56. > "I'm so very, very glad we've come to an agreement."
  57. "As am I. I'll contact you again when there's word of what has happened."
  58. > During the conversation, Dash has twisted herself around to fix you with a worried look.
  59. > When you end the call, she speaks up at last:
  60. > "Master? What's happening?"
  61. "Twilight Sparkle's developed a sudden affinity for seafaring."
  62. > Dash only looks confused at this, prompting a shake of your head.
  63. "She's apparently decided to take a sea voyage without telling anyone, but with the backing of someone important enough to tell the Vanhoofer guard to ignore her presence."
  64. > "Oh."
  65. > Dash pauses, glancing out the window again.
  66. > "Does this mean we're going to have to go soon?"
  67. "We should. It wouldn't have been much time anyhow - another orbit, and we'd have had to leave anyhow before night came to Equestria."
  68. > With one last longing look out the window, Dash nods mournfully.
  69. "Hey."
  70. > You reach over to ruffle her mane lightly.
  71. "Don't worry. There might be a chance to come up here again, and in the meantime I promise reentry will be worth it."
  72. > Without a word, Dash follows close behind you as you start making you way through the weightless corridors.
  73. "Say - I don't suppose you would know where Twilight might be going?"
  74. > "No, Master."
  75. > Despite her inexperience in null-G, Dash seems to have adapted well - keeping up with you while talking freely.
  76. > "We've never really gone sailing. Never far, anyhow - there's rail lines far enough out to almost reach griffon territory, and we've never needed to go further."
  77. "So, whatever she's going for, it's probably something she's never been to before."
  78. > Rubbing your chin, you grimace - it was a fair guess that Twilight was looking for something to defeat you with, but what?
  79. > Equestria was awash in artifacts of varying power already; which might she be seeking overseas?
  80. > "Are you going to try and hunt her down, master?"
  81. > There's a note of worry in Dash's voice.
  82. > Another reminder that however much she might sympathize with you now, she was not yet ready to abandon her one-time friends entirely.
  83. "Sort of. If I can, I will try and find out what she is doing and where... but I've no interest to actually attack her."
  84. > With that you go silent again, left with your own thoughts.
  85. > Even long after the shuttle has undocked itself and the 'Obstinance' carried itself away to an orbit invisible to Canterlot, your mind keeps swirving back to the same thoughts.
  86. > While Dash was enraptured by the viewscreens' images of plasma flowing from the hull as you deorbited, they were barely noticeable to you.
  87. > At a certain point you realize that you are almost certainly obsessing over this.
  88. > Descent had long since turned to flight; the shuttle had reached Equestria's coastline - gleaming waves below turning to trees made to gold by the evening's last light.
  89. > Why were you so fixated on this?
  90. > Equestria's rulers had been working against you for months now, after all.
  91. > The answer comes a moment later, worming its way up from the depths of your mind no matter how stinging it is to admit it:
  92. > You were fixated, because you were scared.
  93. > On some level, being assaulted by three foals had shaken your confidence.
  94. > Their invasion into your home had only been made possible by a fluke - a corrected one - but psychologically?
  95. > Psychologically your home - your fortress - was no longer safe.
  96. > A frown touches your lips as a result of that thought as the shuttle circles about for its final landing - the only outward sign of the discomfort you dare show.
  97. --------
  98. > You rub your chin, reading over the twin reports occupying your screen.
  99. > One was the full version Chrysalis' spy had reported, while another was from a pony who lived in the city.
  100. > Neither should have been aware of the other, but their reports corroborated enough.
  101. > Clearly Twilight Sparkle had been in the city, doing something aboard a ship - and then abruptly departed when it seemed like she had been discovered.
  102. > Departed, or been taken?
  103. > It wasn't an impossibility that she might have been captured somehow, though it was deeply unlikely.
  104. > No - if she had been actually kidnapped, the remaining elements would not have been so calmly living their lives in Ponyville still.
  105. > They knew where she was.
  106. > Then something was very definitely up.
  107. > Briefly you wonder if Twilight would make an appearance at the next meeting you were scheduled to have between Dash and her friends.
  108. > If not - well, that might be problematic in its own right.
  109. > She was supposed to be the one who verified your continued 'treaty' with the elements; if not her...
  110. > Hrm.
  111. > One of the other elements, perhaps?
  112. > But they held no legal authority to deal with you.
  113. > Maybe Cadance?
  114. > The crystal princess had proven agreeable in the past; surely she'd see the benefit in continuing the peace between yourself and Equestria?
  115. > Grumbling, you stand and return up the flight of stairs.
  116. > Following the sound of your prisoner's voice leads you to the next set of problems on your mind.
  117. > While you'd printed a fair number of Equestrian books - both educational and entertaining - the fact was you simply were not prepared to house and keep three fillies for any significant period of time.
  118. > Already you could tell they were straining at the boundaries you had set down for them, and as time went on and you ran out ways to keep them occupied there was no way to be certain what would try.
  119. > Of course the drones were keeping them contained, but accidental injury in an escape attempt was as much a reasonable worry as anything else.
  120. > At the same time, however, releasing them early simply wasn't something you were prepared to do.
  121. > Not until Rarity finished her work in Canterlot.
  122. > At least that much you could safely verify, and give you that much more reason to believe she would uphold her part in refusing to wield her part of the elements against you.
  123. > But until then...
  124. > Pausing in a doorway, you lean against the doorpost and watch your slave and the three fillies as they sat close together on the floor.
  125. > Dash had returned from your trip in a much better state of mind.
  126. > And while you could still see the effects the rejection of her sort-of protege had on her - the little winces, the occasional bouts of morose sulking - you could also see her beginning to recover.
  127. > Suppressing a soft chuckle, you watch Dash show the compass-watch you'd given her to the 'crusaders'.
  128. > "...and when I push this thing on the back, it switches right back to the being a clock again. See?"
  129. > A small chorus of amazed noises meets her demonstration - the fillies evidently either ignoring or no longer distraught by the fact said watch was linked to the metal collar about Dash's throat.
  130. > Only Scootaloo was still ignoring Dash outright, and you could see her shooting quick surreptitious glances at the watch when Dash isn't looking in her direction.
  131. "Can't help showing off a bit, hmmm?"
  132. > Dash nearly leaps straight into the air before bowing and shooting an apologetic smile in your direction.
  133. > "Sorry, master. This thing is really cool."
  134. "I'm not upset."
  135. > Pushing off the wall, you approach the four.
  136. > All of the fillies display varying degrees of hostility, from light fear to a glare that suggests the young pegasus would still throttle you if she could.
  137. > Squatting down, you give what you hope is your best reassuring smile and put o the least-threatening tone of voice you can.
  138. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you three, if I could?"
  139. > No answer is forthcoming, but neither do any of the three visibly refuse.
  140. "How about-"
  141. > The unicorn had always been the most fearful of the three, and fear was easiest to manipulate.
  142. "-Sweetie Belle, yes? Come with me for a minute."
  143. > Waving off the other two before they can object, the little unicorn rises to her hooves and nods.
  144. > "I'll - I'll be right back, girls."
  145. > Two rooms is sufficient distance to be out of earshot, and the dining room seems to be a none-too-threatening space.
  146. > Settling into a seat, you motion for Sweetie to take another.
  147. > Casting a worried glance about, she leaps up into the chair and curls her tail protectively about her legs.
  148. > "So - um - what - how can I, um, help?"
  149. > Casting a hopefully-reassuring smile, you lean back and try to make yourself as non-threatening as possible.
  150. "Just let me ask - before you came to try all of this, did any of you happen to notice if Twilight Sparkle had gone somewhere?"
  151. > "Princess Twilight? Um, no. Not that we knew of."
  152. > Her hoof scuffs awkwardly at the chair's seat.
  153. > "We actually had to be real careful sneaking out just because of that."
  154. "Oh?"
  155. > "Yeah. Well, her castle is kind of the tallest thing in Ponyville. And she has a lot of telescopes to see all kinds of things - stars and planets and the moon and stuff, but ponies too. If she'd seen us..."
  156. > After a second Sweetie Belle builds up enough courage to look you in the eye:
  157. > "Is she coming now, Mr. Anonymous?"
  158. "Unfortunately, no."
  159. > You shake your, frowning.
  160. "In fact, I cannot say exactly where she is at all. I was hoping someone would know, since being able to reach her is very important to keeping everyone here safe."
  161. > That gets their attention, leading you to chuckle softly.
  162. "I don't foresee any problems yet - I'm sure your sister is still doing her best to set up your return, Sweetie Belle - but it is a... concern."
  163. > Far more than you were letting on.
  164. > "Um... Mr Anonymous, that we don't know where she is - is that bad?"
  165. "Not for you - I just need to know if you have any idea of how I can reach her."
  166. > "No. I can't remember anything; she was up in her castle the night we left. She hadn't said anything at my last magic lesson with her either."
  167. "You take magic lessons with her?"
  168. > You're unable to keep the surprise from your voice, or your eyebrows from rising.
  169. > "Uh-huh. Miss Cheerilee's a nice teacher, but she's an earth pony and my parents didn't want to send me away from Ponyville, so Twilight agreed to tutor me."
  170. > Hrm.
  171. > Could their disappearance have provoked Twilight to some action, if she was that close to one of them?
  172. > But she'd already been gone when you reached out to Rarity, with knowledge of the fillies' location.
  173. > And that still didn't answer what the point of that ship was.
  174. "You're certain she didn't say anything?"
  175. > "Nuh-uh. Twilight can get... kind of focused when it comes to teaching. Like, sometimes she'll go on even though we're supposed to be done."
  176. "Did anyone else happen to know you were leaving?"
  177. > For the first time the filly actually works up the guts to give you a look - one that says 'what, are you stupid'?
  178. > Chuckling gently, you nod.
  179. "Point taken. Okay. Thank you, Sweetie Belle. You can go back now."
  180. > Picking through the other two fillies' responses is rather trickier.
  181. > Applebloom's surety that you were some kind of comedic villain and Scootaloo's incessant vitriol masked most of the useful information.
  182. > But in the end you were forced to confront the fact that none of them could give more than childish guesses about what Twilight might be doing either.
  183. > "Master?"
  184. > Dash's voice interrupts your thoughts, dragging you back to the situation at hand.
  185. > You'd returned with Scootaloo, and now all four of them again sat in a close huddle - pairs of eyes peering up at you with a wide mix of emotions.
  186. > "Are you alright?"
  187. "Yes - just, thinking over what options I have."
  188. > Pausing a moment, Sweetie sheepishly adds in a small voice:
  189. > "Sorry..."
  190. > "You don't have to apologize to him for anything, Sweetie!"
  191. "You shouldn't be so hard on her, Scootaloo."
  192. > Turning to the exit, you shoot what you hope is a reassuring smile.
  193. "She's doing the best she can to protect you. Really."
  194. > Giving Dash a brief nod, you slip from the room.
  195. > As soon as you are out of sight, the smile fades from your lips.
  196. > Two calls you would have to place now.
  197. > One of them, to Chrysalis.
  198. > She'd held her end of the deal up; you'd no reason to refuse your own.
  199. > And then - Cadance.
  200. > If Twilight truly had vanished, then your best bet at keeping yourself safe was the crystal princess.
  201. > Slumping back into your seat back in the basement 'office', you feel a lance of pain run through your forhead.
  202. > A vigorous rubbing helps alleviate it, but not remove entirely.
  203. > With a sigh, you return to your business.
  204. > This time Chrysalis chooses to open a full video feed for your call, lounging atop what you suspect is a chaise lounge she wouldn't normally make use of.
  205. > "Well, well. I hope you've found my information satisfying."
  206. "Agreeably so, yes. None of my contacts would have known to make anything of this if they hadn't been tipped off. It'd have just been another 'princess sighting'."
  207. > Hopefully a little buttering-up would do well to soothe the temperamental monarch's ego.
  208. > "Good. Then, your end of the agreement?"
  209. > She really wasn't going to wait at all, was she?
  210. > Fine, then.
  211. "I am, as always, a man of my word, Chrysalis. I will reach out to my contact in Manehattan, pass on the word to release Chissik from my service."
  212. > And to start keeping an eye on Trixie in her stead.
  213. > "Most excellent, Anonymous. We are very, very grateful for this opportunity."
  214. "It has been a pleasure to do business with you again, Your Highness."
  215. > Particularly the part where she didn't try and stab you in the back this time.
  216. > A part of you briefly wonders whether Chissik would be punished for failing her original task.
  217. > If so, it at least would not be on your head.
  218. "Until next time, then."
  219. > The second call you need to place goes to Cadance and Shining Armor.
  220. > Neither of them is apparently around to answer, however, and so you leave a message instead.
  221. > Short, simple, and to the point.
  222. > Twilight is missing, and it is in both your interests to forge another agreement.
  223. > Call back when possible, ta-ta.
  224. > Leaning back in your seat, you can't help but feel a slight twinge of concern.
  225. > What if they didn't respond?
  226. > Could the other Elements continue your agreement on their own?
  227. > Rising from the desk with a sigh, you decide to turn in for the night.
  228. > No point in keeping yourself up over it.
  229. > Ensuring the three filly guests are safely shut up in the rooms you'd set aside from them, you start to make the climb to your room.
  230. > Yet, even as you slip into bed, you find your own mind whirling - unable to so easily let of things.
  231. > Sleep, it seems, is not yet ready to come for you.
  232. > So distracted are you, in fact, that you do not quite hear the sound of hooves on the floor until the bed shifts.
  233. > Rolling to face the opposite side, you find Dash eyeing you with a tilted head.
  234. "Something the matter, Dash?"
  235. > Pawing at the bed with one hoof, her eyes fall.
  236. > "I was kinda gonna ask you the same thing, master?"
  237. > The corners of your mouth turn up in a small smile.
  238. > This kind of actual attention from Dash was a new development, but not an unwelcome one.
  239. > You beckon Dash to come closer, and she sinks into a spot beside you, atop the covers.
  240. "Is it that obvious?"
  241. > "Well, yeah. I've been here long enough to know when you're thinking real hard, and this is even more."
  242. "Hmm."
  243. > Laying a hand on her back, you let your fingers stroke through her coat a few times.
  244. "It's a strange thing to feel, Dash, but for the first time in a long, long while I am afraid."
  245. > "Afraid?"
  246. > She doesn't sound ready to believe her, and you cannot blame Dash for that.
  247. > You'd done everything you could to present yourself as an impregnable bulwark to her.
  248. "Yes, afraid. It is something new to hear me admit that, isn't it? But true - things are no longer moving in my control. It's not a pleasant feeling."
  249. > "Like, being lost here again? After your thing blew up?"
  250. "I suppose. When I first realized I was stranded here, fear never really entered into it; shock and depression yes, but not fear - it was too sudden. Fear... is something new."
  251. > Rolling to rest on her belly, Dash lays one leg atop the other and her chin over both.
  252. > Your hand again settles across her back, feeling the ridges of bone and muscle running beneath her coat.
  253. "If being stranded struck me like a sledgehammer, then this is a gnawing, burrowing thing that worms its way into me."
  254. > "It's okay, Anonymous. It's... not wrong with being afraid, or showing it."
  255. "...you say that, Dash, but have you ever faced true fear? To see your life as you knew it slipping from your control?"
  256. > "Yes."
  257. "Before you came to me, I mean."
  258. > "Yes."
  259. > Still not a drop of hesitation is in her voice.
  260. > "I have. I've been - terrified. I've done crazy things just to stay 'in control', especially of how ponies thought about me."
  261. > Like trying to end her life at the muzzle of your pistol, just to have made the choice on her own to do so.
  262. > Was she trying to draw a parallel to your situation - how you carefully regulated and manipulated your relationships with others?
  263. > Those were business, though...
  264. "You've never been in control, though. Even before me, the princesses would put so many limits on your life, and-"
  265. > "That's not the point, okay? I - I know how you feel about them, but that's not the point."
  266. > Dash flinches as you give her a sharp, spearing glare.
  267. > Helpful or not, she was not supposed to interrupt you.
  268. > It is not one that can persevere, however, and as soon as it drops Dash resumes in a softer tone.
  269. > "So what if I wasn't really in control. I still - I still tried to be, all the time. I fought everyone so I could tell myself I was in control. But... it wasn't needed."
  270. > Breath rushes from your lungs as you feel a touch of a smile again appearing.
  271. "Naive. I see what you're trying to do, Dash - you think if I can somehow stop being afraid, I'll somehow patch over my conflicts with Celestia."
  272. > "Seriously. You're afraid of losing your ship, right?"
  273. "That ship is my life. And, frankly, I have no illusions about what Celestia and Luna will do to me if I am captured either."
  274. > "They - they wouldn't. I could speak to them, tell them -"
  275. "Dash."
  276. > Your smiles grows warmer, though you can feel it never quite reaches your eyes.
  277. "It's appreciated, Dash. But I doubt anything you could say will stop them now."
  278. > Her head hangs somewhat, and your vision returns to the ceiling.
  279. "Things are moving quickly now. Twilight has not gone on some journey for no reason whatsoever, and Chrysalis risks her treaty - our treaty. I feel she's planning something too, and my plans just are not moving fast enough."
  280. > "Hey."
  281. > In a reversal, a hoof comes to gently rest on your shoulder.
  282. > "I'm still the most awesomest pegasus ever, and I don't wanna see this end with anyone more getting hurt either. I'll do my best."
  283. > It's bluster, and the both of you know it.
  284. > Without her flight, Dash wasn't much of a pegasus - let alone an 'awesome' one.
  285. > But still...
  286. "Appreciated, Dash. It is appreciated."
  287. > Unexpectedly, she extends a wing across your chest.
  288. > The fan of blue is still ragged and uneven from where she'd taken out the newly-grown flight feathers.
  289. > Almost unconsciously you find your hands moving to stroke along the tattered span - stroking and adjusting, shifting the few fully-grown feathers she had left back into their proper places.
  290. > A glance aside reveals a flush on Dash's cheeks as your fingers deftly do their work, but unlike so many previous times she does not hide her face from you.
  291. > Instead she almost seems to be... accepting your actions, her head having fallen to rest on the bed and eyes regarding you softly.
  292. > No more words are exchanged between you, and at some point you drift off into sleep with your hands still resting across Dash's outspread wing.
  293. > With the next day's morning comes a pleasant surprise.
  294. > Cadance had responded.
  295. > Unfortunately you had missed her in turn, but when you try and send a message back you're instead met by a live signal.
  296. "Ah, Your Highnesses! I hadn't expected to be able to speak to you directly!"
  297. > "Neither had we expected to hear from you so soon again, Anonymous."
  298. > You aren't quite sure whether that was a shrouded insult from the pink-coated alicorn.
  299. > From her husband you'd have been certain, but he'd fortunately opted to keep his mouth shut and simply skulk in the background of the image.
  300. "Unfortunately, times have become turbulent for the both of us. I think cooperation might again be in our mutual interest."
  301. > "So you have said."
  302. "Twilight Sparkle is missing. I am sure the implications for my situation are not lost on you."
  303. > Unfortunately neither Cadance nor Shining Armor give any indication of surprise at the information.
  304. > Nor that you were aware of it.
  305. > That alone is telling; though they must have expected you would find out eventually, they still felt the need to hide their true reactions.
  306. "Without anyone to secure my ongoing peace with Equestria, I'm concerned that things might become... destabilized."
  307. > A twitch in Cadance's face - though you can't tell exactly for what.
  308. "If you'll remember, your last visit was aimed at being the first step in bringing relations between us to a less fearful state. This current situation puts me at a terrible risk, but it could be another opportunity."
  309. > "I agree. But what do you do on your part? Just another visit?"
  310. "On the contrary. I think it's time Dash was allowed to take a trip out to the real world."
  311. > Two pairs of eyes widen at your words - and then go narrow wish suspicion.
  312. > "What are your conditions?"
  313. "There is a - a party, I suppose you'd call it, in Fillydelphia coming up. I've been invited, on account of recent actions I took to aid the city."
  314. > "You want to take her for that?"
  315. "Not just for the shoulder-rubbing, of course. The chance to be out in a city again - maybe even a meeting with her friends, face-to-face..."
  316. > Now you've absolutely got their attention.
  317. "You recognize, of course, the immense risk I take in doing this. I trust Dash understands the situation she is in - why she will have to stay with me. But, I'm also going to be trusting Equestria's government."
  318. >>25761661
  319. > "And all of this for us agreeing to provide cover for your imprisonment of her."
  320. "Not really. I want to be able to go to this party as well - that is my gain. But, bringing Dash and allowing her to speak with her friends is a bonus for you. A step towards when negotiations won't be needed to let her do that."
  321. > Cadance draws a deep breath, and nods.
  322. > "You probably know that I don't think you should be allowed to leave that house until you see punishment for your crimes - but I see how your idea would be good."
  323. > Rather than answer, Cadance glances aside to Shining Armor, who has remained pointedly silent.
  324. > Some moment of unspoken communication passes between them, and then she turns back to you.
  325. > "We are on our way to Canterlot. We'll bring up the idea with Princesses Celestia and Luna, and if there are no problems then this would seem to be a good next step."
  326. "Oh? Well - I should say, the element of generosity - Rarity - is already in Canterlot. She's pursuing the same goal; you might want to have a word with her."
  327. > Your voice has been kept steady and calm.
  328. > Internally, though, you are seething.
  329. > The two would have inevitably come into contact even if you'd not mentioned it, but either way it still complicated things.
  330. > Cadance was unlikely to be pleased that you'd used the fillies for leverage, even if it'd been entirely justified.
  331. > ...but at least letting her know ahead of time would make it seem like you were being 'honest' with her.
  332. "Well - in that case, then, I will be waiting anxiously to hear back from you."
  333. --------
  334. > The inside of the shuttlecraft's cabin heavily muffles the roar of passing air, but nothing can entirely hide the noise of the vertical-lift engines cutting in as you bank sharply over Fillydelphia.
  335. > Late afternoon sun flashes through the viewscreens, glinting off city windows and the bay below.
  336. > Having made one low, long circle around the Fillydelphia to announce your arrival, the shuttle is now bleeding airspeed at a fantastic rate - coming in to rapidly close on the plaza cleared by your request to land in.
  337. > Fully a dozen Royal Guard pegasi and four further chariots had closed in as escort.
  338. > You'd recognized the gesture for what it was - a show of force to the ponies watching from below, but meaningless as an actual threat.
  339. > Cadance and Rarity's negotiations might have borne fruit, but they'd come with many attached caveats.
  340. > If anything, the three fillies strapped into the seats behind you were enjoying it the most.
  341. > They'd been quite unhappy when you insisted on strapping them in so they could not release themselves.
  342. > Even without security concerns, however, the tales Dash had told of their escapades would have been reason enough to keep them restrained.
  343. > Now, though, they seemed to have forgotten their annoyance and were quite enthralled with the experience of flight - and almost disappointed when the guard scattered as the shuttle touched down.
  344. > Unstrapping yourself as the engines cycle down, you stand and gesture to the shuttle's last remaining occupant.
  345. "Dash, time for us to go get changed into the good clothes. Girls, we're going to be gone for just a few minutes."
  346. > "Yes, master."
  347. > Noting the brief foul face Scootaloo had made at Dash's use of the title, you chuckle softly.
  348. > Your attire was an easy decision, a simple but sleek three-piece suit apeing the latest in fashions among equestrian business magnates - a reflection of your own intentions here tonight.
  349. > That it did well enough to hide the small electronics package carefully nestled in the small of your back was a secondary bonus.
  350. > The matter of your slave's collar had been a rather more delicate delicate question.
  351. > Equestrian history had done its best to ensure they had a very particular, unpleasant meaning.
  352. > Inexplicably, service yokes did not carry the same stigma; pony psychology still eluded you in some respects.
  353. > Either way, while the collar had been a meaningful tool for breaking Dash in displaying that in public was a bit of theater you felt best to avoid.
  354. > Instead, you'd settled for a bridle; it still implied a degree of control without the dramatic statement a collar implied.
  355. > As best as you could tell, they were a tolerated - if exotic - accoutrement in higher-class circles.
  356. > The remainder of her dress was nothing particularly special, aside from fanning out just behind her withers to form 'pockets' that sheltered her wings.
  357. > Enough feathers had grown back in to conceal what you had done, but not to hide that something had happened.
  358. > Unfortunately, actually getting Dash into the dress was a fair bit harder.
  359. > You'd finished dressing quickly, but Dash wriggled and writhed as she struggled to slip it around her body.
  360. > In the end, you'd had to assist.
  361. > Another round of squirming accompanies your efforts, and Dash grimaces.
  362. > "Sorry, master. I can't help it. Dresses just feel... urgh. So fancy and poofy."
  363. "I understand, Dash. It's okay - come on, let's just get this finished up and tightened."
  364. > Sliding the last of the dress up over her chest, you set the clasps that held it together and tightened it up to her throat.
  365. > The dress' collar might have been snug, but it would not carry the same connotations as a separate, metal one.
  366. > Lastly, the compass-watch was again hung from the clasp on her throat.
  367. > Dash falls back on her haunches, pulling it out on its retractable string to stare at it briefly.
  368. > As if reminding herself it's really, actually there.
  369. "Ready, Dash?"
  370. > She doesn't answer, but clicks the button on the watch's back - switching it to its compass setting - and the hands spiral wildly about as they find their new positions.
  371. "It'll be fine, Dash. If you loose me in the crowd, you can always use that to check back on me."
  372. > Glancing up to you as though checking that the blue hand still points to your heart, Dash gives a shaky nod.
  373. > "I know. I - I'm scared, though. I go out there, they're all going to be looking at me."
  374. "I thought you liked people seeing you when you're in top form?"
  375. > "Am I?"
  376. > Her muzzle wrinkles uncertainly.
  377. > "What if I go out there and - and I screw up and embarass you? I don't... I don't want to make you angry or anything."
  378. > There's a touch of the old fear in there - a hint of her terror at what you might do if she reverted.
  379. > Mostly, though, it seems to be honest worry for you.
  380. "I trust you, Dash."
  381. > Squatting down, you reach out cup one cheek in your hand and scratch lightly.
  382. > Dash's eyes close at your touch, head tilting back.
  383. "I wouldn't have brought you here if I didn't have complete faith in you. Understand?"
  384. > "...yeah. "
  385. "Then let's go."
  386. > By the time you return to the main cabin, the Royal Guard have again surrounded the shuttle - a wall of pikes and fierce glares.
  387. > You, however, step from the shuttle's hatch without so much as a concern.
  388. > They will not dare to strike you.
  389. > Behind you, Dash finishes lowering the would-be heroes to the ground; a quartet of security drones hover just inside the hatch, but you dismiss them with a wave of your hand.
  390. "Alright. Dash, all of you - come on, then."
  391. > Briefcase in hand, you listen for just long enough to ensure you could hear the many tiny hoof-falls following just behind you before diverting your attention.
  392. > Fearlessly you step across the gap between shuttle and guard.
  393. > Celestia had promised you safe passage to this event and back; in your estimation, betrayal was not likely.
  394. > It'd been made abundantly clear, after all, that attacking you here would still have murderous consequences for the rest of Equestria.
  395. > The Obstinance had even been shifted into a closer orbit just in case - a warning that would visibly creep across the sky every hour and a half come late evening.
  396. > A threat was not a threat if it could be put out of mind, after all.
  397. > No - Celestia would not strike now.
  398. > She was more cunning than that.
  399. > Reaching the edge, you nod your head to the most heavily decorated pony.
  400. > This is Stalwart Shield, you presume - the guard captain who Chrysalis' initial envoy had asked you to help bring down.
  401. > One of the Royal Guard, not the city's guard.
  402. > Those less-decorated soldiers watched from further back, having also turned out in force but wearing much more ambivalent looks towards the one who had stepped in to 'save' the city than the harsh stares of Canterlot's guard.
  403. "Captain Shield, if I may pass?"
  404. > He eyes you for one long second before shifting aside with a hefty snort.
  405. > Just behind him stands Princess Cadance and Rarity, to whom you offer a rather deeper bow.
  406. "Your Highness, Miss Rarity. It is a pleasure indeed to be here."
  407. > Cadance manages to force a polite, obviously faked smile on, but Rarity doesn't even bother.
  408. > At least not until a delighted voice squeaks behind you:
  409. > "Sis!"
  410. > All three fillies burst past you, rushing to crowd around Rarity's hooves like a swarm of hooved puppies.
  411. > Leaning down, Rarity dips her head to nuzzle each of the fillies in turn.
  412. > "Oh, Sweetie - all of you - don't you ever dare try anything like that again. You scared us out of our minds, you know that?"
  413. > For all the little filly had seemed to fear her elder sister's wrath, any kind of punishment did not seem to be in the works now.
  414. > That, you presume, comes later.
  415. > Turning back to Cadance, you offer another smile.
  416. > Much like her own, you suspect it comes off as something less than genuinely pleased, but there's a note of honesty in your voice.
  417. "I'm glad we could find a way to resolve this peacefully, Your Highness. It truly is reassuring to see steps towards normalization being taken."
  418. > Cadance seems about to answer, but her vision diverts - to Dash, who has fallen into place quietly seated on her haunches just behind you.
  419. > Something inscrutable flickers across the alicorn's face; when she looks back to you, her tone is considerably softer than you'd expected.
  420. > "It is for us as well. As princess of love, it was painful for me to see a heart so badly crushed with no hope of repair."
  421. > She's obviously referring to Dash; somehow you doubt Cadance could care if you were trapped in your house for the rest of your days.
  422. > Even so, however, there's a noticeable shift in tone towards you.
  423. > It's not hard to guess why:
  424. > Dash's wings were on their way to healing, and she no longer bore the obvious signs of her captivity.
  425. > Except for her behavior, of course, but given Cadance's past as a pegasus she was probably relieved to see you'd begun restoring the means of flight to Dash - if not the privilege just yet.
  426. > Formalities done, you gesture to a nearby road.
  427. "Well. If that concludes things for now, I believe we are to head over to the hall?"
  428. > "Certainly. If we could see your briefcase?"
  429. > A show of made is scowling deeply at Stalwart Shield as he again emerges to quickly rifle through its contents.
  430. > That wasn't a real concern, though; nothing you were trying to smuggle in would be found by the guard.
  431. > It wasn't in the briefcase anyhow.
  432. > Concluding his search, the guardspony nods to Cadance before backing away.
  433. > "If you would come this way, Anonymous?"
  434. > This part of the agreement was rather more frustrating, though.
  435. > If you were to be allowed in the city, there is no way the Equestrians would be allowing you to potentially slip into an unseen carriage.
  436. > Any transport would be theirs and theirs alone.
  437. > Nonetheless, the carriage you are herded towards is well-enough appointed - and perhaps most importantly, enclosed and private.
  438. > Dash casts one brief, wistful glance back towards Rarity and the three fillies from Ponyville.
  439. > Slowing your pace enough to draw alongside her, you murmur:
  440. "In time, Dash. You'll get to speak to her later."
  441. > She doesn't look up to you or reply, but one blue ear flicks about in acknowledgement your words.
  442. > Given the situation, you're disinclined to discipline her for ignoring you.
  443. > As soon as the carriage door shuts, the sound outside defaults to a muted buzz leaving yourself, Dash, and Cadance alone.
  444. "I must admit, Your Highness, I am surprised you husband is not here. The trust shown in allowing us to ride together alone is not unnoticed."
  445. > "Shining Armor has decided to oversee certain other matters for this event, so that his military bearing does not upset the delicate situation."
  446. > Heh.
  447. > After provoking Dash to strike him in their last encounter, no doubt Cadance had insisted he hold back this time.
  448. > Unfortunate, in some ways.
  449. > He'd be easier to manipulate if you needed to start something deliberately.
  450. > As for now, however...
  451. "Dash, if the two of you would like to have a chat, now is a good time."
  452. > After a second of hesitation, Dash scoots away from your side to face Cadance.
  453. > "Hey."
  454. > "Hello, Rainbow. I'm very glad to see you again..."
  455. > Half-tuning the conversation out - there was little chance they'd say anything actually interesting while you were about - you let your gaze wander out the carriage window.
  456. > Beautiful the views may have been, being all but imprisoned within your hilltop residence had long since become old.
  457. > In comparison, the passing streets of Fillydelphia seemed like an entirely different world - brightly colored, whimsical, counterintuitive in that strange way pony architecture was.
  458. > If not for the fact that your clients and enemies alike were also ponies, you'd be hard-pressed to believe you hadn't injured your head when the drive broke and brought you here.
  459. > The hall that the carriage stops before is enormous and elaborate, occupied a prime spot of real estate facing out into the open bay.
  460. > Huge, crystalline windows reached across the side of the hall, giving you an excellent view of the lavish preparations ongoing within.
  461. > Even before an attendant has approached to open the door of the carriage, you are already gathering yourself up to go.
  462. "Since the event does not actually begin for a couple of hours yet, Your Highness, I presume I will be allowed to circulate in the meantime?"
  463. > "Of course. We only ask that you remain within the city itself."
  464. > There's no need for her to explain nor you to ask how they'd be assured you would remain within the city.
  465. > No doubt innumerable spells were already focused on you, if not a number of live 'escorts'.
  466. "I remember the terms of the agreement, Your Highness. I won't be trying to sneak out."
  467. > After all, everything you need is here in the city.
  468. > "Excellent."
  469. > Dash leaps from to the ground as soon as the door is opened, but before you can join her a copper-booted hoof comes to rest on your arm.
  470. > "Anonymous - just a moment, please?"
  471. "...Dash, just wait there. I'll be along in a second."
  472. > Closing the door, you turn to face Cadance with a tilted head.
  473. "Yes?"
  474. > The princess seems to struggle with her words a moment, but eventually gets them out:
  475. > "...I don't know why you wanted to be part of this so badly, but I'm going to ask you: If you are planning something here, please - please don't do anything that would endanger Rainbow Dash."
  476. > Your eyebrows rise, one more than the other to form a quirked, questioning gesture.
  477. "Given how our last conversation went, I'd have thought you'd be happy if I did something stupid and set myself up to be taken down."
  478. > "I would."
  479. > There's a frank honesty in the rapidness of Cadance's answer.
  480. > "I still want you to face justice for what you did to her. But..."
  481. > A clouded look passes over her face, and again it seems she struggles to reply.
  482. > "...I would rather see Rainbow Dash's heart healed than destroyed. She's already doing so much better than she was the last time. Please, don't break - break that for her."
  483. > For a moment you'd thought she'd been about to say 'break her'.
  484. > If only she knew how much of Dash's 'improvement' was a result of her becoming dedicated to you...
  485. "Well, if it settles your mind: I'm not here to start any wars. Dash is safe from my end."
  486. > "Thank you."
  487. > Releasing your arm, Cadance backs away and allows you to grab the briefcase and slip from the carriage.
  488. > What you'd said was true, of course - but Equestria's government was not the only one here you would be making deals with.
  489. > That would become apparent to them almost as soon as you stepped through the doors to the hall, Dash trotting closely at your side.
  490. > Immediately you were accosted by a wide-smiling stallion who raised himself on his haunches to present a hoof for you to shake.
  491. > "...and you must be Anonymous! A pleasure to meet you at last, especially after all what you'd done for our city!"
  492. "Ah, thank you...?"
  493. > "Hammer Tong! Very, very good to meet you!"
  494. > Of course you knew him already - not just by reputation for the sheer size of his metalworking business, but as one you'd dealt with in more subtle business before.
  495. > Turning to Dash, Hammer issues another slightly-less-warm smile.
  496. > "And you must be miss Rainbow Dash?"
  497. > To your immense relief, Dash seems to have recovered some of her old panache when dealing with others; she meets his hoof with a grin and a nod - at least until he delivers a soft kiss to her hoof.
  498. > You can see her ready to pull away, but she somehow restrains herself until Hammer Tong releases her.
  499. > "Yep! That's me alright!"
  500. > "Well, you are most welcome tonight as well. Speaking of welcome - Anonymous, a few friends of mine are getting together to share some drinks before the event proper beings. Won't you join us?"
  501. "I would be delighted to, of course."
  502. > "Please, then - follow me?"
  503. > An elaborate room within an equally elaborate hotel adjoining the hall is your final destination; staff ponies scatter as the three of you enter, leaving only a handful of inscrutable unicorns behind.
  504. > Also left are a wide selection of drinks in glistening crystalline bottles illuminated by the room's chandelier, but neither yourself nor Hammer move to take one.
  505. > Instead, both of you take seats facing each other; on a motioned command, Dash climbs into a seat beside you.
  506. > "Is it necessary for her to be here? I understand being attached to such famous company, but-"
  507. "Dash is far more than a night's 'company', Hammer. She is safe; we've been... working together for some time."
  508. > One hand settles on the back of Dash's head and a flicker runs through Hammer Tong's eyes; you wonder if he'd heard rumors of you holding the pegasus hostage.
  509. > "...understood, then."
  510. > With a flick of his tail, the four unicorns in the room light their horns.
  511. > Moments later a soft hissing fills the room.
  512. "White noise, to prevent being heard?"
  513. > "Yes; the Crowns' power is in force here tonight."
  514. "Mmm, yes. The Royal Guard, as well as their highnesses from the Crystal Empire."
  515. > "It's worse than that. Princess Luna is here."
  516. > All thoughts come screeching to a halt; even your hand tenses, digging in to Dash's mane.
  517. > She makes a little uncomfortable noise, but doesn't speak up.
  518. "Luna? She must have brought the Royal Guard, then."
  519. > "And her own little troop of Night Guard spooks to boot."
  520. > Thoughts whir in your head; there was nothing in your plans to suggest Luna was coming.
  521. > The Nighttime princess made no secret of her hatred for you.
  522. > But, would she act in violation of a truce signed by her elder sister?
  523. > After some debate, you shake your head.
  524. > To depart at the first sign of trouble would show weakness, and so far this seemed to be little more than a show of intimidation.
  525. > Luna, you doubted, would provoke a war.
  526. "...we keep going, just as planned. Now, anything about that ship whose cargo I asked you to look in to?"
  527. > "Yes, in fact."
  528. > Withdrawing a number of sheets from a case, Hammer Tong passes them to you.
  529. > "I hope these are worth something for you, as I had to dig through a number of layers of lies and false leads to find them."
  530. "We'll see, but you'll be rewarded either way. What do you have?"
  531. > Cargo lists, it turns out - although most of them are nothing more than the obvious needs of a long-term voyage, food and spare ship equipment.
  532. > But others...
  533. "Polishing oil, quart jar, eight. Mounting frame, two. Crystal Mountain crystal samples, circular, polished, eleven..."
  534. > Turning the pages, your frown deepens.
  535. "Cases of plotting and mapping equipment, photographic film, low-light lanterns, star maps, navigation maps... did she suddenly decide to go on a foreign relations spree?"
  536. > Beside you Dash had raised her forehooves to the table and lifted herself up to peer at the papers as well; you shove some closer for her to get a better look at.
  537. "Dash, does this make sense to you at all? Look, here - she's practically dragging a whole photographic studio along with her."
  538. > "I... don't know. Those Crystal Mountain samples, I feel like I've heard about them before. Something Spike told me about once? I don't know."
  539. "You don't remember anything more?"
  540. > "No. I'm sorry."
  541. > From the opposite end of the table, Hammer Tong had raised an eyebrow at Dash's assistance.
  542. > Clearly hadn't realized just how close your relationship with Dash was.
  543. > If there was any question for him
  544. > Shooting him a small smirk, you pat your slave on the back.
  545. "Don't worry about it, Dash. We'll figure out it out. Mr. Tong, the others are here?"
  546. > "Of course. It will be about ten minutes to round them up."
  547. "I will be waiting here."
  548. > As he departs, you return your attention to the papers.
  549. > Some of the inventory makes sense, of course.
  550. > Others?
  551. > None at all.
  552. "...what the hell is she doing with a pair of high-precision clocks and two dozen extra star maps from the Canterlot Academies...?"
  553. > Nothing about this made sense.
  554. > You didn't like it when things didn't make sense.
  555. > Reaching out to Chrysalis again was a possibility - if anyone could dig up the information you needed, it'd be her.
  556. > But the Changeling queen was already plotting something; her odd behavior during your last discussion was evidence enough to you that she was preparing a new move.
  557. > Being even deeper in her debt wasn't something you wanted to be right now.
  558. > Especially since you suspected you'd soon have to move against her when the changelings in Equestria were discovered.
  559. > "Master...?"
  560. > Alone in the room with you, Dash moves from her chair to your lap.
  561. > "Are you going to be alright?"
  562. "No."
  563. > Sighing softly, you lean back in the chair and put a hand on her withers - careful not to crease the dress she wore.
  564. "Not until I can figure this out. You don't remember anything else?"
  565. > "I don't. Sorry."
  566. "Well, you can't help your memory, I suppose."
  567. > A thought suddenly occurs to you.
  568. > If Dash didn't know, then maybe another pony would.
  569. "Dash. When you go to speak to Rarity, ask her if she knows what Twilight's doing."
  570. > "I don't think she'll tell me, master. She knows I'd tell you."
  571. "I know, but we still might learn something from her reaction."
  572. > At this point, you're desperate for any clues.
  573. > "Okay. I guess... what if I tell her too much though? What if she makes me feel..."
  574. > Feel like I should try and get away.
  575. > Dash can't bring herself to say the words, but you understand.
  576. "Trust, Dash. I trust you. Just remember what you are, and what you do."
  577. > "I'm your little bluebird, master. I serve you."
  578. "Yes, Dash. My bluebird."
  579. > Rubbing her back once more, you release her and file away the inventories in your briefcase as the door opens again.
  580. > Hammer Tong returns, followed by a dozen more figures.
  581. > All are familiar to you - pony (and one griffon) business magnates who you'd traded deals and information with before.
  582. > Now, however, they watch each other with guarded eyes; many were rival in their fields and to sit in the same room as so many opponents was a risky thing.
  583. > They all wore the same mask as you did, hiding the predator watching from within.
  584. "...good evening, everyone."
  585. > As they settle into seats, you begin to talk.
  586. > Dash has taken up a spot beside you and slightly to the side; for now, her role is over.
  587. "You're undoubtedly wondering why I've asked you here tonight; the answer is very simple. This visit to Fillydelphia is the only chance I will have to speak to all of you at once, and I intend to take that opportunity."
  588. > Knitting your fingers together and looking about, you find all eyes on you - but none yet betraying a response.
  589. "Speaking of opportunities, that is the other reason I have asked you here tonight."
  590. > A new set of papers are withdrawn, and passed around to each of the other seats at the table.
  591. "You've dealt with me in the past, on small matters and opportunities. What I propose now is a joint venture of massive terms, one to push your businesses head-and-shoulders above the competition."
  592. > "...what exactly are you suggesting?"
  593. > Hammer Tong's muzzle is buried in the papers, so he undoubtedly is getting an idea already.
  594. > But still, he's giving you an opportunity and you're not about to skip it.
  595. "There are a tremendous number of mineral assets which lay untapped in Equestria. You do not have the means to process them into meaningful form, but I do. I, however, do not have the means to extract or transport them, or the market knowledge to put them to use."
  596. > Once last time the briefcase is cracked open; from it emerges a small series of metallic and ceramic ingots.
  597. "The refined product I would produce display strength beyond any metals Equestria has ever produced... flowing solely through your businesses. Their specifications are listed on those papers, but I've prepared samples for each of you to test and ensure I am telling the truth."
  598. > "How large are we talking?"
  599. > That was a different pony - an aged-looking mare who you'd quickly discovered should not be judged by her appearance.
  600. "Colossal. I'll provide instructions on to do the initial separation, so by the time you send it to me it will only be a few tons of ore per month... but the initial mining will be hundreds, if not thousands of tons of ore."
  601. > "And from that, we will get...?"
  602. "A few hundred pounds apiece - but a few hundred pounds of the most incredible materials Equestria has ever seen."
  603. > Eyes all around the table flicker across the sheets held in hooves, magic, and claws, then to their competitors and potential allies, then back to the pages again.
  604. > It was anything but a sure deal; the cost of what you were asking them to undertake was massive.
  605. > But the descriptions you'd provided had piqued their business senses, minds already thinking hard away as they considered the risks and benefits of what you offered.
  606. > The truth of it was, only about half of what you were offering would even use the rare metals they were mining.
  607. > Most of the others were built of far more common elements, but valuable all the same.
  608. > In return, the 'missing' half would be going back up to the 'Obstinance' - healing the great wound in her heart.
  609. "You are not obliged to lock yourselves in at this time. However, initial signed commitments would be quite good, so that I know where everyone stands."
  610. > "And what about our safety? The rumor is you're in some trouble with the crown. The Guard's keeping an awful close eye on you."
  611. "I won't deny I've some differences with the crown, but truthfully that's the other reason I've chosen to make this offer now. Considering why I am here tonight, how can they criticize our cooperation? It would raise a lot of questions for them as well."
  612. > Putting a confident smirk on your face, you lean in and raise an eyebrow.
  613. "How could they question someone here as a hero, with an element of harmony at his side? This will only work here and now."
  614. > A lesser businessman might have been offput by your usage of your status.
  615. > But these were all veteran dealmakers; they understood that such an honor was merely a tool.
  616. > The message they got was clear:
  617. > Yours was a limited-time offer, and if they hesitated it would vanish altogether.
  618. > Some of the ponies shift in appreciation of your words, while other remain pointedly impassive.
  619. > At last Hammer Tong coughs politely and speaks up.
  620. > "I'm sure we will all take that under consideration. But for now... let's discuss the particulars of your deal."
  621. > Good on him, backing you.
  622. > You'd have to pay him back soon.
  623. "Of course. We have... approximately four hours before the evening's festivities begin to hash out an initial deal. I'm sure we can agree on something in that time."
  624. > All present produce notepads and pens - mostly quills, but also a few metal cylinders.
  625. > "Well then. Let's get to work."
  626. --------
  627. > By the time you step from the conference room, night has rolled in and a light hubbub can be heard already drifting from the main hall.
  628. > Only half the ponies that had originally sat at the table leave with you; the others had felt the venture too risky.
  629. > That's okay.
  630. > Six was enough for the plan to get started; in time, the others might become interested again.
  631. > You might even get a better deal out of them if they had to come crawling back to you.
  632. > Glancing down you find your eyes lingering on Dash, who still spouts the occasional yawn and slap of her lips within the bridle's confines..
  633. > She'd found the proceedings utterly boring, and chosen to lightly doze in your lap.
  634. > Fortunately her dress was little worse for it.
  635. > Suddenly finding yourself smiling, you reach down and pat her head lightly.
  636. > In turn she looks back up and issues a cautious smile.
  637. > A feeling of slight giddiness runs through you; even with the specter of Luna hanging over the evening's affairs, the hardest part seemed long since past.
  638. > Bargains done, and deals sealed.
  639. "Just one more speech to give, Dash, and tonight will be everything I'd hoped it to be. It took longer than I hoped, but we're almost there."
  640. > "Yes, master."
  641. > She hesitates for just a moment, then speaks again with a hopeful note in her voice:
  642. > "There's still gonna be time for me to see Rarity tonight, though?"
  643. > Briefly annoyance flickers through you; was she still so attached to those ponies?
  644. > But no - it's no reason to be angry with her; you had promised this from the beginning.
  645. "Yes, Dash. I'll make sure there's some time."
  646. > The next pair of doors are watched by a pair of uniformed guardsponies - city guard, thankfully, not the blue-gold-and-white Royals.
  647. > Issuing curt but friendly nods, they step aside to allow you passage.
  648. > Stepping through them brings you into an antechamber just short of the main hall itself - a thought suddenly to your mind as well.
  649. > Unfortunately, just through that door is another pair - this time very definitely one of the heavily-armored guards in from Canterlot.
  650. > Not a blink is spared for you or your slave, yet their massive eyes never quite let you out of the corners of their vision.
  651. > Turning a corner out of their view, a side hallway quickly presents itself; you quickly turn down it and get well out of hearing distance from the main passage.
  652. > "Master? What...?"
  653. "Dash, I need to tell you something I didn't think of earlier."
  654. > Squatting down, you place a hand to her dress' collar.
  655. > It may not have carried as much weight as when her typical metal one was being worn, but the gesture was familiar enough that its effect was automatic:
  656. > Stiffening up, Dash fixates her full attention on you - ears sinking as she realizes how serious this is.
  657. "I don't think that Luna will try anything tonight. Too many innocent ponies dead if she did. But, if something happens anyhow..."
  658. > Why are you hesitating?
  659. "Run. Go back to the shuttle, fast as you can. You're still one of the fastest ponies around; you can do it."
  660. > "But master-"
  661. "No, Dash. Don't argue with me on this. You can't fight an alicorn, and if Luna loses her temper badly enough to attack me she isn't going to play nice with you."
  662. > Shock transforms into a grimace, and then a scowl.
  663. > "I don't like it. She'll hurt you if she can get to you!"
  664. > Way to state the obvious, Dash.
  665. "And she'll pluck you aside like an insect if you get in her way. No, the safest place for you to be will be in the shuttle."
  666. > Hopefully Luna would hesitate to tear open something potentially explosive in the process of rescuing Dash.
  667. > That might be long enough for you to negotiate a way out of it.
  668. > ...if she hadn't just crushed your head like a watermelon already by then.
  669. > Not something to dwell on, that.
  670. "We'll just have to rely on her common sense being greater than her anger. And Cadance possibly halting her; she won't let her plan go down the drain so easily."
  671. > "If - if you say so."
  672. "You know very well how sensitive Luna is about her past. Do you think she'd want to be held responsible for another catastrophe coming to Equestria?"
  673. > The reasoning is weak even in your mind, and no doubt sounded even weaker coming from your lips.
  674. > But Dash bows her head and nods awkwardly.
  675. > "I guess not."
  676. "Then remember: If she does do anything, just get to the shuttle and you'll be safe."
  677. > Running your fingers through her cheek-coat one last time, you rise off your haunches.
  678. > Stretching your legs briefly and straightening your coat, a deep breath fills your lungs.
  679. "Alright. Let's do this."
  680. > Compared to the excellently muffled hallways outside, walking into the main hall is like being hit with a wave of sound.
  681. > Already there seem to be at least a hundred ponies in attendance, and judging by the filled tables this is only two-thirds the expected crowd.
  682. > Not counting the staff, of course, who are flitting between tables with trays of wine and hors d'oeuvres trapped in fields of magic or carefully balanced across wings and backs.
  683. > Catching Dash looking wistfully at one such tray, a small smile touches your lips.
  684. "You're free to get a drink, but only one."
  685. > "Just one?"
  686. "For now. I don't want you making a fool of yourself - and me."
  687. > Or, worse, revealing to any of the ignorant here tonight the exact nature of your relationship.
  688. "For that matter, get one or me too. I'm going to need a little something to steady my nerves."
  689. > After the past few hours, it seems like a small reward is in order - and one helping of wine, especially of the smaller glasses ponies used, would not be enough to completely neuter your wits.
  690. > Watching your slave set off into the crowd on her task, you set about on another:
  691. > Taking a long, careful examination of the room.
  692. > Familiar ponies are noted down - at least eight of the dozen who'd sat with you in the conference room earlier are also already present.
  693. > So are at least twenty other faces you were familiar with - high rollers, business magnates of all stripes, political figures, and monied ponies new and old.
  694. > All rubbing shoulders - and all scoping out potential allies or targets of opportunity.
  695. > While none of them were as vicious as the tight-fisted men you'd once worked for, that did not mean they were stupid.
  696. > Everyone here understood what this night was for.
  697. > Continuing the scan, your gaze falls on Shining Armor standing in quiet conversation with a pair of armored Royal Guard - his dress uniform standing out even among the multivarious colors of mane, coat, and clothing ponies already bore.
  698. > He himself wore no plate, but a unicorn of his talent would not need to.
  699. > The frown that had appeared on your lips is carefully pushed away, your face returned to neutrality.
  700. > You'd known he would be about; no need to show your annoyance here.
  701. > Cadance, however, is oddly absent.
  702. > So is Luna - if the nighttime diarch intends to present herself, she has not yet made an appearance.
  703. > The same cannot be said for her personal guard regiment; dark-coated and dark-armored, they stood mixed with the white-coated Royal and more pragmatically-dressed city guard at regular intervals along the edge of the room.
  704. > A show of force, you remind yourself.
  705. > Just like bringing the Obstinance into a lower orbit - this was all posturing.
  706. > Even so, you must admit some discomfort at being in the presence of so many armed creatures without your own drones.
  707. > "Master?"
  708. > Dash had appeared by your side at some point, a tray held between her teeth with two glasses held on it.
  709. > Selecting one with a thankful nod, you immediately take a sip - letting the soothing liquid run down your throat.
  710. "Well Dash, I don't think we can put this off any longer. Time to go kiss babies and shake hands, I guess."
  711. > "Hooves."
  712. "Those too."
  713. > Grinning, you step into the mixed multitude of ponies looking to find their seats.
  714. > Freed to the invisible social barrier that had restrained them from approaching you so long as you were lingering by the wall, you're immediately set upon by the first wave of ponies eager to greet such an unusual figure.
  715. > A more generous person might have described them as enthusiastic welcomers, but to your eye their approach felt like nothing so much as vultures descending on a bounty.
  716. > Word of your reason for being here - of your 'rescue' of the city and uncovering the 'theft' at their museum - was of course known, and the reappearance of such a well-known pony as Dash at your side draws even more attention.
  717. > Though you are mostly caught up answering those closest to you, the few glimpses you manage to send her way suggest that Dash is doing well at holding her own.
  718. > Hints of her old personality surface - a confidence of voice and pose despite the discomfort at the fanciness of her dress she'd shown earlier.
  719. > From your own mouth flow an endless stream of pleasantries and small talk - distractions and misdirection from the true situation.
  720. > The earlier work already done and the next stage not yet due, you're content to allow the crowd their blatherings while you eye out any potential further allies.
  721. > Instead your gaze falls on a very unwelcome sight, however - richly aquamarine eyes locking to meet your own.
  722. > Princess Luna had arrived.
  723. > She stood a good fifty paces away and surrounded by her own little fortress of fawning appreciators, but from the way she eyes you the rest of the hall may as well be empty.
  724. > There was murder in those eyes.
  725. "...Dash, on me."
  726. > Parting the crowd easily with your stature, you approach the lunar princess.
  727. > Unlike so many other ponies here, she has opted not to pretty herself up for the evening - wearing nothing more than the here normal peytral, crown, and hoofguards.
  728. > At a distance just close enough to be heard you halt - standing erect and straight-backed as you offer a bow in greeting.
  729. "Your Highness."
  730. > "You need not bow to Us, Anonymous. You are no subject of Ours."
  731. > Though her tone is mirthful and light, its message can't be missed.
  732. > In her eyes, your presence here is an affront.
  733. "...ah, the thought is appreciated, but nonetheless. It is good to see you here tonight."
  734. > "We are most pleased by the chance to come."
  735. > Heh.
  736. > Well, if she wants to play that way...
  737. > Dash is nudged forwards with a subtle prod of your toe on her hoof; how bow is considerably deeper and more honest.
  738. > Unfortunate, that she still remained so respectful of the princesses.
  739. > "H-Hey, Princess..."
  740. > For just a second there is a flicker of unmasked emotion on Luna's face - true, deep sadness followed by an easily-missed twist of unmatched fury.
  741. > It's gone just as quickly as it arrived, though, and if you'd not already been watching her closely there was no reason to think it'd have been seen at all.
  742. > "Rainbow Dash. Please, rise."
  743. > When your slave does so - daring to raise her eyes and look Luna in the face - the younger princess leans down to touch her nose briefly to Dash's.
  744. > "We are deeply pleased to see you once more, Rainbow Dash. Too long have we gone without."
  745. > This time, her words are honest and deliberate.
  746. > Dash sees it too - returning Luna's nuzzle with equal gentleness.
  747. > "Yeah. It's, um - It's real good to be back again."
  748. > Best to break this up before it goes any further.
  749. "If you will forgive us, Your Highness, I do believe we should be getting to our seats soon?"
  750. > "Ah - that."
  751. > Luna's head rises again, lips splitting into what might generously be called a smile.
  752. > Though it suggests more that of a shark and not a pony's.
  753. > "Yes, well, why don't you follow me, then? I'm afraid there's been some last-minute seating rearrangements."
  754. > Your own smile is just as false as hers now.
  755. > Surrounded by her own lackeys, then - or even worse, had she decided to place herself at your side to preemptively hobble any planning?
  756. > Worst fears are confirmed as you follow Luna to another table, where a folded card on a plate announces your seat.
  757. > Neither seat on either side happens to have Dash's name on it, however.
  758. > Rainbow rapidly comes to the same conclusion, looking first to you and then to Luna with a worried expression.
  759. > "Princess, I - I, um..."
  760. > "Why don't you take a seat, Anonymous, and I will show the Element of Loyalty to her seat?"
  761. > Damn - now, how to confront this without seeming too-
  762. > "Um, Princess Luna - if, uh, I'd kind of like to sit... next to him."
  763. > Rainbow's stuttered response has more to do with the alicorn she is facing down - an alicorn bearing a rather surprised expression.
  764. > "Surely you would wish to-"
  765. > "I"m sorry, Princes - but, uh - I'd really like it if I could stay with Anonymous."
  766. > For a few moments everything stands in absolute stillness.
  767. > The two lock eyes, a silent test of emotions running between them.
  768. > Even the other ponies standing about seem to have paused, and you're reasonably certain you have temporarily stopped breathing.
  769. > Luna flinches first, however.
  770. > "...very well, then."
  771. > Gaze switching to skewer you once again, she makes it abundantly clear - if not in her voice - that she had not been expecting Dash to be this resistant, and held you fully accountable for it.
  772. > "We will make further rearrangements to accommodate this."
  773. "Very much appreciated, Your Highness."
  774. > With a huff Luna turns to wander off; conversation returns to something approaching normal in her wake.
  775. > "M- Anonymous?"
  776. > Dash peers up at you with eyes wide and uncertain.
  777. > "Did I-"
  778. "No, Dash. You didn't do anything wrong at all."
  779. > Though she'd nearly been about to call you 'Master'; this much have truly shaken her in that state.
  780. > Thank everything that Luna hadn't felt like picking a fight right then and there.
  781. "Come on then, Dash. Let's go find our seats."
  782. --------
  783. > The dinner is, frankly, exactly what you'd expected of it:
  784. > The mayor of Fillydelphia making a few empty speeches you barely paid attention too, nibbling at overly-fancy and unfilling food, clapping at the proper moments...
  785. > ...and fuming at Luna's revenge.
  786. > If she could not separate you from Dash, she had concluded, then she would enforce her own iron grip on your interactions at all times.
  787. > Not directly, of course - your slave's refusal had put Luna into an unpleasant mood as well, and she was keeping her muzzle pointedly shut lest her true thoughts slip out.
  788. > But instead by seating you at a table with not only herself, Cadance, and Shining Armor, but with every seat stacked by ponies firmly in her court.
  789. > Now, if anything, your mood was the reverse of earlier:
  790. > Despite your main objective for the evening having been accomplished, you couldn't help but feel frustration building in your gut.
  791. > And it was affecting Dash, too.
  792. > Every few minutes she would glance to you with a noticeably worried expression, which on its own was doing you no favors.
  793. > Yet none of this precluded you from playing your part for the night.
  794. > Appearances were half the reason you had pushed to be here, and so they had to be kept up even as you contemplated how to confront Luna's moves.
  795. > A point you are once again reminded of as another self-aggrandizing speech is completed and you politely bring your hands together to join the chorus of ponies pretending to appreciate the speaker.
  796. > Few of them were making moves in their own subtle games of intrigue; the presence of royalty had cast a pallor over their normal ambitions.
  797. > Another pony rises to be recognized in turn - some artist who had recently completed a piece for the city.
  798. > Whatever empty words she is speaking barely register with you; your attention is on the two white-coated ponies seated at your right hand - one a Canterlot noble with a rich, blue mane; the other, a mare with a pink one and slender figure.
  799. > While the former's threat was obvious, you'd concluded the latter was playing her role as eye candy clinging to his leg just a bit too perfectly.
  800. > No doubt she was another player in the game, then - and another reason to watch be careful with every move you made.
  801. > All your attention needed to be on every word they spoke and each reply you gave.
  802. > Ordinarily your anger at being restricted like this would have been too much, but tonight two factors kept it in check.
  803. > One sat beside you, nervously picking at her meal.
  804. > Risks simply could not be taken while you were out here - for Dash's sake as much as yours.
  805. > The second was the anticipation of revealing what to Luna what you'd already done - the delight that you would take in her shock.
  806. > Between them, those were enough to reign in your fury to merely simmer just below the surface.
  807. > From the looks Luna occasionally sent your way, there was little doubt she was feeling the same way.
  808. > ...frankly, how the others hadn't noticed the princess' ire was beyond you.
  809. > Maybe they had, simply preferring to play their roles and be done with it.
  810. > "-and now we recognize a first-time visitor to this event, but no less distinguished for it. I'm sure you all remember shock our city received when we were seemingly under attack by a dragon..."
  811. > Ah, your turn.
  812. > Fixing the warmest, friendliest, most welcoming smile you can muster, you wait for the introduction to finish.
  813. > "...and his quick actions lead to not only the apprehension of the would-be thieves, but the safety of irreplaceable artifacts of Equestria's history. Mr Anonymous, if you would please rise?"
  814. > Here you go.
  815. > Feeling to retrieve the signed slip of paper from your briefcase's depths, you come to your feet amid the thunder of hundreds of hooves 'clapping' against the ground.
  816. > Towering over the seated ponies, it suddenly occurs to you that this is the most public you have been in easily months - quite possibly years, if your time before coming to Equestria counts.
  817. > And right now there are a huge number of eyes on you.
  818. > No way you could back down from this now; you needed to do this.
  819. > Even so, you stomach does a little flip and your throat is dry when you swallow.
  820. > Abruptly something brushes against your thigh.
  821. > Dash had stretched one wing out, laying her feathers - uneven, but more in their full length now than still showing signs of your mutilation.
  822. > Her head is ducked nervously still, eyes on the plate in front of her - but even so the message is clear.
  823. > You'll have to reward her for that later.
  824. > The introduction is almost done now, some little meaningless medallion you would receive having been shown off.
  825. > Your turn to speak.
  826. > Once more your throat is cleared, and you begin:
  827. "Thank you - thank you very much for welcoming me here, Fillydelphia. Though - I should not just say Fillydelphia, but all of Equestria. I've come from quite far away, you see, and not entirely on purpose - but nonetheless Equestria has provided for me: A place to stay, a business, and of course excellent company."
  828. > Here you rest your hand on Dash's head, palm nesting over her namesake mane just between her ears.
  829. > A small echo of polite laughter runs through the crowd, but you feel Dash sit up straighter anyhow - a little bit of pride returning to her posture.
  830. "I admit I'd been reluctant to openly engage with Equestria, at least in part due to the distance between our cultures and races. Even so, I found those willing to come reach out and work with me - and when the time came to step into the open and help Fillydelphia, I was shown that I had nothing to fear in doing so."
  831. > A smattering of applause, and then you go on:
  832. "Instead of fearing me, you welcomed me. Instead of rejecting me, you honored me. You showed me that no matter any previous setbacks, even if the road would be rocky, I could have a place in Equestria."
  833. > Risking a glance down the table, your gaze meets Luna's once more.
  834. > The anger is still there, but cautious is evident on her face as well:
  835. > Something about your tone, your confidence has set off warnings in her head.
  836. > Cadance, beside her, looks positively pleased to see you layering on the praise this way.
  837. > That was more of a surprise; surely she'd seen enough of your planning to know what your actual purpose was here?
  838. > Refocusing your attention, you draw the paper up and hold it out for all to see:
  839. "And now, to thank this great city for how good it has been to me, I am proud to announce that I have signed and sealed plans for a brand-new large production venture for which Fillydelphia will be a keystone: Working together, we will produce works unlike any ever made here before! Thank you, Fillydelphia - thank you, for allowing me this!"
  840. > Cheers erupt, hooves stomping and pounding on tables.
  841. > Not even the paper bring ripped from your hand by a burst of midnight-blue magic can dampen the exhilaration running through you.
  842. > When Luna looks up at you from her examination of the document her pupils are wide and nostrils flared.
  843. > In contrast a smile splits your face from ear to ear, giddiness flowing through you at what you'd just done.
  844. > Despite how unwise it would surely seem in retrospect, you can't help but mouth silent words to her:
  845. > 'Got you.'
  846. > Luna's mane seems to not so much flow as lash about while she floats the agreement back over to you; returning to your seat, you abruptly find a hoof resting on your shoulder.
  847. > Smile wide and joyful, Dash's wings are half-open in an indication that she is every bit as thrilled as you are.
  848. > "That was great! I didn't - I didn't know you were going to say anything like that! That you even felt that way!"
  849. > For a heartbeat your smile slips.
  850. > The poor thing; after everything she'd been through, did Dash truly think you were trying to put the matter to rest between yourself and the princesses?
  851. > If she did, sore disappointment was soon to follow.
  852. > Gradually you become aware of the world around you again; though another pony was speaking, you could tell the true attention of those at your table was on still on you.
  853. > Soon after the speeches end and general chatter returns one of them finally initiates the questioning you'd been expecting for some time:
  854. > "So, Anonymous - you really must tell us: What really convinced you to come out here tonight. Surely it wasn't on such a whim alone?"
  855. "...well, really I must thank Princess Cadance for helping. She was instrumental in this - doing a great deal to convince me that it was safe to step into a more public position."
  856. > "If that speech you gave is anything to judge by, you didn't really have anything to fear at all."
  857. > That draws a small laugh from your own lips.
  858. "Oh, it's not just that. I had some... concerns that I wouldn't be welcome, but they turned out to be needless."
  859. > Your hand slips around, coming to rest on your slave's neck.
  860. "Though, Dash here helped a great deal as well. She and another friend of hers - Rarity, if you've heard of her?"
  861. > "Oh, of course!"
  862. > That from the leggy, pink-maned mare to your opposite side - still clinging to the arm of her blue-maned, monocled stallion.
  863. > "We've met her many a time! In fact she was in Canterlot only just recently, along with Princess Twilight's baby dragon."
  864. "Ah, yes. I'm... familiar with him as well."
  865. > "Incredibly dedicated little fellow. Practically loves Her Highness like his mother."
  866. > That from the noble-stallion, who nods knowingly as he speaks:
  867. > "Did you know, he once went all the way up to the Crystal Peak looking to get her a gift?"
  868. > Though you'd had a drink or two by that point, your mind was not so far gone as to miss a very particular phrase.
  869. "Oh? The Crystal Peak? Do tell, what for?"
  870. > "Well, the crystal itself of course! I understand he was looking to get Princess Twilight a new telescope - she loves stargazing, you know - and the very best lenses come from there. Of course Princess Celestia went with him, but I understand he..."
  871. > Nothing more reaches your ears - a roaring filling them instead as several facts slide into place.
  872. > Unbidden, Sweetie Belle's words come bubbling back up from your memory:
  873. > 'And she has a lot of telescopes to see all kinds of things - stars and planets and the moon and stuff...'
  874. > So too does the list of items on the manifest from earlier.
  875. > Jars of polishing oil.
  876. > Extra star maps.
  877. > Photographic film.
  878. > High-precision clocks
  879. > Yes, Twilight certainly did have a love of watching the stars - or planets, or the moon.
  880. > Or spacecraft.
  881. > You're dimly aware of a shriek as your fist comes down hard on the table and a quiet oath is sputtered from your lips.
  882. "...that purple bitch!"
  883. > "Master?"
  884. > That one word is all it takes to drag you back to reality.
  885. > Now, all eyes were truly on you - the impact of your fist having knocked a glass over to spill across your plate.
  886. > More important is the hoof curled anxiously around your arm.
  887. > Her eyes fearful, Dash is looking to you.
  888. > She isn't the only one watching you though; many sets of eyes on the table are focused on you and all other conversation has ground to a halt.
  889. > It didn't seem like any of them had heard her, though.
  890. > Or if they did, they hadn't realized the importance of what Dash had said.
  891. > Your gaze falling back to her, you realize that Dash is tense and coiled in her seat - ready to spring for an escape to the shuttle, as you'd warned her earlier.
  892. > Slowly you reach up and clasp your hand over her hoof.
  893. "Thank you, Dash. I'm good now."
  894. > Another steadying breath is drawn before you look around again - face once more controlled to show only what you want on it.
  895. "...my deepest apologies. I've just realized, someone who I thought could be trusted to stay rational has... gone and done something very stupid."
  896. > "And I wonder, Anonymous, how exactly you would be aware of that...?"
  897. > Luna's voice is so close you can almost feel her breath washing over your ear.
  898. > Barely restraining yourself against leaping from the seat, you find she is indeed just behind you.
  899. > You hadn't even seen her leave her own seat - how had she gotten over so quickly at just the right moment?
  900. > Unless it hadn't been just the right moment.
  901. > Unless she'd planned that turn of conversation out; after all, the story would be meaningless unless you knew just what was on that ship already.
  902. > And like a fool, you'd walked right into her trap even after realizing that noblestallion and his mare were themselves participants in the game.
  903. > Damn!
  904. --------
  905. > Luna.
  906. > Of course Luna would do this.
  907. > She was always the more aggressive one; while Celestia was patient, Luna would be the one to push a conflict with you the first chance she had, no matter the cost.
  908. > Each princess a different kind of dangerous.
  909. "Your Highness, perhaps we could go discuss this somewhere less public?"
  910. > She seems ready to deny the request, but something halts her - a last gasp of discretion warning that pulling your spat into the open would be just as bad for her.
  911. > "...of course."
  912. > No request to follow her is made; Luna simply turns aside and walks stiffly from the hall.
  913. > You rise, as does Dash until a hand on her withers halts her.
  914. "No, Dash. I need you to stay here. If something happens, remember my order from before."
  915. > "I..."
  916. > She doesn't look happy at the idea, shifting from hoof to hoof with nervous energy.
  917. > A sign of her old personality slipping out again - the confident mare ready to face any threat, no matter how foolish.
  918. > Hardening your voice, you repeat the order:
  919. "Stay, Dash."
  920. > The commanding tone cracks her defenses, and Dash sinks back down.
  921. > "Alright, alright."
  922. > Her lips nearly form an 'm', but she manages to stop herself from calling you 'Master' aloud.
  923. > "But if something does happen, I'm not going to just sit around-"
  924. "You'll get to the shuttle, Dash, any way you can."
  925. > "...yes, sir."
  926. > Good - no need to repeat things this time.
  927. > Luna is waiting for you in one of the hallways just off the main hall.
  928. > Even with only one pair of doors between yourself and the hubbub of conversation, everything seems more muted:
  929. > Softly-flickering candles recessed into spots on the walls and lushly-carpeted floors replace arcane chandeliers and polished stone tile.
  930. > It's almost like being in another world, and briefly you wonder if there was some sound-muffling magic at work as well.
  931. > The change in scenery, however, has done nothing to diminish Luna's emotions.
  932. > If anything they are now on full display, her lips drawing back into a snarl that displays her pointed canines and eyes narrowing to blue slits as she spots you.
  933. > "Anonymous."
  934. > Her voice is little more than a hiss, and only now do you realize just how much she had been holding back in public.
  935. "Luna."
  936. > Folding your arms, you eye her levelly and nod.
  937. "I have to ask you directly - why now? Why provoke me like this?"
  938. > "Provoke you?"
  939. > Bristling at the phrase, Luna begins to circle you with slow, silent steps - her hooves entirely muffled by the thick carpeting.
  940. > You're reminded of nothing so much as a carnivore circling with a rival - or stalking its prey.
  941. > "You talk of provocations, Anonymous, but you are the one who paraded Rainbow Dash in front of Us as a reminder of Our failure to protect her."
  942. "Paraded? Do you think that's why I brought her - to gloat or something?"
  943. > "Is that not what you do every time you hold her in front of us? We have heard how you behaved with her in you 'meetings' with Twilight and the other elements. You relished in showing them what you were doing to her."
  944. > In retrospect, you have to admit to yourself, that may not have been your smartest move.
  945. > Seeing your lack of a response, Luna stops circling and turns to face you directly.
  946. > "Every second you show off the damage you have done to that mare's mind, it is like being stabbed through Our own chest."
  947. "You seem to care very deeply about Dash in particular."
  948. > "Rainbow Dash saved Our life, Anonymous, and quite possibly that of Our sister as well. If not for her and the other Elements, We would still be lost to the Nightmare."
  949. > Luna approaches you with her muzzle held high and proud - perhaps trying to make up for the fact that she is only slightly above shoulder-height to you, though no less intimidating for it.
  950. > "And We remember what it was like to have Our mind held in thrall by a darkness. That We have permitted you to inflict the same on Rainbow Dash is an unforgivable stain on Our honor; that you show off the damage you have done to her an even further insult."
  951. > This is getting off topic - and frankly, you can't afford to let her get worked up.
  952. "...irregardless of personal feelings, Luna, Twilight departed long before tonight. I know what she's doing, and it's not appreciated."
  953. > "You think We are preparing to attack you?"
  954. "I know it. Components for high-grade telescopes? Quite useful for viewing an object in near orbit. Using those clocks to synchronize times in two different places, she can get a very good idea of distance and location as well."
  955. > Folding your arms again, you let your eyes narrow.
  956. "I know what being scouted for an attack looks like. Do I have to remind you what will happen if you start a war with me?"
  957. > For once, Luna is on the defensive - her eyebrows rising in shock.
  958. > Clearly, she hadn't expected you to know that much detail of Twilight's plans.
  959. > But she obviously knew you weren't stupid, either - which implied she hadn't expected you to know that much in the way of the cargo's detail.
  960. > Good; Hammer Tong hadn't sold you out, then.
  961. > More likely been fed some information himself, then gone farther with it than Luna expected.
  962. > "And if we do nothing, then what? The next time we see Rainbow Dash, will there be anything left of who she is? A speck of loyalty remaining her heart? What will you move on to next?"
  963. "You're talking like I'm trying to turn her into a nervous wreck for fun. Let me remind her that it was only you and your sister's intervention that forced us into this standoff in the first place."
  964. > "And it was you who endangered Our little ponies - arming whoever came to you, no matter what their intent! Do not act so innocent, Anonymous."
  965. "What they choose to do - with my arms or another's - is not my responsibility, and I will not be held accountable for others' choices."
  966. > "Responsibility is not something so easily absolved, Anonymous."
  967. "Strong words, coming from someone with your past."
  968. > The words slip out before can halt them.
  969. > Damn - Luna seemed to be able to push your buttons in just the right way to get you to screw up.
  970. > Avoiding her in the first place really had been the best choice.
  971. > Rather than grow angrier, however, Luna instead holds her head high and proud - eyes flashing and mane whipping about wildly.
  972. > The hall seems to grow darker, halos of light from the candles lighting it shrinking back and wobbling wildly in time with their flames in an unfelt wind.
  973. > "At least I have the good sense to be ashamed of the monster that I was."
  974. "At least I have the intelligence to know I do not need to be."
  975. > "Then your heart is already dead, and nothing more will be lost when it ceases beating."
  976. > Pinching your forehead, you squeeze your eyes and try to ward off the rising ache.
  977. > This was not the time to trade petty insults - you were falling in to her trap.
  978. "We're coming off-topic again. The point, Your Highness, that escalating things with me - let alone right now - will never end well for you."
  979. > Dropping your hand to your side again, you fix her with your strongest stare.
  980. "Believe it or not, I actually want to be left alone to do my business. I'm not out to conquer Equestria, steal your thrones, throw everything into evil, yada yada. I only respond to moves against me."
  981. > "Your business is the business of bloodshed, Anonymous. Those with power have a responsibility to ensure it is used fairly."
  982. "And pressuring me is the last thing you want to do if avoiding bloodshed is your goal."
  983. > A sudden thought comes to your mind - something that hadn't occurred to you before.
  984. "What about Princess Cadance, then? Is she in on this too, or did you go around behind her back to try and drop this on me?"
  985. > Luna looks away, shadows retreating and candle-light reasserting itself, and you have your answer, a small smirk coming to your lips.
  986. > "...Our niece is kindhearted, but she has not been tested. She has not seen the darkness the way We have."
  987. > Interesting.
  988. > Something to put to use later on, perhaps.
  989. > But for now - to try and defuse.
  990. > Maybe even escape with your head intact.
  991. "I think we've both been caught in the act, Your Highness. If I can suggest a bit of detente, however, allow me to prove that at least I did not bring Dash here with the intent to torment you."
  992. > That catches her attention; though her eyes remain narrow slits and her coat bristles, Luna's tone suggests she is at least considering it.
  993. > "What do you suggest?"
  994. "Another one of the elements is here tonight - Miss Rarity? Why don't we give them some time to catch up?"
  995. > No reply is immediately forthcoming, but you can see the gears turning in Luna's head.
  996. "I say I brought her to do some actual good. You want proof I'm not some kind of... foal-eating monster-"
  997. > Luna's eyes narrow and she snorts angrily, pawing at the ground with one hoof.
  998. > Bad choice of words, that.
  999. "-so give me the chance to do it. Dash can have some time with her friend - unsupervised time, by either of us. No one pulling on her, just time for her to be herself. Is that agreeable?"
  1000. > Long and hard she stares at you - as if trying to suss out whether your offer was honest, a trap, or some other means of lording your control of Dash over her.
  1001. > "...how long do you suggest?"
  1002. "The party will wrap up within a couple hours. Why not allow her some time at the end of that? A couple of hours, say?"
  1003. > If you were lucky, you could end up giving no more than what you'd already promised Dash...
  1004. > "Unacceptable. You believe allowing a passing conversation will show any sense of remorse on your part?"
  1005. > No, but that was kind of the point.
  1006. > You were trying to show you weren't malevolent, not that you somehow regretted resisting the sisters' rule.
  1007. > Gritting your teeth, you manage to growl out:
  1008. "And what would you suggest instead, Your Highness?"
  1009. > Of course Luna has an answer ready to go.
  1010. > "Allow them to stay the night together."
  1011. "Is there a room available?"
  1012. > Luna's lips finally break from their snarl, the corner of her mouth turning up in a worryingly smug smirk.
  1013. > "We have had one prepared for this eventuality. One where they can stay undisturbed. Food is prepared as well."
  1014. > Now you find yourself backed into a corner once again.
  1015. > Staying the whole night had never been part of your plan, and not something you were particularly confident about.
  1016. > But to refuse now - that would paint you as the inflexible one.
  1017. > Maybe this had been her plan in agreeing to your suggestion all along.
  1018. > There was still a margin of error if something went wrong, the threat of Equestria's fiery death hanging over her head to dissuade any foolhardy plots.
  1019. > But Luna had already proven herself willing to act aggressively, pushing where her sister showed patience.
  1020. > One last idea to make her think twice.
  1021. "Princess Cadance will need to know."
  1022. > Success - Luna hesitates.
  1023. > "You are going to insist on this."
  1024. "Yes, I am. Frankly, Your Highness, I distrust you. You've acted on your own to try to entrap me once already; Cadance has at least always been honest with me."
  1025. > One eyelid twitches as she weighs the demand in her head.
  1026. > If you brought this to Cadance, then the crystal princess would know what Luna had been doing behind her back.
  1027. > But Luna clearly wants something as well, and apparently she finds it sufficiently alluring to tolerate the fallout from her little escapade.
  1028. > "Acceptable. We will speak to Our niece as the party ends, then."
  1029. "Understood."
  1030. > "Do not think that this remotely changes our thoughts on you, however."
  1031. > Lips drawing back into a feral smile once again, Luna glares directly at you.
  1032. > "One day - one day soon - justice will be done for what you've done to that mare."
  1033. > Without a word, you turn back and reenter the main hall.
  1034. > Let Luna threaten - she had already made a mistake you fully intended to exploit.
  1035. > Dash looks up as you return to your seat, her wings fluttering lightly with relief at seeing you return unharmed.
  1036. > "How'd it go?"
  1037. "...as well as could be expected, I suppose."
  1038. > Shooting the noblestallion seated beside you a foul look as you return to your seat - one he and his arm-candy mare pointedly ignore - you lean over and murmur to your slave:
  1039. "I have a job for you, Dash."
  1040. > "Huh?"
  1041. "Luna is going to have her attention solely on me for a while. I'm going to need you to slip away and carry a message to Princess Cadance."
  1042. > "Sure. What is it?"
  1043. > Dash listens carefully as you outline your message - what Luna had done, and your agreement regarding Dash staying with Rarity for the night.
  1044. > No doubt Cadance would be furious Luna had worked behind her back - just as there was no doubt Luna would be furious you were the one to bring Cadance the news.
  1045. > But she'd never said you shouldn't, merely expected that you would.
  1046. > If not for her stunt attempting to entrap you, that kind of grace might even have been given.
  1047. > But then, if she hadn't tried that you wouldn't have anything to report to Cadance anyhow.
  1048. "...and some ponies my try to stop you. Some of them might be innocent, but it's also possible there are other ponies working for Luna in the crowd."
  1049. > "I gotcha. I can get past them."
  1050. "Dash."
  1051. > Your hand settles on her shoulder just below her mane, squeezing lightly.
  1052. "This is serious. Don't be overconfident. Be careful."
  1053. > "I understand, sir."
  1054. > Luna had long since returned to her seat, having quickly followed you back in, and is pointedly refusing to make any eye contact at the moment.
  1055. > Which of course means she is watching from the corner of her eye instead.
  1056. > A nudge to Dash's side is all it takes to send her off.
  1057. > Slipping from her seat, Dash trots off into the crowd.
  1058. > A few ponies move to intercept her, but she brushes them off with a confidence that leaves you wondering just how much of Dash's old personality was stirring.
  1059. > The night-time princess is still looking away, but you've no doubt she was alerted.
  1060. > This time, though, the huge crowd at the dinner plays to your advantage:
  1061. > There's no way she could make any open moves without raising questions.
  1062. > When you catch sight of Dash's return, however, a feeling of unease begins to grow in your stomach.
  1063. > She looks uncertain, almost a little surprised.
  1064. > Had something gone wrong with Cadance?
  1065. > Climbing back in to her seat, you lean over to hear Dash's report whispered into your ear:
  1066. > "She... knew already."
  1067. "What?"
  1068. > "Everything you told me about, she said she'd already heard."
  1069. > Whipping your head around, you find Luna is still staring off in a different direction - but now with a small smile playing about her lips.
  1070. > "And, um. Master? I don't think she was happy."
  1071. > So annoyed are you that even Dash's use of your title goes unnoticed.
  1072. > That was Luna's game, then.
  1073. > If she could not intercept your messenger, she would send one of her own and be the first to report.
  1074. > Make what she could of the situation anyhow.
  1075. > You'd fallen into the same trap you'd expected to exploit against her - taking her statement that she would 'talk to Cadance after the party ends' to mean that was the only time Luna would talk to her.
  1076. > Instead she'd decided to take her lumps and make he preemptive move.
  1077. > Stupid - more stupid than you could afford to be.
  1078. > Was this night really weighing on you that hard?
  1079. > Whatever the case, there's little that can be done about it right now.
  1080. > Luna's made her move and handily outmaneuvered you...
  1081. > ...which only made you more concerned by whatever Celestia was up to.
  1082. > Picking up your fork, you once again don the mask of the polite guest and wait for the evening to be done.
  1083. --------
  1084. > The party has only half-wound down when you stand to leave, a small but increasingly inebriated cadre of ponies holding out against the inevitable turn of the clock.
  1085. > You were long since ready to go - there wasn't much small talk to be had when you knew for a fact that your table was populated by ponies lined up against you.
  1086. > Decorum insisted that you at least wait until your hosts were departing, however.
  1087. > Dash had nearly fallen asleep at your side, kept awake only by her determination and an occasional nudge to her side.
  1088. > Good that you hadn't allowed her much alcohol; at this rate, she'd have been snoring away.
  1089. > When Luna rises - still without so much as a glance in your direction all night, as if acknowledging your existence would legitimize your cause - you do so as well.
  1090. > Taking your lead without a word, Dash falls in behind you as well.
  1091. > She didn't know exactly where you are going, but follows obediently at your heels.
  1092. > Luna is waiting just outside the doors from the hall; her eyes fall to Dash before she spins to present her hindquarters to you and struts off.
  1093. > "Come. Miss Rarity is waiting."
  1094. > "Rarity...?"
  1095. > Dash's voice is small; she looks up to you for guidance.
  1096. "Yes. You're going to have a chance to spend some time with Rarity, Dash. I thought it would be a nice reward for doing so well tonight night."
  1097. > Luna's ear flicks at that, but she doesn't interject any further.
  1098. > "I..."
  1099. > Dancing from hoof to hoof, there is clearly something Dash wishes to say.
  1100. "Go ahead, Dash. Speak your mind."
  1101. > "Thank you!"
  1102. > Leaping up to practically tackle you, Dash beats her wings furiously in a desperate attempt to remain airborne as she hugs you.
  1103. > "I thought you'd forgotten and it was getting late and stuff, but you didn't and-"
  1104. > Wrapping your arms around her in return, you gently set the joyful pony down again.
  1105. "Didn't I did tell you there would be a chance, Dash? I don't break my promises."
  1106. > That last bit, of course, more for Luna than for Dash.
  1107. > Having halted in front of you, the princess is watching from the corner of her eye.
  1108. > You catch that gaze as you stand back up, meeting it easily and with a small smile of your own.
  1109. > She wanted to accuse you of parading Dash in front of her?
  1110. > Then let her see how close your bond actually was.
  1111. > Huffing softly, Luna resumes her walk.
  1112. > Leading you through twisting and turning hallways, Luna barges through another large pair of double-doors into what you presume is the VIP suite quarters.
  1113. > Beyond wait several pair of her dark-coated Night Guard, slitted eyes fixing on you from the moment of entry.
  1114. > No salute or bow is given to their diarch, but hooves visibly tighten around spears.
  1115. > Their eyes and ears remain locked on you with every step you take down the hall.
  1116. > If it is meant to be a display of intimidation, it is empty:
  1117. > Your moves were already done for the night; Luna's only remaining option - to set them loose to imprison or kill you - would be one of suicide.
  1118. > And so you stride between them with confidence.
  1119. > Finally stopping at an elaborately engraved door, the princess calls inside:
  1120. > "Miss Rarity? May We enter?"
  1121. > "Oh! Oh, Princess - she's here!"
  1122. > Cracking open under a cloud of aquamarine magic, the door reveals a nervous Rarity peeking out from behind - and then opening entirely with a happy squeal from the unicorn.
  1123. > "Rainbow!"
  1124. > Dash seems about ready to leap in... and then pauses, halting and looking back at you.
  1125. "Go ahead, Dash."
  1126. > You offer a small smile and a nod.
  1127. > Hopefully the mask you've slipped over your real emotions holds.
  1128. > At the very least you'd hoped to use this to paint Luna in a poor light - but now, all you can do is fume silently and watch your pony walk through that door.
  1129. > The door shuts with a powerful slam - one that carries a strong sense of finality to it.
  1130. > The first time since she had come to you there was a barrier between yourself and Dash.
  1131. > And while you're certain she would not actively betray you now, confidence that she could defend herself if someone else tried to manipulate her was not high.
  1132. > Beside you, one particular someone finally deigns to look at you directly.
  1133. > "Your time here is done, Anonymous. In the morning we will send somepony to you."
  1134. "And I presume I'm supposed to find my own way to my room?"
  1135. > Once more Luna flashes a toothy smirk at you.
  1136. > "Your room? We did not ever agree to find a room for you, nor do We particularly find ourselves in the habit of lodging..."
  1137. > Her eyes rove over you as though she were examining some particularly repulsive sight.
  1138. > "...creatures, who would dare harm our ponies."
  1139. "You're playing a dangerous game, Your Highness."
  1140. > "And you are playing a despicable one - taking the lives of others hostage to your will."
  1141. > Snout rises again, Luna's glare sharpens.
  1142. > "You have been welcomed here as a visitor tonight, an act which I find repulsive and a stain against the honor of both Equestria and Ourselves. We are not, however, obliged to give shelter to monsters."
  1143. > "We are obliged to give to guests, however."
  1144. > Cadance's approach had not even been heard, but she makes herself known now.
  1145. > Something passes between the two alicorns - some bit of unspoken communication that you are not privy to.
  1146. > Then Luna whirls about with a huff, retreating with her wings spread.
  1147. > Waiting until she is out of sight and then some, you turn to Cadance and give a thankful nod.
  1148. "I appreciate that, Your Highness."
  1149. > "Oh, shut up."
  1150. > The sheer surprise from hearing those words emerge from the mouth of royalty is enough to give you pause.
  1151. > "I'm not pleased with you either. I was willing to argue with my aunt, with my husband to let you come here - and you thank me by pulling that stunt of an announcement, trying to tattle on Princess Luna like a colt on the playground?"
  1152. > One bronze-clad hoof rises to jab at your chest.
  1153. > "Everything you do here reflects on me. Remember that, Anonymous."
  1154. > Down the hall, one of Luna's guards' ears twitches towards the altercation and suddenly you understand.
  1155. > Cadance may be genuinely angry with you, but this chewing-out wasn't entirely directed at you alone.
  1156. "I understand, Your Highness. Nonetheless, I still appreciate what you are doing."
  1157. > "I would hope so."
  1158. > Turning and strutting off without waiting for you, Cadance forces you to tail behind her.
  1159. "Where are we going now, if I may ask?"
  1160. > "Your room. I presume there will be no issue with what we are preparing for you?"
  1161. "You stepped into my home with only my word as to your safety. I'll return the same favor."
  1162. > "Good."
  1163. > Something else about her visit bubbles up from your memory; on a whim, you decide to bring it up:
  1164. "Though, leaving behind those whatever-they-were crystals when you did wasn't necessary. Really, I understand -"
  1165. > Despite her annoyance with you, Cadance tilts her head at your words.
  1166. > "Crystals?"
  1167. "You scattered them around my property. Some kind of magical listening or monitoring devices, I presume?"
  1168. > Halting, Cadance turns to give you a confused look.
  1169. > "We did no such thing, Anonymous. Myself or Shining Armor - I'll give you my word on that."
  1170. > Your first intuition is to ignore her denial as scripted and meaningless - she was, after all, playing a role here.
  1171. > But Cadance is one of the few ponies and only princess who's proved remotely worthy of your trust so far, and both of you had long since left Luna's snooping attendants behind.
  1172. > There always was the chance she truly didn't know...
  1173. "In that case, someone is playing your guard against you. I didn't count it as a strike against you at the time because frankly, I expected you to make some empty gesture of subterfuge for the sake of appearances. But if you genuinely didn't know..."
  1174. > Gaze falling to the ground, Cadance softly mutters:
  1175. > "Between this and the Changeling..."
  1176. "Changeling?"
  1177. > "Chrysalis warned me one of her infiltrators - Chissik, apparently - has gone rogue and headed back into Equestria. I don't like dealing with that parasite, but if this is going to endanger our treaty..."
  1178. > Biting her tongue and expression making it clear that only the distraction of her drifting thoughts had let that slip, Cadance halts.
  1179. > For you, though, it's enough to draw a note of surprise.
  1180. "Chissik? What is she doing?"
  1181. > "You knew about her?!"
  1182. > Cadance's shocked cry snaps you out of your thoughts.
  1183. > You give a small shake of your head in the negative.
  1184. "I knew of her. I didn't know she's broken from Chrysalis... or why Chrysalis didn't tell me about this."
  1185. > For a long time nothing is said; you issue a soft hiss.
  1186. "It seems we're both having plays made behind our backs."
  1187. > "It does."
  1188. > Swallowing heavily, Cadance resumes her talk to your room.
  1189. > Arriving at the door, she turns to give you one last look.
  1190. > "I do not know if I will be here in the future, but - Anonymous, thank you for letting Rainbow Dash stay with her friend."
  1191. "And here I thought you were angry with me."
  1192. > "I am."
  1193. > Settling on her haunches, Cadance eyes you neutrally.
  1194. > "But it's still good that you let her have some part of this evening for herself as well."
  1195. "Hmm."
  1196. > Stepping halfway through the door, you look back and offer a gentle bow.
  1197. "Goodnight, Your Highness."
  1198. > "Goodnight, Anonymous. I will see that you're aren't bothered in the morning."
  1199. > The room is everything that would be expected from a place hosting royalty.
  1200. > Carpet thick, bed plush, and ice box well-stocked with a variety of vintages.
  1201. > And yet, sleep eludes you.
  1202. > There's something missing from this, and it isn't hard for you to guess at what it was.
  1203. > Dash had taken to staying by your side every night as of late, occasionally in the light bondage she found somehow comforting.
  1204. > A reminder that she was not alone.
  1205. > The absence of that presence - the warm mass of feathers and fur curled against your side, the soft tickling of her coat as she gently breathed - ironically left you very aware of how alone you were.
  1206. > Very aware that Dash was away, outside of your control.
  1207. > They would not try anything too risky, surely - but even so you cannot shake a sense of nervousness.
  1208. > Nor can you easily find rest, thoughts and worries whirling in your head long into the morning.
  1209. --------
  1210. > Morning comes with a grey, heavy sky and an unpleasant chill in the air.
  1211. > Alongside the severe lack of sleep the prior night, the end result is that you feel - and undoubtedly look - like death warmed over.
  1212. > Despite every effort to keep it from becoming wrinkled, you suit was far from pristine as well.
  1213. > All in all, you were nowhere near presentable for facing royalty.
  1214. > Fortunately Luna had decided her interruptions were no longer needed - or perhaps, no longer wanted.
  1215. > You hadn't been surprised to hear that she had departed before dawn, taking her small legion of bat-winged guards with her.
  1216. > And neither Cadance nor Shining Armor, though they surely notice your haggard appearance, seem inclined to comment on it.
  1217. > Instead they both nod evenly - Shining somewhat more shallowly - and turn to lead you back up towards the room Dash had stayed in.
  1218. > No words are spoken beyond simple greetings; evidently they were in as little mood for those kinds of formalities as you were.
  1219. > Cadance goes in to retrieve Dash while you are left with a glowering Shining Armor.
  1220. > When they reappear, you note with little surprise that Dash had neglected to put on the dress again leaving her without a true collar for the first time since you'd captured her.
  1221. > Briefly you wonder how that particular conversation had gone; the feeling of having her neck unhampered for the first time in months couldn't have been something Dash had missed.
  1222. > She does seem to be in good spirits, however - raising a hoof to wave with a bright smile as she spots you.
  1223. "Good morning, Dash."
  1224. > "Good morning, master."
  1225. > Now solely in the presence of those who know the full details of your 'relationship', Dash apparently doesn't see any problems with using your proper title.
  1226. > You...
  1227. > You're too tired to particularly care at this point.
  1228. > Squatting down, you hold out a hand and Dash turns her cheek to rub against it.
  1229. "Enjoy yourself?"
  1230. > "Yes, master."
  1231. > She still has the good sense to flush.
  1232. > "Missed you, though."
  1233. "I can tell. Come - let's go home."
  1234. > "Rainbow!"
  1235. > Rarity's voice calls out from behind, urgent and desperate.
  1236. > Every head turns to face her, prompting Rarity to half-shrink back behind the door she had emerged from.
  1237. > "Rainbow, please. You don't have to go back to that. We're all here, we could-"
  1238. > "No, Rarity."
  1239. > Shaking her head, Dash takes a few gentle steps towards the unicorn.
  1240. > You stand again, head tilted at the exchange.
  1241. > "No. I can't go, any more than I could when I was first taken.
  1242. > Shocked, Rarity backpedals; Dash takes another fast step to close the distance even further but halts when her one-time friend takes another fast step back - putting herself entirely back through the doorframe.
  1243. > "But - what you said last night...
  1244. > "I meant it."
  1245. > The look on Dash's face is one of resolute sadness.
  1246. > "I really meant what I told you: We can't go on like this forever... but I can't go running away either. That's not... me. Not Rainbow Dash."
  1247. "Just because it worked with that wretched - with Chissik - doesn't mean-"
  1248. > "It means there's a chance, Rarity! And I wouldn't be staying loyal to you if I gave up risked your lives while there's that chance."
  1249. > Rarity gives a choked cry, and Cadance's gaze snaps to you before bouncing between the two one-time friends.
  1250. > It isn't hard to guess her silent petition.
  1251. > She wants you to force Dash to leave - to let yourself be the villain, dragging one friend apart from another and preserving their friendship.
  1252. > And last night, you might have been willing to play the role required of you.
  1253. > But that was then, and this was now; at some point during the night your mask had slipped off and patience with roles forced on you had worn out.
  1254. > No - they would have to work out their own issues, and Rarity would have to understand she couldn't take Dash from you.
  1255. > Folding your arms, you regard Cadance neutrally and resume watching the encounter.
  1256. > Rainbow has taken another step forward, wingtips trembling as she raises a hoof towards Rarity.
  1257. > "Rarity... I'm sorry, but-"
  1258. > With one final cry Rarity turns and flees entirely, vanishing in a flash of purple tail and leaving Dash there with her hoof still outstretched.
  1259. > Gradually it falls to the ground - as do Dash's ears and tail, and eventually her entire head droops as well.
  1260. > Only now do you step forward, reaching out to rest a hand on Rainbow's neck and mane.
  1261. "Come, Dash. It's time to go home now."
  1262. > Home.
  1263. > Safety.
  1264. > Comfort.
  1265. > That's what she should associate you with.
  1266. > "Yes-"
  1267. > She hiccups once, and even though her head hadn't been firmly pointed at the floor you are quite certain she is desperately trying to hold back anything more.
  1268. > "Yes, master."
  1269. > Rising, you turn to leave - pointedly ignoring the fearsome scowl Cadance was shooting in your direction.
  1270. > Soon after Dash's quiet hoofsteps join in just behind you, and then Cadance and her entourage.
  1271. > No words are spoken as you descend to ground level, and then to the front doors of the hall.
  1272. > The second you open them, an unforeseen problem presents itself.
  1273. > Reporters.
  1274. > Like vultures descending on a fallen beast, they crowd in - probably having been waiting from the early hours of the morning - and bombard you with a hailstorm of questions and magnesium-powder flashes.
  1275. > Of course, you'd planned on leaving long before they had a chance to react to your sudden announcement.
  1276. > Now - well, it was good that you hadn't replaced Dash's collar the moment she got out of her dress.
  1277. > Shining Armor and Cadance only give impassive looks when you glance to them - the latter especially her eyes displaying the tiniest spark of satisfaction at your predicament.
  1278. > Fine; she wanted to go tit-for-tat with your refusal to step in with Rarity?
  1279. > Not your problem.
  1280. "Stay by my side, Dash. Close, and don't respond to any of them."
  1281. > Rather than reply she only nods, her gaze still lingering hollowly on a blank spot of ground beofre her.
  1282. > Dash does, obey, though, passively holding her position just behind your left side as you begin to force your way through the crowd.
  1283. > The two royals tread just behind you, yet make no move do disperse the crowd until you near the plaza in which your shuttle had set down.
  1284. > A troop of golden-clad Royal Guard still surrounded it, half eyeing outwards while the others seemed focused in on the craft as if it could take off and obliterate them all without warning.
  1285. > Amusing, if untrue.
  1286. > Shining Armor barks an order and a gap appears to allow you through.
  1287. > At last the howled questions fall back away, leaving you once again alone with the crystal royals.
  1288. > Turning to face them one last time, you offer a final bow.
  1289. "Well. Thank you again for this, both of you. I honestly mean that - I think this has been a step well-worth taking."
  1290. > "I hope it is as well."
  1291. > Cadance's tone is harsh, but it softens when Dash speaks up as well.
  1292. > She can still barely bring herself to look up and face the larger mare directly, but Dash's voice remains strong.
  1293. > "Hey, Princess Cadance? I - uh - listen, thanks for this as well, okay? Even if it - didn't end the best. Thanks."
  1294. > Her face softens, and Cadance reaches out with one wing to lightly touch Dash's shoulder.
  1295. > "Maybe another time, then?"
  1296. > "Y-"
  1297. > Dash catches herself and looks questioning to you.
  1298. > Seeing no refusal is forthcoming, she manages to meet Cadance's gaze directly.
  1299. > "Yeah. Maybe, yeah."
  1300. > She does not really react until you are both seated in the cockpit, all the ponies having retreated to a safe distance from the air blast as the shuttle rises to depart.
  1301. > The main engines cut in with a stomach-jolting lurch, and you make one last lazy loop around the city before rising into the thick, grey clouds looming over it.
  1302. > Climbing to burst through them reveals the clear blue sky above, sun still climbing towards its zenith.
  1303. > You opt to catch some sleep, making up for your earlier lost hours.
  1304. > Despite the uncomfortable seat and omnipresent rumble and whine of engines and air, your rest is far better than it had in the plush bed and silent room.
  1305. > Dash, meanwhile, waits until you'd touched down and were standing to leave the shuttle before speaking up again.
  1306. > "I... I should say think you too, master. For letting me do that."
  1307. > You slip an arm over to tousle her mane lightly.
  1308. "I had my gain too, Dash. And you've earned the right to enjoy some rewards, especially with what you did for me at the dinner."
  1309. > She nods, but tilts her head - crimson pupils roving over your face.
  1310. > "Are you alright though, master? You're still not looking so hot."
  1311. > Laughing softly at her concern, you nod an affirmative.
  1312. "The cost of being alert enough to work my way through that whole encounter last night: Not a great deal of sleep afterwards."
  1313. > "You were nervous?"
  1314. "A bit."
  1315. > Alone once more, the caution that had held back your words that morning is gone.
  1316. > Now it is just you and your slave, and you feel far more willing to speak freely with her.
  1317. > "Because of me?"
  1318. > ...though, Dash certainly is pushing the boundaries of how far you are willing to go with her.
  1319. "Yes, in part. Cadance I know wouldn't do anything worse than talk, but Luna..."
  1320. > "Princess Luna didn't bug us at all. She didn't even come in to our dreams."
  1321. "Good. That black-assed bitch at least knows her limits."
  1322. > You might still be a teensy bit upset over how badly she'd outplayed you.
  1323. > One eyebrow rises as Dash turns aside from the exit hatch and slips back into a side compartment.
  1324. > Understand comes when she returns - the metal band of her collar clutched in her jaws.
  1325. > She waits until you take it before trying to speak:
  1326. > "I thought that since we're done with all that frilly, dressy stuff..."
  1327. "You'd come back to being mine."
  1328. > A smile touches your lips as you reach out, lightly scratching Dash around the back of her neck.
  1329. > She cranes sharply into your hand, enjoying the feel of your fingers digging in through her mane to rub at muscles all too often bound by the collar's steel grip.
  1330. "Appreciate it, Dash. Good of you to think of that."
  1331. > "Yeah. I..."
  1332. > She trails off and you tilt your head questioningly.
  1333. > When that doesn't work, you're forced to prompt her:
  1334. "You what, Dash?"
  1335. > "I dunno. I guess - I kinda..."
  1336. "Liked having it off?"
  1337. > Dash ducks her head once then looks away, as if fearing your retribution for admitting that.
  1338. > "I know what it means, but it's not exactly comfy, even if it does give me somewhere to put your compass-watch."
  1339. "I understand, Dash."
  1340. > The collar is slipped around her throat, locking with an almost inaudible click, before anything more is spoken.
  1341. "But even so, some things have to be.""
  1342. > "Uh-huh."
  1343. > Dash coos softly as your hand slips up to scratch around the edge of her ear.
  1344. > Her earlier morose state has eased some, your own pleasure at her act of devotion feeding back into her mood.
  1345. "Even if you weren't wearing it, I know you won't forget me so easily - no matter how much Cadance tried to wear on you."
  1346. > "Actually, she left us alone. Came in once just to ask if we were okay pretty soon after you dropped me off, and then left."
  1347. "Wait, she didn't...?"
  1348. > Your brows knit; you'd been sure that Cadance had been in there for some reason.
  1349. > "I promise - she just asked if everything was cool, and then went right back out."
  1350. > Hand rising to rub at your forehead, you grimace - you're still far too fuzzy for this.
  1351. > Maybe you shouldn't call Chrysalis now, leave this business with Chissik until-
  1352. > Your hand falls limply as realization snaps in, feet scuffing to a halt.
  1353. "Dash..."
  1354. > Hearing the cool - almost chilly - tone of your voice, she comes to a halt and looks back questioningly.
  1355. "...if Cadance didn't say anything last night, how did Rarity know Chissik's name?"
  1356. > Try as she might, Dash hasn't ever been good at hiding her emotions.
  1357. > Her tail drops in an instant; ears as well.
  1358. > Wings, paradoxically, extend but only to curl protectively around her barrel.
  1359. > "Master...?"
  1360. "Dash - how did she know?"
  1361. > Creeping forward in measured steps you force your voice to remain calm.
  1362. "If she heard something when she went to Canterlot, or she's playing some other role behind my back-!"
  1363. > "No! No, she isn't - it's -"
  1364. "Just because she was your friend doesn't mean you should cover for her!"
  1365. > "I'm not covering for her! She didn't lie to you!"
  1366. "Then how, Dash?!"
  1367. > "Because I told her!"
  1368. > Sinking to her belly, Dash lays her head to the floor and squeezes her eyes shut as words tumble out of her mouth.
  1369. > "Rarity knew because I told her about Chissik!"
  1370. "You WHAT?! How much?!"
  1371. > "That - that she tried to sneak in and attack you, you caught - caught her, you made a deal with her to let her go! That's, not what it was you were doing with her or anything like that!"
  1372. > Stunned, you say nothing - boggling at the grovelling mare before you.
  1373. > Never had it occurred to you that Dash might do something like that - never had you believed that she might ever betray you on such a scale.
  1374. > She'd been thoroughly broken, willing to give up a chance to escape and even aiding in the imprisonment of her filly-friends!
  1375. > Why could she possibly have gone back now?!
  1376. > No words come to your lips; your tongue darts out to lick them, as if the wetness could somehow ease the shock you were feeling.
  1377. > Even so, thoughts only trickle out in half-formed sentences.
  1378. "Dash, I... why?"
  1379. > "I thought - she could hope if she knew about that-"
  1380. "Hope? Hope! Do you have any idea what you've just given them?! That's not hope, that's a key to unraveling everything I've done!"
  1381. > A heaving, heavy sob rips through your slave.
  1382. > "I'm sorry! Rarity - she's gotta understand, you're not just some monster! I thought - I thought if she knew that you'd eventually forgiven and let Chissik go she'd believe there's hope in negotiating with you for me..."
  1383. "That's real fucking great, Dash! But what about the fact that they know I've been working with Chissik - with Chrysalis - behind their backs now? What about the fact that they know I lied straight to their faces?!"
  1384. > Words are finally coming, and they flow in an almighty torrent of fury at her absurd choice.
  1385. "I mean - what - what were you even thinking they would imagine when they heard that? Were you even thinking?"
  1386. > Instead of a proper answer, Dash heaves a silent sob into the floor in front of her.
  1387. > You, meanwhile, go on:
  1388. "My entire plan - everything I've done here - relies on them knowing that they can at least rely on me to hold my word. You've just thrown that whole thing right out the window, Dash!"
  1389. > Staggering a few steps forward you reach out and seize her mane in your fingers, gripping tight as you painfully wrench her head up to face you.
  1390. > Still no words from from her, although Dash's eyes are even more red than normal as a result of her tears.
  1391. > Pulling even further, she's forced up to balance precariously on her hind legs as a result of your fierce grip.
  1392. "Why, Dash? How hard could it have been to just follow your orders and make some stupid small talk with her - chat about whatever it was you did before you decided to throw yourself at me?"
  1393. > "Rarity - she had to understand, Chissik tried to attack you but you still let her go -"
  1394. "A fat lot of good that does now that they know I've been lying! What Rarity knows won't matter one bit - you've just thrown out any chance of seeing those stupid ponies you call your 'friends' ever again!"
  1395. > Dash fails to produce a proper response to that.
  1396. > Her lips are moving, but the only sounds that come out are sputtered, monosyllabic noises.
  1397. > Suddenly disgusted by the pitiful sight, you release your grip and allow her to collapse to the floor.
  1398. > Dash lands on her belly with a painful thud, but soon staggers to her hooves and manages to lurch unevenly but rapidly down the hall away from you.
  1399. > You watch her go, unable to gather up the strength to pursue her.
  1400. > When you do finally find the willpower to travel up into the house proper, Dash is nowhere to be found.
  1401. > Your bedroom, her workout room, the one where she'd sat with you for her meetings with her friends...
  1402. > Had she fled entirely?
  1403. > No - that would still have set off alarms.
  1404. > Finally - acting on a spark of intuition - you slip back downstairs.
  1405. > The instinct proves to be (somewhat surprisingly) correct.
  1406. > Dash is seated in front of her cage, tail wrapped protectively around her hooves.
  1407. > The door to her hellish prison is open, like a maw waiting to devour its victim.
  1408. > Dash had to have found her old earmuffs and blindfold and left them out in front of the cage like offerings to appease some vengeful spirit.
  1409. > She does not look up when you enter, although one ear swivels at the sound of your shoes on the wooden floor.
  1410. "Dash."
  1411. > "Yes, master?"
  1412. > ...
  1413. > You don't know what to say.
  1414. > What's the point of punishing her now?
  1415. > The moment Rarity spoke to Cadance - the moment Rarity spoke to anyone - it'd be over.
  1416. > Done with.
  1417. > At the same time, a twitching urge inside you says that you can't allow Dash to slip away from this without some kind of retribution.
  1418. > She did not just betray you - not in the way you expected - but she effectively sabotaged any chance at having this be resolved peacefully.
  1419. > Any chance at you ever being free again as well.
  1420. > Celestia and Luna will never let this go now.
  1421. > ...nevermind that Cadance - your only real 'in' to the Equestrian halls of power - would realize you had been playing her as well.
  1422. > "Master?"
  1423. "What?"
  1424. > Your tone is hard and bitter; Dash flinches, but manages to force herself to turn around and look at you.
  1425. > "Should I..."
  1426. > She motions towards the instruments of torment, unable to force the words out.
  1427. > It takes you a moment to understand, but then you remember how she'd been pulling her newly-replaced feathers out before you'd forbidden that.
  1428. > Now she'd actually screwed up, so she wants you to punish - no, to break her.
  1429. > She wants to let go of that responsibility again, to be forced back into being just a... tool.
  1430. > If she'd never see her friends again, why bother being anything but an unthinking, obedient servant anyhow?
  1431. > Slumping down against the wall, you bury your face in your hands.
  1432. > That this had come about as a direct result of your order - that Dash should not merely follow specific rules, but act as she thought would be best for you - was not lost.
  1433. > She'd obeyed that perfectly; only, her idea of what was 'best' had proven to be far more off than you'd believed.
  1434. > In some ways, that hurt even more than any of the previous times you'd been forced to punish her.
  1435. > When you were breaking her, training her - that was one thing.
  1436. > But this time she really did think
  1437. > "Master?"
  1438. > Hooffalls on concrete herald Dash's nervous approach to your side.
  1439. > She sets down the blindfold and earmuffs, then falls to her belly - awaiting your decision.
  1440. > And honestly?
  1441. > You aren't sure which choice is the right one.
  1442. --------
  1443. ...no.
  1444. "No."
  1445. > Dash jerks up as your voice.
  1446. > It surprises you as well, if only by how cracked and broken it sounded.
  1447. "No, Dash. There'll be no cage for you. Not now."
  1448. > Relief floods her from nose to tail, but at the same time confusion is evident in her eyes.
  1449. > Why?
  1450. > This ran against everything you'd done with her so far, Dash thought, and so she struggled to make sense of it.
  1451. > And, in truth, that was beause she was right.
  1452. > It was a break from the way you'd reacted to every major screw-up, every betrayal of the past.
  1453. > That - and the cage - had been for willful resistance, though.
  1454. > For when you'd had to treat her as a child bound by specific rules.
  1455. > Now, though, you were treating her as an adult.
  1456. > And so the cage was no longer needed.
  1457. > That didn't mean you weren't going to punish her, though.
  1458. "No cage for you, Dash. I just want you to think - think about this. Think about... planning ahead. About what you could do next time instead of just running off and blabbering to your 'friends'."
  1459. > You force yourself back up onto your feet and turn for the door.
  1460. "And until I get this straightened out, you get nothing from me. Not one touch, not a bed to sleep in, not anything. You don't eat with me, you don't sleep with me, you don't touch me - hell, I barely want to see you!"
  1461. > From the way Dash recoils, you may as well have struck her.
  1462. > And, in fairness, there was more anger in that statement than just a plain declaration of a punishment demanded.
  1463. > You aren't sure it was out of place, though.
  1464. > "N-No..."
  1465. "Yes, Dash. I want that to be the constant thought in the back of your head - how deeply, catastrophically, you fucked up."
  1466. > Dash manages to lever herself upright as well, hoofsteps echoing off the floor as she rushes to catch up with you.
  1467. > "What - what if something happens? What if you need me there, or they come to try-"
  1468. > You turn to fix her with a withering glare.
  1469. "Then I guess we'll know just whose word 'they' were acting on when it happens, won't we?"
  1470. > Again Dash reels, but you forge on:
  1471. "You don't just get my trust and attention, Dash. You earn it, and right now you've just swept away that trust. So you're going to have to give me something spectacular to fix this."
  1472. > "I'll-"
  1473. > She hiccups again, eyes squeezed shut.
  1474. > "I'll do - whatever it takes! Whatever's needed - I'll do it! I can do it!"
  1475. > There's an odd tone in her voice which you don't quite get, and the look on her face - eyes squeezed tearfully and teeth gritted rather than relief at your offering a 'way out' - seems out of place for-
  1476. > ...oh, God.
  1477. > Her tail is rising.
  1478. > Is THAT what she thought you meant?
  1479. "Put your fucking tail down, Dash. I don't want to fuck you."
  1480. > "You... don't?"
  1481. > Dash's voice is a strange mixture of relief and terror that her one apparent option had been rejected out of hand.
  1482. "No, I don't. You want to earn my trust back? Then figure out how to fix this. Figure out how to stop Celestia and Luna from turning me into ash when they realize how I've played them."
  1483. > "I..."
  1484. > The tail is thankfully back down, forming a rainbow pool behind her.
  1485. > But so is her head - mane, ears, and muzzle all drooping as she again confronts the impossibility of the task before her.
  1486. "Do it or lose me, Dash. One way or the other, until I can close my eyes and not worry about whether I'll wake up alive again, I'm done with you."
  1487. > "Please..."
  1488. > Her voice is wretched, the words spoken by someone who'd given up everything - their entire life - only to find the one they'd done it for no longer wanted their company.
  1489. > Even more raw and pained than when she'd said goodbye to Rarity that morning.
  1490. > "Master, please, don't..."
  1491. > Jabbing a finger at her one last time, you spit out:
  1492. "If I see you again without a really good idea to fix this, Dash, you will get the cage."
  1493. > With that you spin on your heel and retreat once more.
  1494. > "Master - master, please! I don't - Master!"
  1495. > Her voice echoes around your ears, but Dash herself does not follow you.
  1496. > She knows better than to play chicken with your threats.
  1497. > Nonetheless, as you slump down into your office's seat and stare at the screens surrounding you, there's an undeniable ache in your chest as well.
  1498. > Why did she have to be so stupid?
  1499. > Why couldn't she have just watched her mouth for a few more hours?
  1500. > And why - with that all done - did she have to be so utterly pathetic in despair?
  1501. > You'd broken her, yes.
  1502. > But that was to make her yours.
  1503. > If you couldn't have that, the entire act seemed... empty.
  1504. > Worthless.
  1505. > What was the point of caging a bird if you couldn't hear her sing?
  1506. > Your hands sit on the keypads, information dancing across the screens.
  1507. > You set your mind to work, pouring over the data in the hope of finding something - anything - you could throw at your enemies to stave them off a little longer.
  1508. > Just enough to stabilize your position - hell, just enough to get the deal you'd so very recently forced through to lurch into action.
  1509. > Just long enough see the repairs done.
  1510. > But there wasn't anything.
  1511. > No scheme, no plot could undo this.
  1512. > Not a leak of this magnitude.
  1513. > All you're left with is dead ends and a cold, empty place on the desk where your slave normally resided while you worked.
  1514. > The next thing you know, your head is rising from a neck-aching droop.
  1515. > Had you fallen asleep?
  1516. > The clock flashing in the corner of one screen shows that it's several hours later - nearing midnight - so you must have.
  1517. > Standing and stretching produces a satisfying series of cracks and pops from across your body, but no relief for the ache sleeping that way had produced.
  1518. > Nor for the more subtle ache still lingering in your chest.
  1519. > Turning, you find a tray of dinner, now cold, had been left at a far end of your work desk.
  1520. > You don't remember ordering the drones to do that.
  1521. > Dash would risk the cage to bring you dinner?
  1522. > The corner of your mouth turns up as you remember how she used to hate being forced to play maid and bring your food.
  1523. > Then it falls again as you remember why she would take a chance of such awful punishment to try appeasing you.
  1524. > Well, there wouldn't be any punishment for this.
  1525. > Technically she hadn't violated your order - you had said if you saw her again, which you hadn't - and in any case, right now having her mind on the mistake she'd made was probably more painful anyhow.
  1526. > Heading back upstairs to your room, you abruptly halt.
  1527. > In the absence of your own footfalls, the distant sound of fleeing hooves easily meets your ears.
  1528. > Dash was listening in, then.
  1529. > For a moment you consider calling out to her, but then move on instead.
  1530. > You still didn't feel like seeing her.
  1531. > Mostly, anyhow.
  1532. > As you curl up in bed, the now-empty tray on a bedside table, you can't help but feel a twinge in your chest as well.
  1533. > Yes, you're forced to admit, you had become fond of having her about.
  1534. > When you awaken the next morning, the tray is gone.
  1535. > If Dash had visited, she'd not stuck around no matter how much she probably wished to.
  1536. > Her devotion is... honestly somewhat touching.
  1537. > Retreating back downstairs, you're once again met by the sound of hooves retreating to just out of sight.
  1538. > Following the sound, your eyes land on the tip of a familiar multihued tail protruding from just beyond a distant doorframe.
  1539. > Well, that answered how far distant she was keeping from you.
  1540. > As if to offer further confirmation a muffled sniffle issued from beyond the doorframe, accompanied by a twitch of the tail-tip.
  1541. > Your hand twitches, and for just a moment you consider stomping over, seizing hold of those protruding hairs, and dragging her down to her cage.
  1542. > Maybe use the breathing mask again.
  1543. > That'd taught her well last time.
  1544. > ...no.
  1545. > No, you had more important things to do than being meaninglessly sadistic right now.
  1546. > Feet carry you down to your office, but it's an almost automatic act - your thoughts still far distant.
  1547. > What would you do next, anyhow?
  1548. > Contact Chrysalis, try and cut a deal with her against Celestia and Luna's inevitable reaction?
  1549. > It was a thought, and no doubt the hive-queen would be delighted to find something that could get her out from under your thumb at last.
  1550. > Maybe even put you in her debt instead.
  1551. > Unless you could help her with the rogue Chissik.
  1552. > Minutes turn to hours as you pour over data and reports:
  1553. > Looking for some way to figure out where the changeling had decided to wander off to, trying to track Twilight Sparkle's vessel's latest moments, raking over all your information for anything else you could turn against the sisters...
  1554. > In the end, there isn't anything - and you're forced to leave a message with Chrysalis to be responded to later.
  1555. "Chrysalis, something has taken an unexpected turn for the worst and I'm not forced to believe that in the coming days, the Equestrians will make a move to threaten the strength of both our positions. Certain information has been leaked out about both of our clandestine actions; they are aware of Chissik's... absence and will likely attempt to use it against you. Will advise on next course of action."
  1556. > It's not very satisfying as messages go.
  1557. > Not even really functional - little more than a 'letting you know this is coming', without a next step to take or plan to follow.
  1558. > That still does not resolve your far greater conundrum, though.
  1559. > Even if you could forge a new agreement with Chrysalis, Celestia and Luna might choose to divide and conquer - cripple one of you and leave the other reeling.
  1560. > Could you 'reveal' part of your activities, and spare the worst?
  1561. > No, they were distrusting to begin with and surely wouldn't believe you were giving them the whole truth this time.
  1562. > If you could find Chissik, could you convince her to stand and say that Dash had lied?
  1563. > Even more ridiculous - even if it were possible, who would trust a Changeling's word?
  1564. > "What if you didn't know?"
  1565. > What if you didn't indeed?
  1566. > If 'Chissik' had come to you under a false name, only revealed herself to Da-
  1567. > Your seat spins violently as you come to face the source of the suggestion.
  1568. > Dash takes a fearful step back, wings spreading defensively and ears falling flat to the sides of her head.
  1569. > Rising from your seat, you approach with heavy, thudding steps.
  1570. "I thought I said I didn't want to see you."
  1571. > She backpedals as you draw nearer, breath coming more shallowly.
  1572. > "What - what if you didn't know about Chissik? What if that's why-"
  1573. "Impossible. Already considered and dismissed. Why would they trust me when I say that now? It's an obvious cover."
  1574. > The door to your workspace had slid shut behind Dash, and now her hindquarters bump into its unyielding surface.
  1575. "I'm not stupid, you know. And I told you not to come unless you had a really good plan, so I'm sure you understand where you're going now."
  1576. > You reach out to grab hold of her mane, but at the last moment Dash rears back and places her hooves on your stomach.
  1577. > "What if you didn't tell them?"
  1578. > That brings you to a pause for just a moment.
  1579. "...what?"
  1580. > "What if you didn't did tell them? What if I did?"
  1581. > Now that she is talking the current of words has begun to flow, pouring out at a rapid pace:
  1582. > "If I make the call - maybe to Princess Cadance? Or maybe to Spike - Twilight isn't there anymore, but Spike should still be in Ponyville, right? And he would be more-"
  1583. "Focus, Dash."
  1584. > "Right. Um."
  1585. > She screws her eyes shut, trying to focus on the issue at hand:
  1586. > "You said Cadance asked you about Chissik, right? So what if I call her, and say you mentioned it to me but you don't seem to have any memories of working with her. And then I say, maybe it's because she was around long enough to get into your head?"
  1587. "So, you're going to say that Chissik came in and did something with me - after Chrysalis and I cut our relocation deal - and then she messed with my head and ran off to do... something."
  1588. > Gears are turning within your mind now as well, as you try and work out the specifics - adding your own details to the narrative.
  1589. "...and that's why she's been evading the Equestrians: She's making use of my resources without my knowing."
  1590. > "Right! But you can't be the one to do it. I have to talk to Cadance; she already thinks I'm telling Rarity your secrets-"
  1591. "In fairness, you were."
  1592. > Dash winces, but goes on:
  1593. > "-was telling Rarity your secrets, so if I call up like I'm sneaking around 'cause I'm worried about what is going to happen, then she will believe it again!"
  1594. > Taking a few steps back, you sit down in your chair again.
  1595. > Dash doesn't move from her place near the door.
  1596. > There's still fear in her eyes, every point of body language still showing how terrified she is of you.
  1597. > Rubbing your chin, you lean back and let the thoughts percolate.
  1598. > Why hadn't you thought of this earlier?
  1599. > Because you had, actually.
  1600. > But even if you told Dash to lie to them, it'd be obvious enough.
  1601. > It'd come through somehow - a nervous tick here, a subtle tell there.
  1602. > They would know.
  1603. > What if Dash were the one to take the initiative, though...?
  1604. "Really what you're getting down to is not asking them to trust me - because they won't - but asking them to trust you."
  1605. > "Uh-huh. And when you find out about it, you get 'angry'-"
  1606. > Not honestly that hard, especially considering what you had just unleashed on Dash herself.
  1607. > "-so they work together to hunt down Chissik."
  1608. "That... may actually work. If you can act it well enough."
  1609. > "I can."
  1610. > A speck of Dash's old confidence flickers to life again.
  1611. > "Absolutely I can."
  1612. "Then there's just one thing I'm not certain of..."
  1613. > You lean forward, raising one eyebrow.
  1614. "You're willing to throw Chissik to the dogs in order to save me? To save us? Let them capture and interrogate her?"
  1615. > Staring at you in utter confusion, Dash tilts her head.
  1616. > "She's a Changeling, master. They all look alike. Can't Chrysalis get another to, y'know, pretend too? And then go back to be 'punished'?"
  1617. > ...
  1618. > You feel mildly retarded.
  1619. > Of course she's a fucking Changeling.
  1620. "If they can't, though. If it did have to be Chissik, can you do this?"
  1621. > Hesitating, Dash drives herself to nod an affirmative anyhow.
  1622. > "She... broke in, right? And tried to be me, to get to you. And now she's doing something else that Chrysalis doesn't want her to - something else that might risk you too. I can turn her in, yeah."
  1623. > Rationalizing - trying to avoid the direct question.
  1624. > It's something you'd seen many a time from others.
  1625. > But that was close enough; there was confidence in Dash's voice, and you're also reasonably certain you'd know if she wasn't ready when the time came.
  1626. > Either way, Dash believed she was ready to sell out Chissik for her own gain.
  1627. > For your own gain.
  1628. > And that was enough for you.
  1629. "Alright. You've actually come up with a pretty decent idea here."
  1630. > "I did?"
  1631. > Her eyes light up, ears rising at last for the first time in days.
  1632. > "Does that mean I - I can come..."
  1633. > Even without finishing, you know what she was going to say.
  1634. "No, Dash."
  1635. > You shake your head heartily."
  1636. "No time for relaxing together yet. First - first we've got some work to do."
  1637. --------
  1638. "Alright. One last time, any questions?"
  1639. > She shakes her head - as she'd done the last two run throughs you'd done of this in preparation.
  1640. > Those hadn't gone perfectly, but certainly far better than you'd expected.
  1641. "Okay. I'm going to go into the other room, get a camera running. Then you're on."
  1642. > "Got it, master."
  1643. > Her voice is wavering and there's a fearful look to her eyes, but you could also hear the confidence in her tone.
  1644. > Besides, a little fear would fit well with the lie that she was going around your back.
  1645. > Stepping from the room, you move to the next one down and open the feed on a portable comppad.
  1646. > You hadn't told Dash exactly where the camera was to avoid her looking to one spot for reassurance.
  1647. > Once the call began, you also wouldn't be able to feed her any lines by ear or screen either; that too had been deemed too risky.
  1648. > After waitig a few moments, Dash reaches out and nervously taps a few keys in a pattern you'd shown her.
  1649. > The line begins to ring; hopefully Cadance is not too busy.
  1650. > You'd timed this to what you thought would be the best chance of reaching the Crystal Princess - someone Dash had connected with once before and could hopefully do so again.
  1651. > So why wasn't she-
  1652. > "What is it?"
  1653. > Shit.
  1654. > Shining fucking Armor.
  1655. > Of course he would be the one to answer.
  1656. > Why couldn't it have been his wife?!
  1657. > Curled in your desk chair, Dash jerks back at Shining's harsh tone but forges ahead anyhow.
  1658. > "Oh. Um. Hey. Hey Shining, is Cadance around?"
  1659. > "No."
  1660. > Dash flinches again, her body stiffening up.
  1661. > Memories of the last time they had interacted welling up, no doubt.
  1662. > "O-Oh. I wanted - needed - to talk to her about... something."
  1663. > "You can tell me."
  1664. > Again your slave twitches, her gaze falling.
  1665. > Damn, none of this had been planned for!
  1666. > You'd expected the possibility that you wouldn't reach Cadance, but Shining hadn't taken the lead in talking to you since that first disastrous attempt!
  1667. > Why he have to decide to now?!
  1668. > "There's something wrong with Anonymous and I really need your help and because I don't know what to do and I think somepony's going to get hurt if it keeps going on!"
  1669. "What."
  1670. > "...what?"
  1671. > Both you and Shining speak in the same flat, astonished tone - though obviously for very different reasons and neither able to hear the other.
  1672. > There's no other way to react to what she had just blurted out, however; was Dash going to push ahead with this?
  1673. > You're almost regretting not having a way to control her.
  1674. > But then again, this entire plan hinged on Dash taking the lead.
  1675. > So if she was doing so now, perhaps all the better.
  1676. > "I..."
  1677. > Dash hesitates, then repeats herself more slowly - more calmly as well, as the fear of speaking at first was passed.
  1678. > "Something's really wrong with Anonymous. He's not remembering things - things that really happened, but they're completely flying out of his head!"
  1679. > No real answer comes from the other end, but Shining tilts his head and motions for her to go on.
  1680. > Leaning in, Dash lowers her voice to a near whisper - eyes wide with very real worry.
  1681. > "I need help. He doesn't know I'm doing this and I know he'll be mad, but somepony needs to. I think - I think the Changelings are brainwashing him!"
  1682. > Then again, maybe a little more coaching would have done her some good.
  1683. > "Explain."
  1684. > "It's - it's something he said to Cadance When we were in Fillydelphia. She asked him about the Changelings, and he said he just told her he knew about them, right? That's it. But - there was one staying here for a long time!"
  1685. > Shining Armor's face goes from merely angry to openly infuriated, and Dash twitches clearly having realized her mistake.
  1686. > Pausing to draw a shuddering breath, Dash rubs at her nose with one hoof and goes on:
  1687. > "So I asked him about it, but he got really angry - told me to stop lying! I don't know why he doesn't remember; we both spoke to it. He knows it was here, I - please, get Cadance!"
  1688. > Her argument is disjointed, chaotic, and absolutely unbelievable.
  1689. > You wouldn't believe it if you were in Shining Armor's place, and he doesn't quite buy it either.
  1690. > But she has his attention, and even as Dash's eyes fall again Shining can't quite break his attention away either.
  1691. > "Please. I know you think I'm - I'm just a stupid pony, protecting him. But I - I don't think he really wants to fight you, and I know something isn't right! I-"
  1692. > Dash's voice catches, forcing her to swallow as she goes on.
  1693. > "I'm worried - what if that's why we're all still fighting? What if the changeling - what if she's making him fight you? I mean - isn't that what they do? What if she's trying to get Twilight and the princesses and everypony else hurt fighting him!"
  1694. > She's gone off-script, making up new lines on the fly.
  1695. > Yet, at the same time, you can't help but admire Dash's ingenuity.
  1696. > In a sentence she'd switched the focus from Chissik possibly manipulating you, to possibly targeting the other princesses.
  1697. > The bait is taken, hook line and sinker:
  1698. > Shining Armor leans in close to the camera, unable to let go of the idea.
  1699. > "You think that's a possibility?"
  1700. > There's no hesitation in Dash's jerky nod.
  1701. > "He's - he's not all good and stuff. I get that, but - I don't think he wants to fight. He doesn't, really - but somehow he always ends up nearly fighting with Celestia, or Luna, or-"
  1702. > "I get it."
  1703. > Rubbing his chin with a hoof, the unicorns' eyes narrow as he turns the conundrum over in his head.
  1704. > It's still thin 'proof' - hell, almost nonexistent.
  1705. > But the thought of his wife once again subject to the changelings' attention is not one Shining Armor can let go of easily; a true military pony, his biases run deep and are slow to let go.
  1706. > Not even curiosity drives him now, or even anger.
  1707. > He could admit to those.
  1708. > Fear had sunk its hooks into Shining Armor's mind and caught tight there amid the memories of his wedding.
  1709. > "...can you do this again? Call us like this?"
  1710. > "I - I don't think so. Anonymous works in here a lot, and I don't know when Chissik - that's the Changeling might come back again."
  1711. > "So if we talk again-"
  1712. > "It'll be with Anonymous."
  1713. > Knowing what has to be done, Dash puts on a truly pitiful expression for the camera.
  1714. > It's one you'd have a hard time resisting - and combined with the worries now growing by the minute, it does the trick.
  1715. > A sigh breaking from his lips like a dam cracking open, Shining Armor nods.
  1716. > "I'll tell Cady."
  1717. > "Thank you!"
  1718. > The genuine relief, the utter thankfulness that the ploy had worked, is all too evident in Dash's voice.
  1719. > "Trust me - this will- wait..."
  1720. > Dash hesitates, going pale.
  1721. > "I hear him - I've got to go, call back soon!"
  1722. > The feed is cut before Shining Armor can give a response, but none is needed.
  1723. > When you do return to the workspace for real, Dash is already long since out of your chair.
  1724. > "How was it? Did I do good?"
  1725. "You did excellently, Dash. That was some good improvisation there."
  1726. > Reaching down you pat her, you're instead almost bowled over as Dash leaps into the air and practically tackles you to the ground.
  1727. > "You mean it?!"
  1728. "Absolutely."
  1729. > Prying her off, you set the pegasus back to the floor and grin.
  1730. "Don't rejoice just yet, though. We're not out of the fire - Cadance still has to be convinced, after all - and until we are you're still cut off."
  1731. > "O-Oh..."
  1732. > The reversal is almost painful to see - exuberance and energy fleeing from her.
  1733. > "So, does that mean I shouldn't be around because you didn't want to see me...?"
  1734. "No."
  1735. > Reaching down, you tousle her permanently-spiky mane with a small smile.
  1736. "You've earned that much. For now, though, I have some work I need to do. Feel free to stick around."
  1737. > Some of the light returns to Dash's face, even as you slip into the seat she'd recently vacated and dial up a line out to a new communicator.
  1738. > This time, you can't help but let a smile slip on to your face.
  1739. "Chrysalis. It's worse than I thought - there's a possibility that the Princesses may be directly on to our relationship now. Fortunately, I've figured out an angle to deal with this. Here's what you're going to have to do."
  1740. --------
  1741. "I don't think you understand, Your Highness. I don't want to just find her, I want to tear her apart for screwing with my head."
  1742. > Your voice is as cold as the icy wastes that surround the Crystal Empire, and Cadance flinches at the violence promised by those words.
  1743. > Celestia, seated behind her, gives no hint as to her thoughts on the matter.
  1744. > The solar princess' eyes remain closed and face neutral, unwilling to let you see her thoughts.
  1745. > Her presence alone at this conversation along with the Crystal Empire's rulers, though, spoke to their uncertainty of how truthful you were.
  1746. "You can try to enforce your laws on your domain - I am not trying to overthrow you. But this - /insect/ come in my house and messed with my mind. I am not going to let this go."
  1747. > "...we understand, Anonymous. But to have you chasing anypony down - even a changeling - to exact vendettas in Equestria-"
  1748. > "-it is simply not something we can accept so easily."
  1749. > Celestia finally interjects, opening her eyes to levelly meet yours.
  1750. "Then you find her, and hand her over to me."
  1751. > Leaning into the screen, you make a fist so tight you're almost afraid skin will break.
  1752. "I want that fucking bug to be made an example - to make sure that everyone knows the cost of messing with my head."
  1753. > "Anonymous, please..."
  1754. > Cadance holds up a hoof as she speaks up.
  1755. > "We understand, Shining and I perhaps more than anypony else, how it feels to have your home and mind invaded by a changeling. But if this is true-"
  1756. "You damn know well it's true. I showed you the security footage. You KNOW she was wandering around in here without my consent!"
  1757. > For once you were glad Chissik had chosen to slip her chains on the first night she'd been with you.
  1758. > The video of the changeling wandering about - obviously exploring, obviously unfamiliar - had been prime 'evidence' when spliced in before your earlier confrontation with her.
  1759. > That she had remained after that first, obviously hostile confrontation was only further 'evidence' of her manipulation.
  1760. > "Even if it is true, we cannot simply allow her to be..."
  1761. > Cadance searches for a word that doesn't have too many unfortunate implications.
  1762. > Celestia, once more, steps in for her.
  1763. > "We cannot allow Chissik out of our sight while her plans are still unclear. For that matter, Chyrsalis is demanding Chissik be given over to her as well."
  1764. "That roach can rot. If she didn't want me taking the lead on this, she shouldn't have held back on warning me that something was wrong for so long."
  1765. > "Unfortunately, that is not something we can so easily say to her. If peace is to be maintained-"
  1766. "Peace?! Peace - why are you being so soft on her, Celestia? She was the one who invaded Canterlot and put you in a cocoon, or so I've heard."
  1767. > There's the barest twitch of Celestia's ear, but she takes a deep breath and gathers herself again.
  1768. > "...be that as it may, I will suffer the indignity of dealing with her for the sake of my little ponies."
  1769. > Good old Celestia - always could be relied on to act in the best interest of 'her ponies'.
  1770. > You make a great show of struggling with your own emotions before huffing and slump back in your seat.
  1771. "Fine. You go after her. I'll be keeping my eyes on your little student-turned-astronomer anyhow. But I'll be talking to Chrysalis seperately too. One way or another, I'm going to get my hands on that bug - since it seems the first demonstration of what happens when I'm crossed wasn't enough."
  1772. > Again Celestia refuses to rise to your baited implications of the suffering awaiting Chissik if she is turned over to you.
  1773. > But Cadance darkens, however, while Shining Armor (to your surprise) actually looks conflicted at the thought of a Changeling suffering its just deserts.
  1774. > Celestia, unfortunately, is the one to take control of the conversation again.
  1775. > "And if I may ask, Anonymous, where is Rainbow Dash?"
  1776. > "Um - I'm here, princess."
  1777. > Leaning down, you scoot your chair back to allow Dash up into your lap.
  1778. > She leaps aboard, settling on her haunches and waving with one wing - nervous, but not terrified.
  1779. > An accurate, and fortunately fitting, reflection of her actual emotions.
  1780. > All three royals look relieved that she had not suffered any for her 'secret' revealing of your situation - thank God you'd kept a level head and not put her in the cage.
  1781. > Soon the conversation is flowing easily and smoothly between them.
  1782. > Even you allow yourself to allow a few comments in from time to time, allowing the illusion of being 'more comfortable' with the princesses and prince.
  1783. > That was the cost of this plan, ultimately.
  1784. > With Chissik taking the blame for your more recent 'disagreements', you had to play nice now.
  1785. > To pretend you didn't find the princess' attempts seize control of your life as revolting as ever.
  1786. > "...and we might possibly arrange for another chance for the elements to rejoin each other."
  1787. "Possibly, yes."
  1788. > Regarding her with hooded eyes, you lean back in your seat.
  1789. "I am assuming that all the elements will be there?"
  1790. > Including, of course, the absent Twilight.
  1791. > "Perhaps. It will have to be seen, depending on how these matters play out."
  1792. > So, Celestia was willing to negotiate on Twilight being pulled back from her little project?
  1793. > Interesting - had she merely meant it to put pressure on you?
  1794. > Or was this just a delaying tactic of her own?
  1795. "I'll look forward to seeing all of them -"
  1796. > Again, the emphasis on the all.
  1797. "-in that case. And to hearing an update on this situation."
  1798. > The screen goes black, cut off before a response can come.
  1799. > That had gone... about as good as could be expected.
  1800. > They weren't ready to believe you quite yet, but that would come in time.
  1801. > You'd have to arrange another chance for Dash to 'sneak' in and call them to confirm your allegations.
  1802. > Even then, you weren't sure it would hold up foerever.
  1803. > But it didn't need to.
  1804. > Switching to feed from one of your perimeter drones, you see that the party you'd been expecting were nearly at the end of their journey.
  1805. > Forty-eight stallions, all of them young and strong, hitched to half as many carts practically overflowing with ore.
  1806. > Even working in pairs and leveraging the frankly abnormal strength of earth ponies, they were struggling to bring their heavily-loaded charges up the hill.
  1807. > At least they would have the benefit of not have to bring them back down again - only a little more, and they'd hit a flatter patch on the trail where the carts could be safely left for your drones to retrieve.
  1808. > "That's who you've been waiting for, master?"
  1809. "Mmm-hmm. The first lot."
  1810. > Between her silence and your intense focus, you'd almost forgotten Dash's presence in your lap.
  1811. "It'll be a slow start - I'll not get more than a few hundred ounces of good material out of all those tons they're bringing up. But I can work with that - cannibalize a little more from the sections of the 'Obstinance' that I can afford to, and begin to replace what I can't."
  1812. > Now reminded, you reach down to stroke her cheek fondly.
  1813. "But it will be a start. And not too much later..."
  1814. > "And then - then you can stop fighting with the princesses all the time?"
  1815. > No.
  1816. > Repairs, no matter how complete, would not make you and Celestia friends, nor sooth the tempers and wounded prides of her sister and protege.
  1817. > At best, you would no longer be on such a stark time limit.
  1818. > At worst...
  1819. "Yes, Dash."
  1820. > Leaning over, you plant your chin on top of her mane - silk-coated ears tickling either side of your chin as they twitched at the sensation.
  1821. > Who knew; maybe there'd be a way you could turn that inevitable failure of negotiations to bind Dash even more tightly to your side.
  1822. "Then we can see about putting all of this behind us."
  1823. > It did occur to you that it might be wise to at least begin to break it to Dash that a resolution might not be so easily coming.
  1824. > But there was only so much you could deal with at one time, and managing another crisis of conscience from the deluded pegasus was not something that could be taken up now.
  1825. "Come on, Dash. We've got a little free time - Chrysalis won't be trying to reach out to me until the Princesses bother her, and the drones can handle the ore carts."
  1826. > She follows close at your heels, looking up expectantly.
  1827. > "Where are we going, master?"
  1828. "Up to my room."
  1829. > "I thought..."
  1830. > She hesitates, unwilling to contradict you.
  1831. "Go on?"
  1832. > "I thought you weren't allowing me to... get that close until this was all over."
  1833. > That is a point - a very good point.
  1834. > But...
  1835. "I just want to talk while I'm relaxing a bit, Dash. Nothing about going to my room says anything about that."
  1836. > To your room a little beyond, as you open the floor to ceiling window and seat yourself on the balcony extending into the open air.
  1837. > You'd used to lock Dash out here - alone, and chained to a ring buried in the concrete that she still gives a wide birth while joining you.
  1838. > Kicking your dangling legs out over the edge and reclining, you sigh softly and lean back on your elbows.
  1839. > Dash drops to rest on her belly, pointedly on the opposite side of you from the ring she'd once been secured to.
  1840. > Her wings twitch and shuffle, as if considering leaping from the open platform.
  1841. > Certainly she could - with only a small fragment of cut feathers remaining, gliding would undoubtedly be within her ability.
  1842. > Maybe even true flight now, you aren't sure.
  1843. > But other things hold her back than that, and she remains sprawled at your side.
  1844. > Half-closing your eyes and allowing the stress to drain out is a relief, an unimaginable weight lifted from you.
  1845. > If only it could last forever.
  1846. "You know, Dash, in some ways I'm glad it was you."
  1847. > "Huh?"
  1848. "I'm glad it was you who came after me first. Not one of the other elements."
  1849. > "Why?"
  1850. > The touch of nervousness in her voice can't be missed, but there's real curiosity there too.
  1851. "Because, I think that in the end you're capable of understanding me. You get that feeling - that need to be free. Why I couldn't... just let this go. I don't know if any of your other friends could have gotten that."
  1852. > "I..."
  1853. > She scuffs at the concrete nervously with one hoof.
  1854. "I'm serious, Dash. of all of them who could've come after me... well, I'll admit I don't know them the best, but I don't think any of them would have comprehended the same kind of need to be free in the same way you do."
  1855. > Arms folding behind your head to support it, you let your eyes fall the rest of the way shut.
  1856. "Honestly, I think one of the reasons we've managed to come so far is that you can."
  1857. > "Could."
  1858. "Hmm?"
  1859. > "I could."
  1860. > Rolling your head to one side, you crack open an eye again.
  1861. > Dash notices your renewed attention and shifts uncomfortably.
  1862. "Don't leave me hanging after dropping something like that, Dash."
  1863. > "I..."
  1864. > She rolls over to face away from you, but answers before you can scold her for it:
  1865. > "I felt like that, once. Before..."
  1866. > Before you'd punished that instinct out of her.
  1867. "Nonsense, Dash. I never intended to make you not... you. Just make sure you understood what your role had to be in this situation."
  1868. > Now she stands up, turning to face you again.
  1869. > Getting a good look at her face shows you what you'd missed earlier:
  1870. > It isn't anger or objection she is feeling, but confusion.
  1871. > "I don't get it! If I still felt like that, I wouldn't ever be able to go of it. Every second I'd be trying to keep myself safe and free and-"
  1872. > Shaking, she cuts off and tries to force her breathing to steady.
  1873. > "You're - you're just laying around. You know what's happening, but as far as you're concerned it might as well be a vacation! How can you-"
  1874. > A simple raised hand is all it takes to bring Dash's tirade to a screeching halt.
  1875. > Folding it back beneath your head and laying down, you return your gaze to the sky above.
  1876. > Now you understand Dash's questioning your asking her to join you earlier.
  1877. "When I was flying cargo runs, there was a lot of time when I wasn't doing anything. Just... waiting. Waiting to get moving, to get somewhere, to get your reward..."
  1878. > Shrugging lightly (or something like it, in your laid-back position).
  1879. "You had to learn how to put everything aside and accept that things were in motion, and as long as something was happening, not to let yourself burn up over it."
  1880. > "But nothing is happening! You're just laying there, and-"
  1881. > Rolling her eyes and huffing exasperatedly, Dash spins on her hooves and marches back into your room.
  1882. > For a moment you think about calling after her, but in the end decide not to.
  1883. > It wasn't surprising Dash couldn't put aside her emotions so easily; she'd never been forced to sit still the way you had.
  1884. > And in the end, yous supected she was only worried about you - which was reassuring in a way.
  1885. > Eyes slide back shut again and you return to your light napping...
  1886. > ...only to find that Dash's own jumpiness had apparently infected you, as suddenly the day's concerns are far more tenaciously clinging to your mind.
  1887. > Growling softly, you get up and wander back inside.
  1888. > No chance of getting that moment free of worry now.
  1889. > Well, it was a few hours early, but you supposed you could go pester Chrysalis now.
  1890. --------
  1891. > "You've been busy, I see."
  1892. "And you haven't? I'd be rather concerned if you weren't approaching an incident of this degree with all of your resources."
  1893. > Snarling, the Changeling queen leaps from her lounging spot and stalks towards the camera, jagged horn aglow.
  1894. > "Do not ever imply that I take the lives of my children less than perfectly seriously!"
  1895. > Your hands rise defensively.
  1896. "I implied nothing of the sort. I know you wouldn't skimp on handling an incident of this caliber, but it does reinforce the need to get to Chissik first, before she can leak the nature of our plan."
  1897. > "Yessss..."
  1898. > Her reply still sounds somehow annoyed, as if the subject itself annoyed Chrysalis somehow.
  1899. "I hope you understand, if it comes between Chissik's life and mine, I will kill her before I allow the princesses to question her. I don't want that anymore than you, though, so cooperation really is your best bet here."
  1900. > "What makes you think that I do not want Chissik's head to rest on a spike?"
  1901. > Leaning back in your seat, you snort and fold your arms.
  1902. "Because honestly, I don't see you as someone to let a traitor go that quickly. Especially not her - not after she humiliated you in front of the princesses."
  1903. > Chrysalis' ear twitches, and you know you've hit on something.
  1904. "You don't need to see her die with your own eyes. But you want to, and I'm willing to give you that if you work with me."
  1905. > "...fine."
  1906. > Straightening up, the changeling monarch returns to her original lounge and seats herself facing the camera.
  1907. > "But understand this, Anonymous. I work with you; I do not work for you. I will grant you assistance in playing your charade with the princesses, but do not ever think to try and control me."
  1908. "...I wouldn't think of it."
  1909. > "Yes, you would."
  1910. > Smirking with a look that manages to send a shiver down your spine even through the screen.
  1911. > "Do not think I'm not so foolish as to understand what you do, Anonymous. We changelings have survived on subterfuge and manipulation. You should not lie to me."
  1912. > Not it is your turn to laugh.
  1913. "Fair enough, I suppose. But there is truth in this: I've no interest in trying to rule you. My goals are much less grand - much shorter term. You don't have to worry about any attempts to conquer you."
  1914. > "That may be, but you have already taken Chissik from me."
  1915. "I have? I returned her to you."
  1916. > "And who do you think is responsible for her sudden decision to turn her back on her monarch?"
  1917. "Please - she spoke of nothing but her loyalty to you for the entire time she was here."
  1918. > That, of course, is not entirely true.
  1919. > There had been that reference to wanting to get out and see more of the world...
  1920. > How much of that might be driving her current actions?
  1921. > "And you expect me to believe this is the truth, Anonymous?
  1922. > Chrysalis' eyes narrow to iridescent slits, her fangs on full display.
  1923. > "Whatever she may have said to you, the fact is that Chissik has turned her back on me - her queen, her monarch!"
  1924. "Then give me the chance to make it up by helping you find her."
  1925. > "Chance? No - I expect you will put your full effort into this."
  1926. > Your eyebrows rise; a few moments earlier, it seemed like she'd barely wanted you to be mixed up in this.
  1927. > Why the change...?
  1928. "And if I do get my hands on her?"
  1929. > "You will give her to me."
  1930. > It's not a question, or even an order - it's a statement of fact.
  1931. "I'll have to keep acting upset, to keep up the appearance that I want Chissik's head as well."
  1932. > "Fine. Why should I care?"
  1933. "Just letting you know so it isn't a surprise. I'd hate for another... misunderstanding to come between us."
  1934. > Letting out a most un-royal-like snort, Chrysalis nods.
  1935. > "Whatever the reason."
  1936. "Then I'll reach out to you again when I have another step ready."
  1937. > With the queen dealt with, you shift to other matters.
  1938. > The first batches of the refined materials were already underway.
  1939. > It'd be just barely enough to start paying off your business partners, but after that first delivery...
  1940. > For the first time in a long time you allow yourself the thought of having a fully-functioning, fully-repaired vessel to work with.
  1941. > A luxury you had not allowed yourself in far, far too long for fear of allowing the logical thought that it could never happen to crush you.
  1942. > But now...
  1943. > Hell, if you were lucky maybe you could even keep all of what you'd built down here.
  1944. > Maybe...
  1945. > Maybe you didn't have to leave.
  1946. > Maybe you could come back.
  1947. > That was an interesting thought - come back with a stronger position, a better place to negotiate from.
  1948. > Set up your own little trading monopoly on this world.
  1949. > Certainly a few of their 'magic' trinkets could be sold for fortunes back home, if you could get them there safely.
  1950. > The princesses would try to stop you, of course, but you'd already stalled them with little chance of success.
  1951. > And-
  1952. > "Master?"
  1953. > Dash's voice snaps you out of the drift, and immediately you realize the huge - gaping, even - hole in your logic.
  1954. > What would Dash do?
  1955. > As long as that the question of going home had been out of mind, the question of what would become of her had also been a non-issue.
  1956. > And as much as her current state was her fault, a flicker of concern also ran through your mind.
  1957. > If you departed permanently...
  1958. > ...you couldn't see Dash ever faring well.
  1959. > The glimpse you'd seen was enough of a hint to suggest what she'd be like if you vanished entirely.
  1960. > If she could not keep herself sane by stalking just out of your sight and planning ways to win your attention back.
  1961. > "Err, master?"
  1962. > Glancing back, you spot the pegasus standing in the doorway.
  1963. > Her expression, however, is far stronger than you'd expected it to be.
  1964. > Worry had creased deep lines into her muzzle that are only beginning to fade as you respond.
  1965. "Just lost in thought, Dash. Didn't mean to ignore you."
  1966. > Reassurance provided by your words speeds away the fear.
  1967. > "O-Oh. I was just coming in, since it sounded like you were done..."
  1968. "I am."
  1969. > You pat your lap.
  1970. "Come here, Dash."
  1971. > She does, leaping up onto your seat to settle in a spot you make by shifting to one side - too relieved by your apparent return to work and cooled temper to question the reversal of your earlier promise.
  1972. > "What were you thinking about, Master?"
  1973. "Oh, nothing important."
  1974. > Except that this had only reaffirmed how badly Dash would be destroyed if you up and left.
  1975. > Especially if she knew it was your decision.
  1976. > But what else could you do?
  1977. > Separate her entirely from her friends and have her travel with you?
  1978. > Possible... but that could leave her just as badly damaged as not.
  1979. > Reaching down, you stroke your hand through Dash's mane - fingers scratching around her ears, making them flick and twitch.
  1980. > Head nudging up into your hand in response, she closes her eyes contentedly and extends a wing across your legs.
  1981. > Chuckling softly at the display, you run your hand back to scratch at the loose spot of fur between her wings.
  1982. "Nothing to worry about, Dash. Just thinking about the future."
  1983. > And that was the point, you supposed.
  1984. > It still was the future, far off and distant.
  1985. > Maybe you had a point in keeping that sort of thing out of mind.
  1986. > Best to focus on today's worries - like staying alive and unimprisoned - and let those bigger questions lie until they actually became immediate.
  1987. --------
  1988. "Cutting off the main engines... now."
  1989. > With a dying hiss the thrusters cut off, acceleration releasing its grip and freeing you from being pressed against the seat.
  1990. > Beside you, Dash releases her own deathgrip on her flight couch as she forces herself to relax.
  1991. > A better reaction that her first experience with zero-G.
  1992. "You alright over there, Dash?"
  1993. > "I'm... yeah."
  1994. > Reaching over, you put a gentle hand on her wing and squeeze reassuringly.
  1995. > Her muscles are still rigid beneath your fingers.
  1996. "It's okay, Dash."
  1997. > "I know. I'm cool, I promise."
  1998. > Drawing back your hand with a smile, you instead point up to the main viewscreen.
  1999. > The planet filled most of it, hanging above you like a giant darkened shield - barely lit by the scattered glow of Equestria's largest cities.
  2000. "We'll be making rendezvous in a little over an hour."
  2001. > "Uh-huh."
  2002. > Her attention isn't really with you, though.
  2003. > Instead - as planned - Dash's focus has been diverted to the planet hanging above.
  2004. > Following her eyes - you find her fixated on one of the points of light glimmering out from it.
  2005. > An ember on a lone mountain, surrounded by weaker sparks.
  2006. > Canterlot.
  2007. > "Master?"
  2008. "Hmm?"
  2009. > "D'you think - could I -"
  2010. > She hesitates, and you remain quiet - waiting for her to complete her thought.
  2011. > "If I talked to Princess Celestia, d'you think I could - would she understand? That fighting you isn't the best way to do it?"
  2012. "Do what?"
  2013. > "Well - like -"
  2014. > Dash hesitates, then slowly closes her mouth.
  2015. > A small smile touches you lips; she is finally beginning to understand.
  2016. "It's easy to say, Dash. Trust me, I understand that. But I think more than anything else, Celestia believes that she has to be in control of everything to assure your safety. To assure all ponies' safety."
  2017. > "She never controlled-"
  2018. "Think before you say that, Dash."
  2019. > Your tone is harder than you'd expected, and Dash flinches back from it - sudden movement pulling her away from you in the microgravity.
  2020. > "I - she didn't ever try to control us..."
  2021. "Not directly, no. But - from everything you've told me, everything I've heard, I think she's had a greater hand - hoof - in your life than you're willing to admit."
  2022. > "Luna too?"
  2023. "No. She's too direct. She wants to control everything, but doesn't understand how to."
  2024. > Dash looks away, back down at the planet drifting by.
  2025. > She doesn't speak a word, but you can tell she isn't buying it.
  2026. > Some corner of her mind still clung to the idea of the Princesses as immutable, enduring good.
  2027. > Her friends - they were known to her, all their flaws and mistakes.
  2028. > The Princesses, though?
  2029. > They were an abstract, more an idea than an individual.
  2030. > Freeing yourself from the flight couch, you drift over to Dash and pull her against you again - wings and mane pressing into your belly and chest.
  2031. "I know I could be... heavy handed at times with my discipline. But I assure you, it was no less present than Celestia or Luna's."
  2032. > Though she leans back into you almost reflexively, you can still feel the uneasiness coiling in Dash's body.
  2033. "My only crime is being direct about enforcing that control - telling you exactly what for and how you are being punished or rewarded."
  2034. > Dash shudders softly, and you get the feeling she might dispute that claim.
  2035. > If so, however, she keeps her mouth shut on it.
  2036. > Instead she asks:
  2037. > "But, she let you go to that big thing in Fillydelphia..."
  2038. > And you'd had to apply both a carrot in the form of Dash's presence and stick in the risk of splitting Cadance from her dear aunt to gain.
  2039. "No doubt she was factoring that into her plans as well. A reward for my 'good behavior'."
  2040. > With an unhappy noise Dash wriggles around to bury her head in your shoulder.
  2041. > Apparently she'd not thought of it that way.
  2042. "I know it might have looked like just an act of kindness, but with someone like her... there is no simple kindness. Everything is calculated."
  2043. > " 'guess."
  2044. > Her voice is muffled, but even so you can hear the unhappiness in it.
  2045. > "M'not too good at doing all that fancy calculating..."
  2046. > That, at least, was true.
  2047. > Dash was far too impulsive, far too emotional to ever make a good player of games.
  2048. "Perhaps, but you have your own internal strength. You've managed to hold on to yourself even through all of this. Even through your friends abandoning you."
  2049. > As you talk, you reach down and slip your fingers up beneath her collar.
  2050. > Feeling the bunched-up mane held captive beneath the steel's grip, and the subtle ridges of her spine beneath even that.
  2051. > This at last manages to get Dash to raise her head again, neck arching and a gentle coo escaping her lips at the touch.
  2052. > "Tha's not that special..."
  2053. > Her voice is a low mumble, eyes half closed - though whether in pleasure or contemplation, you aren't sure.
  2054. > "...after all, y'managed t'keep y'own head when you'd lost everything."
  2055. "Barely. And only with time."
  2056. > "Y'did, though. That's pretty damn good."
  2057. > Her head turns away, and you swear there's the slightest bit of a blush on Dash's cheeks.
  2058. > "S'better than me. I dunno if I could've gone through that without you."
  2059. > That she wouldn't have gone through it at all without you aside, something else about her is bothering you.
  2060. > Using your hand, you force her to face you - crimson eyes going wide as they meet your own.
  2061. "Are you actually attracted to me, Dash?"
  2062. > Your tone is incredulous, but even so her mouth seems to struggle to spit out any answer whatsoever, instead working soundlessly.
  2063. > A growing fear begins to bubble in your belly.
  2064. > You'd intended to make her dependent on you, but love...
  2065. > An emotion that strong was not so easily controlled.
  2066. > Months ago Chrysalis had said it was just blind, sickly adoration, not romantic love that Dash felt for you.
  2067. > But how much had changed since then?
  2068. > When Dash does finally answer, it is surprisingly articulate.
  2069. > "No. I don't... love you. Don't get me wrong - I know what you mean to me, Master. And - that's a whole lot. But I don't think it's - love. At least, not love like in those mushy romance stories Rarity always used to get so happy about."
  2070. > Her ears fall and muzzle scrunches up, eyes taking on a focused look, voice rising to a mocking tone.
  2071. > " 'Oh, Sweethooves. I can't ever think of anything but you and I getting married and-!' Yeah, it's not that - but, y'do kind of mean a lot to me, so maybe it is? If that even makes sense, I don't-"
  2072. > Cutting Dash off with a chuckle, you lean in to rest your nose and forehead against her muzzle.
  2073. "It makes sense, Dash. I meant the romantic kind of love, which you've answered pretty clearly."
  2074. > "Oh."
  2075. > Dash's flush grows deeper.
  2076. > "Yeah, not like that. Even now, I'm way to cool for that."
  2077. > Evidently the relief you felt had somehow been kept from your face.
  2078. > Of all the things you'd wanted to inspire in Dash, romantic love did not particularly figure among them.
  2079. > It was too temperamental an emotion, too irregular.
  2080. > Though, that gets you wondering.
  2081. > Could you make Dash love you?
  2082. > A small grin flickers across your lips as you decide to try a little something.
  2083. "What if I want that, though?"
  2084. > "I - I don't -"
  2085. "It does get awfully lonely out here, after all..."
  2086. > Dash's grip, which up until that point had been rather relaxed, tightens around you again - all four limbs locking around your torso.
  2087. "...so come to think of it, maybe I do... and you've become so good at being obedie-"
  2088. > "Please."
  2089. > Her ears have pinned straight back and her voice is not the undignified, annoyed tone you'd been expecting but a small, terrified one.
  2090. > "That - don't ask that. Order me to do that..."
  2091. > You
  2092. "Oh? Afraid you couldn't-"
  2093. > Dash's voice trembles.
  2094. > "N-No. I - I don't. I don't, but I could."
  2095. "Could?"
  2096. > Now you are genuinely interested.
  2097. > If she could love you, why does she sound so... fearful.
  2098. "Explain, Dash."
  2099. > Instead she buries her muzzle in your shoulder, ears still flat against the side of her head and tail flicking nervously, a vibrant explosion of flowing color in the microgravity.
  2100. > Words are mumbled inaudibly into your shirt; rather than force her up again, you run your fingers through her mane again and ask gently:
  2101. "Speak up a bit, Dash? I couldn't hear."
  2102. > "...y'could make me."
  2103. > Her voice is raised, yes, but only barely.
  2104. > "You could - change me. Turn me into your - lover."
  2105. > She sounds apprehensive.
  2106. > But, why?
  2107. "And how do you suppose I could do that?"
  2108. > Finally Dash's head rises again, and with the first look at her eyes you understand your mistake.
  2109. > It wasn't mere apprehension in her voice, but a deep and awful terror she was struggling to contain.
  2110. > "How - how you did it before. Changed my mind. Punish me, reward me, make me into somepony different..."
  2111. > Did she really think you could do that?
  2112. > Instill not just empty adoration and dependence, but sincere love for you in her?
  2113. > Rather than answer her directly, you instead reach up to again embrace her head to your chest.
  2114. "Easy, Dash. Easy - I wasn't serious about it. I was just messing with you."
  2115. > Her response comes mumbled into your shirt, and only when you ask her to repeat does she speak up.
  2116. > "I don't believe you. You could - would -"
  2117. "No. I'm not fooling around, not making any jokes anymore. I'm not going to try and force you to become some kind of romantic. Despite what you say, I don't think I could."
  2118. > That seems to pacify her somewhat, as she relaxes and allows her body to conform to yours.
  2119. > Sniffling softly, Dash murmurs out:
  2120. > "I don't want to lose myself again."
  2121. > Your eyebrows rise again.
  2122. "I didn't think you ever lost yourself."
  2123. > "Yes."
  2124. > Her nod has a surprising degree of confidence in it, as do the words that follow.
  2125. > "Every time you put me in that cage I lost everything that made me Rainbow Dash. I wasn't even a pony anymore. Just..."
  2126. > She shudders, burrowing back down against you.
  2127. > As if to reassure herself that what she was feeling was real, that she wasn't lost somewhere back in that personal hell you'd created for her.
  2128. > "Just a screaming, terrified - thing. Every time I came out, I had to try so hard to be myself again. Every time I went in, I was afraid of losing the last thing I'd been able to hold on to."
  2129. > Shushing her gently, you place a soft kiss on her forehead.
  2130. "But you're not there now, Dash. You're up here, with me. Alive, safe, and definitely yourself."
  2131. > Or as much of her 'self' was left now, anyhow.
  2132. > Dash had gone quiet, seeming to take her comfort in quietly clinging to you.
  2133. > That alone tells you how far gone she is.
  2134. > No way the energetic, aggressive pony who you'd come charging after you would ever have tolerated anything like that.
  2135. > Not even when the engines fire again to match your orbit with the 'Obstinance' does she react.
  2136. > Not until you raise a finger and point to the viewscreens to show her the larger vessel.
  2137. > Watching the passage of the cargo containers between shuttle and parent-vessel is almost as therapeutic for you as the physical contact had been for Dash.
  2138. > It was only the second delivery of rebuilt parts made possible by your new trade agreement, only the first couple months' work done with probably take a year at least left to go.
  2139. > But despite that, to your eyes the vessel's grievous injuries seemed to be healing already.
  2140. > The worst of the gaping holes in the hull no longer seemed to be such a yawning void, gleaming new parts showing where twisted and ruined metal had once been.
  2141. > So long to go, but the progress made already so encouraging.
  2142. "Soon, Dash..."
  2143. > Your voice is a soft murmur.
  2144. "So very soon."
  2145. > Her attention was still more caught by the planet hanging above you, however.
  2146. > An ocean was passing beneath - vast and dotted by clusters of cloud projecting their shadows across the water below.
  2147. > Somewhere off to the very edge of the planet's curve, you imagined you could see the coast of Equestria coming back into view.
  2148. > Now it was your turn to wonder:
  2149. > Was Twilight Sparkle somewhere down there?
  2150. > Was she peering back up at you with those telescopes she'd set out with, watching the work you were doing on the 'Obstinance'?
  2151. > It was late in the afternoon down there, so you wouldn't exactly be visible.
  2152. > But still...
  2153. > In a silent gesture you tighten your grip on Dash - squeezing her between your arms.
  2154. > Fuck you, Twilight.
  2155. > No way you were going to let her take back Dash.
  2156. > "Master?"
  2157. > Squirming lightly in your grip, Dash looks up at you with worried eyes.
  2158. > "Are you okay?"
  2159. "No."
  2160. > You sigh softly, loosening your arms and allowing her some room to breath again.
  2161. "I'm concerned about all the things out there. All the things that... could happen."
  2162. > "Yeah, I can tell."
  2163. > Leaning her head back against you, Dash flicks her tail to drape it across your shoulder for a few minutes before microgravity fans it out again.
  2164. > "But it's gonna be alright. I'm gonna stick with you until this is all done and no one will be trying to hunt anyone else."
  2165. > A smile is brought to your lips, and you tilt your head to rest it against her as well.
  2166. > Perhaps a second passes before the absurdity of the situation strikes you.
  2167. > The roles you and Dash had played so many times reversed, she now the one comforting and you being comforted.
  2168. "Heh..."
  2169. > "What's up, Master?"
  2170. "Nothing, Dash."
  2171. > You adjust your head and let your smile grow even wider.
  2172. "I just appreciate it, what you do. I really do."
  2173. --------
  2174. "Trixie."
  2175. > You offer a brief smile to the powder blue-mare whose image flickers on the screen, though it's little more than perfunctory.
  2176. "I'm sorry to bother you again so soon, but I'm in need of a bit of information you might have."
  2177. > "Trixie will be helpful, if she can."
  2178. > Her tone is an uncertain one though, as if she already sensed that your inquiry was on a less than pleasant matter.
  2179. > Leaning back in your seat you offer another warm, calming smile.
  2180. "Of course, there will be a reward if your information should prove valuable. Now, do you remember that pony I sent to bring you to Manehattan?"
  2181. > "Ah, yes! She was very helpful-"
  2182. "Have you seen her lately?"
  2183. > Now the showmare hesitates, perhaps taken aback by the intensity of your voice.
  2184. > "Trixie - has not. She departed only a week after seeing that my first show went off successfully. And what a show it was-"
  2185. "Departed? Without any reason?"
  2186. > "She - she told Trixie there was more work to be done for you? She was working for you, wasn't she?"
  2187. "Naturally. Did she take anything with her? Or bring anything unusual with her when you went to Manehattan?"
  2188. > Again Trixie hesitates, the showmare seeming to think quite hard on that question.
  2189. > "Trixie... cannot say."
  2190. > The answer shows some hesitation as well, but not out of confusion.
  2191. > Something is not being said.
  2192. > Folding your hands calmly, you lid your eyes and fix the mare with a forceful, yet calm look.
  2193. "Trixie, if there is anything you suspect."
  2194. > "That mare..."
  2195. > Raising her chin, Trixie cannot help but take on something of a proud air to her.
  2196. > "Trixie knows how to control ponies' attention - distraction, disorientation, get them to look at what you want."
  2197. "Your point being?"
  2198. > Leaning in until her face fills the screen, Trixie scowls darkly.
  2199. > "Your pony lead Trixie around like a foal after a sugar cube."
  2200. "Explain."
  2201. > "So many things Trixie should have noticed - by the time we arrived in Manehattan it was like Trixie had known her for all of Trixie's life, we were so friendly!"
  2202. > In passing, you wonder how Chissik had managed to placate the intolerable mare.
  2203. > "And then - things Trixie should have noticed. Should have questioned! The long trips out to wherever she vanished, the jars whose contents she wouldn't ever explain, the strange ponies she brought home-"
  2204. "That. Wait. That bit about strange ponies - who?"
  2205. > "Trixie did not recognize them. Did not even think about recognizing them."
  2206. > Again the showmare frowns, her eyes narrowing.
  2207. > "It was like - like they were a normal part of life!"
  2208. "Nothing to recognize them by?"
  2209. > Shaking her head, she screws up her muzzle into a distinct grimace and stares off into the distance.
  2210. > "They - they weren't ever the same ponies. At least, Trixie doesn't think so..."
  2211. "And you didn't feel the need to report this to someone when you did realize it?
  2212. > "You - you have to understand. Trixie is keeping herself out of trouble of any kind. She doesn't want any part of any problem!
  2213. > Hesitating, she fixes her gaze on you again.
  2214. > "That pony wasn't some kind of - of criminal, was she? Trixie will have you know she may have made - mistakes in the past, but she is a clean mare now! She won't be part of anything like that!"
  2215. > You're nearly about to remind her that she was the one provoking a panic in Fillydelphia at your behest, but cut yourself off instead.
  2216. > Provoking her would not be a good idea, not when you needed her help.
  2217. > And you absolutely do.
  2218. > Strange ponies over, never the same?
  2219. > Whatever Chissik was planning, it seemed to involve more Changelings in Equestria than you'd estimated at first.
  2220. > Just how many spies had Chrysalis sent back in?
  2221. > You'd suspected a few, but this...
  2222. > Muttering a swear under your breath prompts Trixie's ears to pin back angrily.
  2223. > "Well, if that's-"
  2224. "No, it's not you. The truth is, Trixie, I believe that mare may very well have been doing something else in addition to her work for me. Yes, something criminal."
  2225. > Cutting her question off before it can come, you wave a hand pointedly.
  2226. "And that's actually the reason why I am hunting her as well. I'm sure you've heard of my business announcement several weeks back? Well, I won't be having that mare impuning my reputation."
  2227. > "Trixie... understands."
  2228. "Then you understand why I need you to tell me if anything more important comes to mind about her. Pass it on to me, and I will see too it nothing ill comes to you for having been part of this."
  2229. > Visibly relaxing, Trixie nods.
  2230. > "Undoubtedly. Where should Trixie send it?"
  2231. "The stallion you are speaking to is fine; he is a business partner of mine in Manehattan. Don't worry about wandering into his office - he will always make some time for you, won't he?"
  2232. > "Of course, Mr. Anonymous."
  2233. > You let a small degree of darkness touch your smile.
  2234. > Of course.
  2235. > He'd be risking his part in your very lucrative trade agreement otherwise.
  2236. "Then I'll look forward to hearing from you. Mr. Ledger, if you would?"
  2237. > The feed cuts out, leaving you alone with your thoughts.
  2238. > "She's not telling us everything."
  2239. > Or, almost alone anyhow.
  2240. > Dash lounges off to the side, her forelegs crossed one over another and head resting atop them.
  2241. > "I dunno what she's doing now, but I reeeally don't trust that mare."
  2242. "Mmm."
  2243. > With a beckoning gesture you bring Dash back to your lap, a hail to which she enthusiastically responds.
  2244. > Curling up there, Dash lets her tail flick against your chest and props her chin on the desk to continue studying your screens.
  2245. > Ever since returning from her second journey into space - brief as it had been - Dash had become especially attached to your presence.
  2246. > Was it the reminder that you'd eventually be leaving when the repairs were completed?
  2247. > Or perhaps your own nervousness had begun to bleed out into her?
  2248. > Again her tail flicks.
  2249. "There's something on your mind, isn't there?"
  2250. > "I just..."
  2251. "Go ahead. I'm curious."
  2252. > "I knew that Changeling was bad news!"
  2253. > All at once she seems to erupt, head whirling around to fix you with a glare.
  2254. > "From the second she broke out of her room and snuck up into ours that first night, I knew she'd be nothing but problems!"
  2255. > A hoof is gently tapped on your chest - as if Dash wishes she could rap you rather harder, but is afraid of striking her master.
  2256. > "That's how they always work! She was always going to turn on us eventually! I could see it from the first moment, and-"
  2257. > Hesitation halts her - Dash wondering if she'd gone too far with you.
  2258. > When no punishment comes, however, her emotion swells up again and the tirade continues.
  2259. > "-and I wish I'd said more back then, because I knew! I knew, and she wasn't going to stay on our side, but I was too afraid to say anything and..."
  2260. > Here you raise a hand, brushing Dash's cheek and bringing her to a pause.
  2261. "I know, Dash. I know. I admit I was taken off-guard by Chissik striking out on her own, rather than going back to her queen, but I did expect her to turn."
  2262. > "Then why even -"
  2263. "Because right at that moment, Dash, I needed her. She could do things - make moves in this game - that no one else could."
  2264. > A small smile touches you face as you add:
  2265. "I imagine there are a fair few thinking the same thing about me. That they'd rather not deal with me, but have to."
  2266. > Dash lowers her eyes, but her tail is still flicking about.
  2267. > She is, clearly, not placated by your explanation.
  2268. > "I'm just... worried about all this. She knows to much about you - way to much! And-"
  2269. "Dash."
  2270. > Cupping her head in both your hands, you fix her with a firm look.
  2271. "I'm going to be okay, alright?"
  2272. > For just a second she doesn't seem to know how to answer.
  2273. > Then she nods a vague, uncertain nod followed by a rather more confident one a moment later.
  2274. > "If you promise."
  2275. "Very demanding tone, coming from you."
  2276. > One eyebrow rises and Dash flushes, burying her head in your chest again.
  2277. > "Right, sorry. I'm just... worried."
  2278. "Good. Some concern is natural, and shouldn't be ignored. But don't let it control you either."
  2279. > Ruffling her mane lightly, you turn back to your screens and bring up the next matter clamoring for your attention.
  2280. > Reading through it, your smile slowly fades and turns to a questioning frown.
  2281. "That's... odd."
  2282. > "What is it, master?"
  2283. "Just an alert from the 'Obstinance'. After we left it was boosting back to a higher orbit to keep out of sight, but..."
  2284. > Leaning in, your eyes rove over the data coming in as you try to piece together the picture.
  2285. > "But?"
  2286. "Nothing serious - just strange. It had to put more thrust into the maneuver than was normal."
  2287. > "Is there something wrong with it?"
  2288. > The outright nervousness in Dash's tone manages to bring a small grin to your lips.
  2289. "No, I don't think so. I had it run through a self-diagnostic just to be sure, but as is it seems like it just had to put an extra three or four percent thrust into making the maneuver."
  2290. > Shrugging gently, you stroke back her mane.
  2291. "Maybe a gravitational anomaly, something related to how your princesses move the sun and moon around here? Either way, it was well within the limits of maximum thrust - there wasn't ever a danger of it falling down or anything."
  2292. > A small, relieved sigh leaves Dash's lips, and you chuckle.
  2293. "Your concern really is adorable, you know that Dash?"
  2294. --------
  2295. > "Master?"
  2296. > Dash's muzzle - silken soft, her breath puffing warm against your skin - brushes against your neck.
  2297. > Groaning softly, you roll in bed - shifting onto your side to face the sudden brushing sensation.
  2298. > Her cheek meets yours for a moment, breath washing across your face.
  2299. "Whaizzit, Dash?"
  2300. > Your tired mumble is barely understandble, but apparently coherent enough for her.
  2301. > "I... can't sleep..."
  2302. > Several long seconds pass while you process this information at a typically lethargic state for someone in your state.
  2303. "...do I gotta put y'outside again, Dash?"
  2304. > Even through the covers you can feel her stiff, coat bristling at the thought.
  2305. > Squeezing the bridge of your nose to force back the haze from your thoughts, you shake your head.
  2306. "Relax, Dash. I haven't actually done that for... ages. But is it that bad that y'had t'wake me up right now?"
  2307. > She doesn't reply, but huddles further down against you.
  2308. > You take that as a 'yes'.
  2309. > Propping yourself up on an elbow, you reach out and pull Dash's head onto your chest.
  2310. "Talk to me."
  2311. > "I'm... what happens when you've gotta go, master?"
  2312. > Well.
  2313. > That was blunt.
  2314. > More blunt than you'd been expecting by far.
  2315. > "I've been really, really not thinking about it - but now - now that it's really happening -"
  2316. > She halts there, and you feel a small tremble rack Dash's body.
  2317. > "-now I dunno what to do."
  2318. > You can certainly understand why that'd keep her up at night.
  2319. > "Going back... it won't be right. I mean, I could see that with Rarity even when I just stayed with her that one time. She - we never really did get perfectly along, you know?"
  2320. > No, you don't.
  2321. > But mentioning that wouldn't be good right now, so your lips stay firmly silenced.
  2322. > "She was always doing her fancy-schmancy dress stuff or whatever. Even when we were doing something else, she was thinking about it. But back there? She was just - completely focused on trying to satisfy me. On pleasing me."
  2323. > As she talks, you start to run your fingers around the bases of Dash's ears.
  2324. > Though near-impossible to see in the pitch darkness of the night, you can feel that they are laid flat down against either side of her head.
  2325. > "It was just so... not her. And not me either, to just sit there and take it. And - and if I go back, they're all going to be like that. Afraid. Of me, I mean. Or, for me. Treating me like I'm some kind of... of broken doll!"
  2326. > Well, you wouldn't dispute the broken part.
  2327. "I thought you understood by now, Dash. Your 'friends' don't really care about you."
  2328. > "I do! But - I guess - I kinda..."
  2329. > She hesitates.
  2330. > "I want to show them I'm not just some broken doll. I'm not something to be pitied and pampered; I'm still me. I'm still Rainbow Dash!"
  2331. > Is it her friends she wants to prove it to, you wonder, or you?
  2332. > Confronting you would of course be well beyond what she dared to do, of course.
  2333. > But if she transferred her anger, her desire to prove she was undamaged, to others...
  2334. > Well, you wouldn't exactly be complaining.
  2335. "Wouldn't the best way to go then be to not go crawling back to them? Not force yourself to do what they expect?"
  2336. > "But if you go away, where else will I go?"
  2337. > No avoiding that topic, it seems.
  2338. > And the unfortunate truth is, you don't have an answer either.
  2339. > Suggest she prove she isn't broken by heading out on her own?
  2340. > But she is broken, and you very much desire to keep her that way.
  2341. > To bind her tighter to your side.
  2342. > Suggest she come with you?
  2343. > The idea almost draws a snort from you.
  2344. > Your ship might have been able to hold her own against mediocre raiders looking for easy threats, but Dash would attract attention.
  2345. > And not just because of that riotously-colored mane she wore.
  2346. > There'd be no defending against the larger predators that would begin to circle when word of her appearance spread.
  2347. > Could you remain here?
  2348. > No.
  2349. > Even if not for the danger presented by the alicorns, you missed your real home.
  2350. > Every way you look, there is no solution.
  2351. > And yet, Dash is no idiot - headstrong, but not an idiot.
  2352. > She would read through a non-answer to the real meaning beneath it in a moment.
  2353. > So instead, you are honest.
  2354. "The truth is, Dash, I don't know. I... when I captured you, decided to teach you this lesson, I never planned out this far. It was a stopgap. I still don't have a solution."
  2355. > A risky thing, presenting yourself as not infallible and all-prepared.
  2356. > But then again, she has seen you brought down by three children.
  2357. > Whatever she views you as, it is not infallible.
  2358. > Running your hand back from between her ears, you start to stroke down her neck, through the strands of her mane instead.
  2359. "I'm sorry. I understand this must trouble you a lot, if you woke me up in the middle of the night for it. And I know it must be worrying to hear that I don't know either. But-"
  2360. > "Actually."
  2361. > Her voice is shaky, and you can hear the tears even if you can't feel them dampening your shirt yet.
  2362. > "I - I dunno, maybe this doesn't make any sense. I'm - kinda glad."
  2363. "Glad?"
  2364. > "That - you're not holding anything back, y'know? That you - you don't have anything you're not telling me just to see me worry."
  2365. > Would she believe that?
  2366. > Then again, you'd always held your cards close.
  2367. "As much as that may be, I wish I did have an answer."
  2368. > Dash shifts again, seeming to try and burrow in deeper against you.
  2369. > A moment later, she gives up - instead opting to lift her head from your chest and lift her forehooves to rest on your shoulders before settling back down, her muzzle now fully resting against your neck.
  2370. > "I don't want to see you go."
  2371. "I know, Dash."
  2372. > You sigh gently.
  2373. "I know."
  2374. > Tracing a hand along her barrel to find a wing pinioned against her side, you gently extend it until it is laid across your belly.
  2375. > From there, you let your fingers work their way down the muscled limb.
  2376. > The delicate gown of downy feathers covering muscle, tendon, and bone does little to hide them from your fingers, and soon you are feeling your way along the edge of a long primary feather.
  2377. > With all but a couple of the once-clipped feathers now gone and replaced with fresh ones Dash's wings had returned to a much more regular, sleek appearance.
  2378. > As you brush along each feather in turn, you can feel her cheek heating against your neck.
  2379. > Yet, no sign of protest comes from her.
  2380. > If anything, her forehooves relax slightly from the somewhat tense lock they had been in over your shoulders.
  2381. "Trust me, Dash, I'm well aware. Why don't you try to go to sleep again, and in the morning we can get back to work - trying to figure out a way out of this?"
  2382. > "Alright."
  2383. > She doesn't sound entirely convinced, and you can feel her breath brushing against you neck as she heaves a heavy sigh.
  2384. > "Yeah, alright."
  2385. > It takes a bit more stroking - even after you were certain you'd aligned every one of her feathers twice over - but eventually her breathing does slow and drop to the regular pace of a calm sleeper once again.
  2386. > Joining her in that state yourself takes rather longer.
  2387. --------
  2388. > Unfortunately, nothing much came of it that morning.
  2389. > Nor the next.
  2390. > In fact, the following few days are little more than a series of smaller deals cut interspersed between much longer periods of pouring through data to try and come to clearer conclusions.
  2391. > The tiny pull the Obstinance had been given as it burned out to a further orbit was increasingly weighing on your mind.
  2392. > Not even a proper yank, more like a nudge.
  2393. > You'd had a fair idea who was responsible, but at the same time Twilight trying to do something to the starship seemed... unlikely.
  2394. > She would have to deliver a shove orders of magnitude more powerful than that had been, and at a far different range, if she were to try and actually damage it.
  2395. > And the risk of provoking a hostile reaction from you seemed to great - even the Princess of Friendship had understood that.
  2396. > What, then?
  2397. > An accidental grab?
  2398. > A test?
  2399. > For what?
  2400. > What meaning would she find in a test that could never meaningfully be followed up on?
  2401. > Was it intended for something else?
  2402. > Moving another object in orbit?
  2403. > Trying to hurl another orbital object at the Obstinance was a possibility, you supposed, but Twilight would be sorely disappointed if that were her goal.
  2404. > Then again, she knew it was mobile; perhaps she'd prepared a contingency?
  2405. > So many unknowns...
  2406. > At least the next load of ore had arrived and been sent in for processing, and in turn the next load of finished components sent up to continue the repairs.
  2407. > One step closer to the point at which you could permanently assure your safety.
  2408. > No clear breakthrough comes, however, until the day a comm line pings open from the unit you'd sent to the Crystal Empire.
  2409. > Pausing a moment to settle yourself and adopt the appropriate persona, you open the line.
  2410. > Immediately, however, you cannot help but raise your eyebrows.
  2411. > Cadance, when she appears, looks...
  2412. > Troubled.
  2413. > Extremely so.
  2414. > When she finally realizes the line is open and looks up at you, there is no effort to even hide her perturbed expression.
  2415. "Your Highness. Is there something I may help you with?"
  2416. > "Yes."
  2417. > Voice curt and clipped, she jumps straight to the point:
  2418. > "Chrysalis has been sneaking out of her hive and heading south into Equestria proper. She has come and gone several times now."
  2419. > Well.
  2420. > That had not been what you were expecting.
  2421. > "I don't know what she is up to, nor why she travels alone and not even with a hoof-full of her changelings. She must understand we can feel her leaving the Crystal Heart's influence, but..."
  2422. "And why tell me this? Why not end your treaty and go dig her out?"
  2423. > "Not everything is an excuse for war, Anonymous."
  2424. > Grunting, you tap a finger on your desk.
  2425. "So. Odds are she's after her rogue infiltrator - going to perform the hunt herself."
  2426. > "That is what we thought initially. But after incorporating the flight time - she simply isn't gone for long enough to get anything significant done. No more than a few hours on the ground."
  2427. "Investigating specific leads, hoping for the grab?"
  2428. > "She seems to head in the same direction each time."
  2429. > Rubbing your chin, you opt to change the topic:
  2430. "Alright, I admit - this isn't so easily brushed off. Why tell me? Why not tell your greater Princesses?"
  2431. > Cadance's eyes fall, face darkening.
  2432. > "I have. I sent two letters to my aunt, detailing the situation and requesting assistance. Do you know what I heard of it?"
  2433. > Eyes flick back up to the camera, and you can see the true fear lurking behind their guarded appearance.
  2434. > "Nothing of the first one, and a from the second simple letter assuring me that she is aware of the situation."
  2435. > That takes a few moments to percolate through your mind.
  2436. > Is Celestia setting a trap for Chrysalis?
  2437. > Your opening of negotiations between the Changeling swarm and the Crystal Empire had been a proud feather in your cap.
  2438. > If she could get Chrysalis to break that, to remove your achievement...
  2439. "...okay. I will admit, this is... uncertain. But, why tell me? In fact, I'm pretty sure telling me is probably breaking a law-"
  2440. > "I am telling you because I am afraid, Anonymous."
  2441. > Her hooves are folded in front of her, face kept calm in a perfect vision of royal poise.
  2442. > Yet, her tone betrays the truth in those words.
  2443. > "Chrysalis views Equestrians as food, but she hates Shining and I. If she is planning something, the Crystal Empire - my ponies - will be her foremost target."
  2444. "Not to mention the Crystal Heart. You do not have faith in it, or your husband?"
  2445. > Cadance's brows narrow, her tone darkening.
  2446. > "I have absolute faith in him, Anonymous. But I do not know what new tricks Chrysalis may pull - and I also respect her abilities. She subdued me once, and I cannot say I would win if I faced her alone again."
  2447. "You view this as worth risking bringing me into it over."
  2448. > "Protecting the Crystal Ponies is my duty. I have to assure their safety."
  2449. > An unusually open and frank talk - more trust than you were used to, especially from an alicorn.
  2450. "...very well. I will look into Chrysalis' actions; obviously knowing if she is going to set anything into motion would to my benefit as well."
  2451. > "And your cost for doing this?"
  2452. "Aside from the value of that information itself?"
  2453. > Your eyes narrow slightly.
  2454. "I need to know this: Where is Twilight Sparkle, Your Highness?"
  2455. > Cadance's jolt at your question - at your tone - is only barely seen, but it is there.
  2456. > "...I don't know."
  2457. "Please. If you cannot tell me, simply say so. Given the openness with which we've been communicating, I would respect that more than-"
  2458. > "No! I genuinely, honestly don't know."
  2459. > Fear is creeping back into Cadance's emotions, her eyes again falling and wings shuffling nervously.
  2460. > "She's just vanished. I wish I could find her, because I know what Twilight's like when she gets focused on something and goes off chasing it like this..."
  2461. "Do you know what she is doing?"
  2462. > "Looking for your vessel, I know that much. Beyond that..."
  2463. > No more than you, then.
  2464. > Though that does bring up the question of how Cadance knew about it.
  2465. "Looking, and maybe more. Someone 'tapped' my vessel, Your Highness."
  2466. > Her head snaps up, eyes wide and ears laid flat.
  2467. "Now, I'm not going to snap and end it all yet, because it was just a tap and not even a hard one at that. But, Your Highness? That sort of thing does tend to put me on edge, I think we both know exactly who is responsible."
  2468. > It's a point in her favor that Cadance doesn't try to protest, to deny anything.
  2469. > She's obviously aware of the reality of the matter.
  2470. "Since you're unfortunately as much in the dark as I, what I need the most from you is a warning of your own, Cadance."
  2471. > "My own? A warning?"
  2472. "If you hear anything - a whisper, a hint, an obliquest of oblique references to a move being made on me - I need to know right then. Not the next day, not in a few hours, right then."
  2473. > Immediately Cadance's eyes grow narrow.
  2474. > "You're asking me to commit treason, Anonymous."
  2475. "You worked with me when I'd been declared a criminal in Equestria. It'd hardly be the first time you're breaking the law for a greater purpose."
  2476. > "Dealing with you in negotiation is one thing. Informing on a military action is quite another!"
  2477. > She hesitates, then goes on:
  2478. > "And even if you do manage to stop them, do you think that they wouldn't eventually figure out who told you? Realize what I'd done? What would you do then?"
  2479. "I'd very politely point out to them that your actions very likely saved the lives of innumerable ponies and, if anything, should be lauded."
  2480. > Cadance considers you silently for a moment before she sighs and drops her eyes.
  2481. > "I must admit you confuse me at times, Anonymous."
  2482. "...oh?"
  2483. > "You are utterly dismissive of our laws and our ways, and yet seem to expect that ponies will simply... accept your arguments."
  2484. "What I'm proposing is basic logic, Your Highness. An attack stopped before it begins will prevent a great deal of blood from being shed. You are the one who said your ponies' safety is your greatest concern."
  2485. > "Now, it will. But what about..."
  2486. > She pauses, then shakes her head.
  2487. > "Nevermind."
  2488. "Will you give me warning?"
  2489. > "If you can tell me where Chrysalis is going... yes."
  2490. "You swear to this?"
  2491. > "I do."
  2492. > That, you suppose, will be enough.
  2493. > Not the agreement you'd have wanted, but Cadance hadn't decieved you yet.
  2494. "I'll hold you to that."
  2495. > "By my crown and my ponies' safety, I swear it."
  2496. > You blink.
  2497. > Cadance had always said her ponies' safety was chief on her mind.
  2498. "...accepted. The first chance I have, I will send you anything I can dig up."
  2499. > "Pri- Um, Cadance?"
  2500. > You almost jump in your seat - almost.
  2501. > Dash had been utterly silent as she entered your office, or you'd been far too focused on Cadance.
  2502. > She glances up at you awkwardly, as if remembering at the last moment that she should probably have asked for permission to barge in on this conversation.
  2503. > ...eh.
  2504. > You motion her forward, keeping your actions gentle and calm.
  2505. > Unleashing a scolding in front of Cadance probably wasn't the best of ideas.
  2506. > After a moment's hesitation Dash carefully clambers up to join you in the seat and peers into the camera.
  2507. > The barest hint of a flinch crosses Cadance's face at the degree of comfort Dash was showing with you, but it is well-concealed.
  2508. > "Uh, hey, Cadance..."
  2509. > "Rainbow - I'm very glad to see you again."
  2510. > "I, uh... I kind of heard what you were saying..."
  2511. > Oh, yes.
  2512. > You were going to have a bit of a talk with her later on.
  2513. > "...and I need a favor from you?"
  2514. > "Of course, Rainbow Dash. What is it?"
  2515. > "If you, uh, if you do get a chance to speak to Twilight - or, uh, or just send her a letter or whatever - can you pass on a message from me?"
  2516. > "Of course."
  2517. > "Just tell her - tell her, uh, if she remembers that time with a dragon that decided to take a nap right next to Ponyville, and we all went out to try and get rid of it..."
  2518. > Dash hesitates, her voice catch.
  2519. > Nostalgia, or something else?
  2520. > "Tell her - remember how I was ready to go kick that dragon in the nose, but that wasn't what helped in the end. If anything, I made it worse... what helped was talking."
  2521. > She rubs a hoof through her mane, eyes suddenly not on the camera, screen, or yourself but somewhere distant far beyond the walls of your home.
  2522. > "Remind her of that, okay? That maybe talking would be better than just going in kicking this time too."
  2523. > Cadance's eyes soften, apparently having taken note of Dash's distant expression.
  2524. > "Of course, Dash. I will be happy to pass that along."
  2525. > Her eyes flick briefly up to you as well, as if questioning if the message had your approval.
  2526. > Your subtle nod affirms you assent to the message.
  2527. > Why wouldn't you?
  2528. > It's just the kind of thing you want Twilight to hear.
  2529. > "...thanks, Cadance. I just hope she gets what I'm saying."
  2530. "I'm sure she will, Dash."
  2531. > Resting a hand on her head, you pat it lightly before looking back to Cadance.
  2532. "If there is anything else, Your Highness?"
  2533. > "That is it for now, Anonymous. Thank you."
  2534. "And you as well."
  2535. > Long after the screen has gone dark, you sit there with Dash resting sprawled across your legs - her eyes still distant.
  2536. > You'd meant to lecture her on spying on you, but after that?
  2537. > To do so, you think, would be to burn a delicate and badly-needed bridge.
  2538. > At last Rainbow heaves a heavy sigh.
  2539. > "I dunno..."
  2540. "Don't know what, Dash?"
  2541. > "There's... something's about to tip. I... it's like a pegasus sense, y'know? A gut feeling."
  2542. > Her eyes rise to you, wide and plaintive.
  2543. > "It feels just like a real bad storm about to break, except I've no idea where it's coming from or how bad it's about to be, but I know it's there, I know it's coming, and I just hate that I can't see it!"
  2544. "Shhh..."
  2545. > Descending into her mane once again, your hand begins to rub.
  2546. > It seems to do little to alleviate the consternation building like a rubber band stretched taut within Dash, though.
  2547. > "I thought I was just worried about you leaving, but now... seems like no matter what happens, I don't know how I'm going to stay with you."
  2548. "...we'll find a way, Dash. You've been good - I've no reason to send you away or-"
  2549. > That finally seems to click something in Dash's head.
  2550. > She sits up fully now, repositioning herself straddle your legs - hoof rising up to tap your chest.
  2551. > "You have to."
  2552. "What?"
  2553. > "Let me go to Canterlot. Let me tell Celestia not to - to get Twilight to stop. Twilight'll listen to her. Or, Tartarus - maybe she can even get Twilight to come so I can knock some sense into her eggheaded skull!"
  2554. "I thought you were just saying that running in kicking wasn't the best choice."
  2555. > "That's not the point!"
  2556. > Squirming, Dash, shakes her head - wings twitching to the point that she seems to be just about ready to snap them open and start beating them to hover in your face.
  2557. > "I - If you let me go, it'll convince Celestia that there's no point in doing - whatever this is. If she..."
  2558. > A second passes, while she gathers her thoughts and organizes them into coherency.
  2559. > "If she sees me out there, she'll understand I'm not - not just doing it because you told me to! I could show everypony, too! It won't work if I just talk to her on a screen, but if I go-"
  2560. "You might be right, Dash. But I'm also sure that if you go, she will be here to end me in an instant - before I can send the order to the Obstinance..."
  2561. > Shaking your head, you raise a hand to gently rest on her hoof.
  2562. "I'd be done for the second she realizes you're not here. Even before you could get to Canterlot."
  2563. > "But-"
  2564. "Dash. I promise, I'm not going to let anything happen to us. Understand?"
  2565. > Her head falls, hoof dropping from your chest.
  2566. > "But..."
  2567. > She wants to be part of this, you understand.
  2568. > Desperately, terribly, there's a barely controlled need within Dash to do something.
  2569. > To not be just a broken doll, as she'd put it.
  2570. "...look up at me?"
  2571. > After a second, Dash's eyes rise to lock on yours.
  2572. "The most you do - the greatest thing you do to protect me - is by staying here. Understand, Dash?"
  2573. > "...yeah."
  2574. > It takes her a moment to admit that, almost seeming to deflate.
  2575. > "Yeah, I do."
  2576. > A moment's pause, and then you lean over - slipping your arms around Dash to pull her tight against you.
  2577. "But thank you, Dash. For offering. For thinking of me. For all of that."
  2578. --------
  2579. > The first thing that sets your suspicions tingling is a comm call.
  2580. > It comes as you are coasting back down into the atmosphere, another run of new components up to the Obstinance.
  2581. > Perhaps more importantly, it comes from Twilight's comm unit.
  2582. > Or, the one in Ponyville anyhow.
  2583. > Had Twilight somehow managed to slip back in without being noticed?
  2584. > If so, for what purpose?
  2585. > There's a fair degree of trepidation boiling in your stomach as you reach out and open the comm line.
  2586. > It is not the Element of Magic's voice that comes through, however, but Generosity's:
  2587. > "Anonymous?"
  2588. "Ah, Miss Rarity. Hello - I'm sorry I cannot speak to you face-to-face, but it's something of a bad moment."
  2589. > "That is - quite alright, I suppose. Ah, I've been asked to pass on a message to you, however."
  2590. "Oh?"
  2591. > "Yes, from Princess Celestia via Spike. She asks - Spike, dear, do you have the scroll? Yes, here - she urgently asks if you have been part of any other secret negotiations as of late, particularly regarding Chrysalis or her Changelings."
  2592. > Chrysalis?
  2593. > What was Celestia doing with that roach now?
  2594. > Cadance's warning that Celestia was playing a long game against Chrysalis floats in the back of your head.
  2595. > Was this a new step in it?
  2596. "...no. I've not heard from Chrysalis as of late."
  2597. > Though you cannot hear the scratching of a pen over the shuttle's engines, you're quite certain the little lizard was taking down your words.
  2598. "And for that matter, you can add in that if a problem is developing, I'd really rather know about it than be caught by surprise. Put that in, too."
  2599. > "...Spike, could you please - yes, thank you."
  2600. "Thank you, Miss Rarity. If that is all?"
  2601. > "It is, thank you."
  2602. > Such a brief conversation, and yet you can't put it out of mind through the rest of the hour-long descent.
  2603. > Dash is waiting for you the moment you emerge into the house itself after landing, though, and her presence at least puts some comfort in your mind.
  2604. > As long as you were with her and the Obstinance was still in orbit, your safety - your double-measure of security - was still in place.
  2605. > Still, though, your mind is not settled.
  2606. > And Dash can see it.
  2607. > The moment she is close enough, Dash is reared up - one hoof on your chest and the other hovering a short distance from your cheek.
  2608. > "Master? What's wrong?"
  2609. "Something... is afoot, Dash. Someone else is making a next big move in their plot, and I don't know who yet. And it's... worrying me."
  2610. > Her cheek brushes against your leg as she drops down.
  2611. > "What's wrong, Sir...?"
  2612. "Everyone's playing games."
  2613. > Moving further up, you climb the stairs to the second floor - stepping out into the balcony and slumping down against the outside wall.
  2614. > Dash is at your side a moment later, cautiously nuzzling into your side.
  2615. > After a moment you reach over, scratching between her ears.
  2616. "Do you know what the irony is about this, Dash?"
  2617. > She doesn't respond, instead laying her head down on your thigh.
  2618. "If I were back home, I could figure out exactly what was going on here. It wouldn't be hard. I could reliably expect everyone to be looking out for themselves, and themselves alone. Here - here, everyone's trying to do the 'right' thing. Makes things... complicated."
  2619. > "I know what I'll be doing."
  2620. "Oh?"
  2621. > Dash doesn't raise her head - or even open her eyebrows - apparently enjoying the touch of your fingers while she answers.
  2622. > "I"ll be backing you up. That's the right thing for me to do."
  2623. > Chuckling softly, you run a hand along her muzzle.
  2624. "At least there's one soul on this planet looking out for me."
  2625. > Lapsing into silence, you're caught off-guard when Dash suddenly raises her head.
  2626. > "Master - you have to let me go talk to Celestia."
  2627. > Your brows knit, a small frown creeping on to your face.
  2628. "This again, Dash?"
  2629. > "I - I know you told me no-"
  2630. > And there is real fear flickering in her eyes at the prospect of violating your orders.
  2631. > "-but please: I am the only pony in the world that she'll listen to."
  2632. > Dash pauses; when no punishment or rebuke is immediately forthcoming, she goes on:
  2633. > "Let me go to Canterlot. I - Twilight's insistent about planning everything. She wouldn't plan anything without a way to contact home; if I go there she'll hear about it, and-"
  2634. "You're awfully eager to leave me, Dash."
  2635. > The fire within her fades, her entire body seeming to deflate at the remark.
  2636. > "I - I didn't..."
  2637. "I know you don't mean to run away. You had your chance at that... but I'm curious. You were so worried about my leaving; why are you so eager go from me now?"
  2638. > After a moment Dash lifts her eyes to meet yours again, and in those eyes you see an ironclad determination:
  2639. > "Because I know that if I do go, I won't ever stop trying to come back. I'm ready to fight - to do anything - to get back here!"
  2640. > You chuckle gently.
  2641. "Would you fly a shuttle to get back to me?"
  2642. > "I-"
  2643. > Dash halts, her muzzle wrinkling in a little scrunch that brings a grin.
  2644. > "That's no fair! I don't have any idea of how to fly one of those."
  2645. "I know."
  2646. > Leaning over, you rest your cheek against Dash's mane.
  2647. > When you lean back, she follows - leaning up against you to tuck her head into your shoulder.
  2648. > A moment later, she adds more softly:
  2649. > "But I'd fly for you. Y'know, with my own wings."
  2650. "Would you?"
  2651. > "Uh-huh. Absolutely. I'd fly the whole Equestria - nopony could catch me!"
  2652. > Her body language betrays no strong confidence, no sense of the cocksure flyer she'd once been.
  2653. > But her voice, though...
  2654. > There is an ironclad absoluteness, an immutable certainty.
  2655. "You would, wouldn't you? And you could find your way back too."
  2656. > Drawing the compass-watch still anchored to her collar, you tap the button on the back - causing the hands to swirl around.
  2657. > Red to home, blue to you, yellow as the compass needle.
  2658. > Dash tips her head down to watch it as well, nodding.
  2659. > "Yeah... I'd get back. Somehow, I know I'd get back."
  2660. > In the past, you'd have suspected this to be a ploy by Dash to get you to allow her free.
  2661. > Now, though, you knew she was being truthful.
  2662. "You want to?"
  2663. > "Want to what?"
  2664. > She doesn't understand.
  2665. > It's not sarcasm; you've denied her flight for so long that she can't even imagine you'd be offering it to her now.
  2666. "Fly. For me."
  2667. > Dash pulls her head from beneath your chin, peering up with eyebrows knitted.
  2668. > "What, you mean like in the house?"
  2669. "No. Here - outside, right now. Just fly around a bit. You want to? I know you won't try and flee on me."
  2670. > "..."
  2671. > Mind trickling slowly towards realization, Dash opens and closes her mouth fish-like as she struggles to comprehend your question.
  2672. > "...you mean it?"
  2673. "No tricks, no catches. Just come back to me at the end."
  2674. > "You..."
  2675. > Tears glimmer in the corners of her eyes, wings making an excited little shimmy.
  2676. > Shifting to kneel on one knee, you turn her to face the hills surrounding your home.
  2677. "Go on, Dash. Enjoy yourself. At this far... you've earned it."
  2678. > An ecstatic grin on her face, Dash steps the edge.
  2679. > Her wings spread, tail flicking as she prepares herself.
  2680. > One hoof rizes, body dropping into a crouch; her wings make a couple initial beats, and then-
  2681. > She stops.
  2682. > "I... can't."
  2683. "Don't worry about me, Dash."
  2684. > Reaching out, you place a soft hand on her rump.
  2685. "I'm not going to stop you."
  2686. > "I-It's not you..."
  2687. > Dash crumples back to the balcony floor, wings laid flat out to either side of her.
  2688. > "I can't. I just can't... I'm..."
  2689. > She trails off, as if unable to ever admit it - incapable of coming to terms with the fact that the offer she'd just made couldn't be fulfilled.
  2690. > With being barred off from her most basic nature.
  2691. > Seating yourself again, you give a small, low tug on her collar that brings Dash back to your lap.
  2692. > There she collapses, draping herself limply over you.
  2693. > "I'm sorry, Master. You asked me to, and I..."
  2694. "It's okay, Dash. I didn't ask, I offered."
  2695. > Lightly rubbing her back, you can't help but take notice of the strongly-corded muscles just beneath her skin.
  2696. > Dash had certainly kept herself fit even in the depths of her captivity, so it wasn't for fear of being unable to perform that stilled her wings.
  2697. > Nor had she shown any sign of hesitation when you'd told her to be ready to flee Fillydelphia if anything had been tried there.
  2698. > Perhaps that was the difference?
  2699. > Was it that she was lacking a reason, a purpose for flying?
  2700. > Certainly you'd stripped away the self-confidence and drive that'd once fueled her.
  2701. > Maybe then-
  2702. > A comm line's ping pulls you from your rumination.
  2703. > The comp pad is flashing - another incoming call.
  2704. > Twilight's comm unit again.
  2705. > Yet when you open the line, this time with full video, it is not Twilight or even any of the other elements that greets you.
  2706. > Celestia's visage - worn and downcast, as if a tremendous weight had suddenly been laid on her - fills the screen.
  2707. > You're unable to prevent your eyebrows from rising.
  2708. "Your Highness?"
  2709. > "Anonymous, I..."
  2710. > She glances to the side for just a split second.
  2711. > Something flickers in her eyes, but it dies in an instant.
  2712. > "...I need your help. Desperately. Immediately."
  2713. > Her tone is subdued, cracking.
  2714. > Rising, you turn and head for your downstairs office - Dash close on your heels.
  2715. "Explain."
  2716. > "I have made an - an awful mistake. Your drones - they reached Fillydelphia quickly, yes?"
  2717. > Your eyebrows knit.
  2718. > Couldn't she have asked the mayor that?
  2719. "Yes, reasonably quickly."
  2720. > Faster than merely 'quickly' - they'd pushed themselves to sustained cruise speeds that no pony could hope to match, barring teleportation.
  2721. > "Could they reach Cloudsdale, in the same time?"
  2722. > What?
  2723. "At this point, Your Highness, I must ask what is going -"
  2724. > "There is no time for talk! Chrysalis has betrayed her agreement. I expected this, but - listen, every moment we speak my ponies are at risk. As much as we have argued, as deeply as we are divided - I see I must call on your aid now. I need your drone weapons, Anonymous."
  2725. > It is a trap.
  2726. > It is almost certainly a trap.
  2727. > It has to be a trap.
  2728. > There is no reason for it to be anything but a trap.
  2729. "No. You declare me a criminal, persona non grata in Equestria, force me to fight tooth and claw for every victory and every inch I claim from you - then land begging at my feet for my drones to come assist you? I expected something better of you than this obvious ruse, frankly."
  2730. > Your hand is halfway to turning the screen off when she cries out:
  2731. > "Please, Anonymous! I am begging you - please!"
  2732. > Why are you hesitating?
  2733. > The whole thing is blindly clear.
  2734. > But, at the same time...
  2735. > Celestia had done many things before, but never outright begged for your assistance.
  2736. > Could you make use of this?
  2737. > Evade her inevitable trap?
  2738. "Explain."
  2739. > "I... gambled that Chrysalis would act on her hatred of my niece, attack the Crystal Empire where my forces would be prepared and ready to meet her. I was wrong."
  2740. > Celestia's head falls again, wings drooping and mane even seeming to flow flatter.
  2741. > "She's less impulsive than I realized. Chrysalis has lead her army - fresh, fed, and rested from months feeding on the Crystal Heart as part of their accord - south, to Cloudsdale. The guard there - I depleted it, moving them off to hidden garrisons around the Crysal Empire."
  2742. "So move them back south."
  2743. > "It will be too late!"
  2744. > Gaze snapping up, the first glimmers of tears appear in the corners of Celestia's eyes.
  2745. > "The city will be taken, the ponies who live their bent and mesmerized to serve the Changelings, new fortifications built - she does not need to hold the city forever, Anonymous! Just long enough to withhold our weather until we starve!"
  2746. > That was right - Cloudsdale did hold most of Equestria's weather production, didn't it?
  2747. > You'd never totally understood the arcane mechanics behind their harnessing the atmosphere itself, but the implications were clear enough.
  2748. > Seeing the understanding in your eyes, Celestia goes on:
  2749. > "She may even coerce the pegasi there into sending ponies out rogue storms to ruin our crops."
  2750. "And you somehow don't think you can take it back?"
  2751. > "Chrysalis knows my weakness now, Anonymous. She will play on my reluctance to put my captive ponies in danger. And I do not think she will hesitate for a second to drain them beyond recovery if she thinks the city is lost!"
  2752. > Of course.
  2753. > Hostages - the very same tactic you'd been keeping Celestia from turning your own home into a pool of bubbling lava.
  2754. > How ironic you'd possibly given Chrysalis the key to launching her own attack.
  2755. "So you want my drones to attack the city instead."
  2756. > "I want your drones to defend the city, Anonymous. There are still precious hours left until she arrives. It will be days for me to mobilize the Royal Guard in sufficient force to head off her swarm - but your drones, they can be there in hours!"
  2757. "You're asking me a tremendous risk, Celestia. You're going to have to do better than just saying please. I'm going to bring the Obstinance into a closer orbit, do a reconnaisance pass to check for this swarm. If you're telling the truth-"
  2758. > "You will see the swarm, Anonymous, but by then it will be too late! By the time you can bring it around and then launch your drones-"
  2759. > Abruptly Dash appears - launching herself in a cat-like leap to land perched on an arm of your chair.
  2760. > One hoof drops to the seat to steady herself, but another rises to point at the screen.
  2761. > "Promise me. Swear to me - no tricks, no traps, no spies. Swear to me that you're not trying to do anything. Because if you do, if you try and get at Anonymous-"
  2762. "I swear, Rainbow Dash. As Princess of Equestria, by my throne and the sun I bear, I swear to you that there is no ill will in this request. I swear no soldier, prince, or princess of Equestria use misuse this."
  2763. > The solidity and dedication in her voice - a stark contrast to the shakiness she'd shown when speaking to you - seems to satisfy Dash.
  2764. > She nods, looking up to you.
  2765. > "...I think the Princess means it, Master."
  2766. "Hmm."
  2767. > Rubbing your chin, you struggle to hide the feelings churning in your stomach.
  2768. > It was, even with that oath, a staggering risk.
  2769. > Just because Celestia swore her honest didn't mean no one else would exploit the opportunity.
  2770. > But on the other hand - a faked crisis had won you Fillydelphia.
  2771. > A real one could win you all of Equestria's respect.
  2772. > "Anonymous-"
  2773. "I am bringing the Obstinance into a lower orbit anyhow. If you try anything-"
  2774. > "I swear it to you, Anonymous - on my sister's life, if that will satisfy you."
  2775. "The drones will be there. Expect a few hours' travel time to reach Cloudsdale."
  2776. > Bowing her head, Celestia sweeps into a bow - an unabashed, unashamed bow of, as best you can tell, genuine gratitude.
  2777. > "Thank you, Anonymous. Thank you... I know we've hardly been in a position to earn your trust, but from the depths of my heart I thank you."
  2778. "Thank me when this is done."
  2779. > You're barely paying attention, already vectoring your drones to begin launch activities.
  2780. > A few had been on standbye already, but most would take a few minute to prepare and depart.
  2781. > Somewhere far above, too, the Obstinance would be firing its engines - swinging itself into a closer, proximal orbit.
  2782. > Just in case, you set a shuttle to begin preparing as well.
  2783. > "I - I will. I am going to see to the guard's readiness; they will still need to prepare to face the swarm as well."
  2784. "Understood. I recommend you remain close to where you are, or take the comm unit with you. I will send a message when the drones are nearing Cloudsdale."
  2785. > Celestia does not reply, shutting the device off.
  2786. > On some level, you can't help but feel a slight twinge of satisfaction.
  2787. > For all she had fought with you, seeing Celestia bowed and pleading was a deeply welcome sight.
  2788. > A vindication, at last.
  2789. > Yet, you cannot silence the whispers at the back of your mind warning for traps.
  2790. > Nor would you; those instincts had kept you up for far too long.
  2791. > Picking nervously at the stubble on your chin, you hiss softly.
  2792. > If it was a trap, what could she be getting at...?
  2793. > The Princesses were hours north in Ponyville or Canterlot, even by their incredible flight, and heading only further north.
  2794. > Even should she betray you and attack the drones, it would be hours before she could arrive here - and the remaining lesser drones would hold the Royal Guard at bay.
  2795. > Not to mention you still had your ace in the hole in the form of the Obstinance.
  2796. > Twilight could not touch it - the force she had exerted would require the powers of many alicorns working together.
  2797. > Switching to an external view, you watch the drones taking off now - quartets leaping into the distant sky, sonic booms cracking in the distance as they accelerated to cruise speed.
  2798. > "Master...?"
  2799. > Ah, Dash.
  2800. > You'd almost forgotten her.
  2801. > It seemed bizarre enough that you could - especially as she was still reared up halfway onto your seat.
  2802. "Hey, Dash. Thank you for that."
  2803. > "You're welcome, master. Um, though - should we be staying here if it's really that risky...?"
  2804. "Perhaps not. But, the fabrication equipment in the tunnel works below is simply worth too much. If she comes for it, I'll be forced to commit the Obstinance's warheads... and then I won't have anything left to hold over her. She'd come for me anyhow, wherever I set down next. It's here, or nowhere."
  2805. > Dash doesn't look satisfied by that, and you offer her a reassuring smile - running your hand through the coat over her chest.
  2806. "Don't think I'm dismissing your idea. It's a measure of how much you've grown that you even suggest that, Dash."
  2807. > "I... thank you."
  2808. "I'm serious. From the pony who impulsively leapt out to attack me, to this?"
  2809. > "I've..."
  2810. > Her head ducks, words mumbled softly.
  2811. > "That didn't exactly work out real well, did it? I've had to face that every day since then."
  2812. "Hmm."
  2813. --------
  2814. > To say that waiting for the drones to make the trip was nerve-wracking was an understatement.
  2815. > Some fifty minutes in, though, the Obstinance had made its first pass overhead.
  2816. > The data transmitted from its radar at least verified that there was a very, very large mass of pony-sized objects making a beeline south for Cloudsdale.
  2817. > That, in turn, was repeated as it crept around in a second orbit some ninety minutes later.
  2818. > For whatever reason, Chrysalis had decided to make her move.
  2819. > Why was beyond you - surely she had to understand that you couldn't afford to let her take this victory.
  2820. > A land ruled by Changelings would be, from rumors you'd heard and scraps of evidence seen, utterly unsuitable for your business.
  2821. > What did she possibly hope to gain from this...?
  2822. > You'd left a trio of messages on the comm unit you'd sent to her, demanding an explanation in the strongest terms you could muster.
  2823. > Of course, there'd been no response.
  2824. > She'd probably left the comm unit in her abandoned new hive.
  2825. > As the Obstinance slips away, carried off by its orbital path, the familiar nervousness returns.
  2826. > It'd be slightly over an hour before you could get any kind of information feed again.
  2827. > When at last the first streams of data come in from the drones themselves, you spit a low curse at what they depict.
  2828. > The Changelings had already reached the outskirts of the city, a roiling cloud of black chitin that seems to move like a single living thing.
  2829. > Already their swarm had broken into smaller clusters that were skirmishing with - and overwhelming - the few groups of ponies from city's guard who'd taken flight to oppose them.
  2830. > Quickly you shoot out a new message to Celestia, but she had apparently set out herself as no one answers Twilight's comm unit.
  2831. > Your drones waste no time waiting for a reply, diving straight into a first pass with their weapons chattering.
  2832. > Dozens of black-shelled forms tumble from the sky, and the swarm scatters - erupting, as one, with emerald flame as they took on disguises.
  2833. > Yet they were wary too.
  2834. > Falling back in the face of the casualties even that first pass had handed them, the Changelings fail to charge the city - fail to allow themselves to mix with the ponies, to exploit their shifted bodies in any way that might have protect them from your drones.
  2835. > Instead the regroup, pulling back at a distance and forming as a cluster while your drones circle for another attack.
  2836. > In that time, the chimed tone of an incoming comms call pulls your attention:
  2837. > Twilight's unit, which probably meant it was from Celestia.
  2838. > Sure enough, the solar alicorn fills the camera; yet, her appearance is a far reach from the desperate, bedraggled appearance she'd held the last time you saw her.
  2839. > Instead she is now clad in gleaming golden armor from head to hoof; clouds drift in the background.
  2840. > "Anonymous! I am on my way with the first of the Royal Guard. Are your drones-"
  2841. "Already there and fighting."
  2842. > "And the city's guards-"
  2843. "I've set them to not attack the ponies, but if those Changelings can mix with them-"
  2844. > Precious moments had already been lost as they set up their second attack run.
  2845. > In those few seconds, the Changelings had come to the same conclusion you had - that the only way to survive was to scatter themselves among the ponies regardless of what it cost them.
  2846. > As a single, desperate formation they charged the city, heedless of the beleaguered Royal Guards that grappled and tore individual Changelings from the sky.
  2847. > Somewhere in the background Celestia was chanting a whispered 'thankyou', but it is barely registered with how narrow your focus is.
  2848. > Another oath flies from your lips - Celestia winces at the language, but you barely notice - and you adjust the drones' course.
  2849. > The only way to stop them from reaching the city would be to put your drones straight in their path - try to make them hestitate and fall again.
  2850. > And so the drones do so, skimming so close to the city's edge that some of the clouds which form it evaporate like the ephemeral vapor they are under the drones' fusion-heated thruster exhaust.
  2851. > Spinning, thrusters firing wildly, they turn their tails to the city and take aim -
  2852. > And all at once the Cloudsdale seems to erupt, clouds disintegrating as they burst open to hurl hundreds, perhaps even thousands of golden-armored forms skyward.
  2853. > The Royal Guard - Celestia's reinforcements, supposedly so many miles away in the north.
  2854. > You freeze, paralyzed by the shock of the eruption.
  2855. > How had they not been detected - some kind of ward, or illusion that the drones could not see through?
  2856. > Dash is screaming, but the thunder in your ears overwhelms her words.
  2857. > Time flows in a sluggish haze; you're only able to watch as the drones - oblivious to the rising threat, programmed specifically to not attack royal guard - ignore the rising forms.
  2858. > For a moment your imagination is filled with images of the drones being torn from the sky by lances of magic, but the Guard, too, ignores the drones - charging out to meet the Changelings head on.
  2859. > When they are but a few short tens of meters away, again the swarm is consumed by emerald flame.
  2860. > This time what emerges from it is a cloud of yet more Royal Guard - false, obviously.
  2861. > Yet instead of the expected bloodbath, the true guards turn on a dime and - Pegasi, chariots, and all - converge into a single shifting mass that lurches towards the city.
  2862. > And towards your drones.
  2863. > Only then does the meaning of this plan become clear to you, as your worst visions become reality:
  2864. > The drones, unable to distinguish between friend and foe as the two forces mixed, had dumbly ceased functioning - cruising straight, slow, and steady; awaiting new orders from a human operator.
  2865. > No doubt a deliberate choice by whoever had originally coded the things' AI - a way to prevent them from mindlessly gunning down innocents a target might flee into.
  2866. > But a fatal one now as it left them perfect targets as the combined force tears into them with magic and pegasus-storm and chitinous hoof.
  2867. > The efforts must surely be taxing the users to their limits, but that is a small cost to pay for the savaging they inflict on the drones' ranks.
  2868. > Even as the magical fields sputter and flare before collapsing out and a handful more limp forms tumble from the sky, they do their job:
  2869. > Shearing wings and crumpling fuselages where the drones plow through them.
  2870. > Signal lost, signal lost, signal lost - one after another the drones' lines go silent.
  2871. > Of all the possible traps and snares you'd imagined Celestia inventing for you, never once had you considered the possibility of Chyrsalis' cooperation.
  2872. > The hatred ran far too deep, every word the Changeling monarch spoke of the ponies' leadership dripping in vitriol and disgust.
  2873. > Or so you'd thought, anyhow.
  2874. > And at last you regain control of yourself, adrenaline sending your heart into a wildly thumping overdrive.
  2875. > Words - curses, questions, incoherent bellows of rage - fill your throat, ready to be unleashed.
  2876. > Ultimately, however, only one rises to be screamed from your lips.
  2877. > The name of the one creature that could be responsible for this, bellowed out as equal parts swear and challenge:
  2878. "Celestia!"
  2879. > Your snarled roar is, however immediately surpassed by a scream from the pony beside you, rising until it reaches an even more stricken tone.
  2880. > "Why... why, why, WHY?!"
  2881. > Dash leaps from your lap to plant her forehooves on the desk, the contact thunking heavily.
  2882. > "You swore to me. YOU SWORE, CELESTIA!"
  2883. > "And I have also sworn to protect all my subjects. That is the first and foremost promise I have made, and it will not go unfulfilled."
  2884. > "I am one of your subjects!"
  2885. > While the two of them argue, you have immediately switched tracks - updating the Obstinance with a pre-loaded navigational course that you'd hoped never to call on.
  2886. > You were, in some ways, deeply in luck - it was swinging around in its low orbit back towards you, only a few minutes out of a perfect position to begin reentry.
  2887. > Which, altogether, put it no more than twenty minutes at most out from beginning its attack.
  2888. > Already it would be swinging around, you knew - pointing its main thrusters to the rear to slow its speed and drop it back down through the atmosphere.
  2889. > In the background, Celestia and Rainbow continue to argue.
  2890. "Celestia..."
  2891. > Your growl cuts through their dueling voices.
  2892. "I'm giving you exactly one chance to pull back and restrain yourself. You've got fifteen minutes, and then things are going to be out of my hands. I very much hope you are considering the lives of those subjects you are talking about."
  2893. > "I care about them, Anonymous. And that is why I cannot allow you to escape justice any further. You provoke war with your sales of weapons, you kidnap ponies, you hold hostages, you sneak back in beneath our laws with subterfuge and deception - you are everything we stand against, Anonymous. And today, you will answer for it."
  2894. > The first coil of fear begins to curl in your stomach.
  2895. > This was unusually strident from Celestia; even when she'd stood against you in the past, there'd always been some offer for you to turn back...
  2896. > Surely she couldn't have found a way around the threat the Obstinance represented...?
  2897. > Not all of its missiles could be caught; once launched, they'd be flying far too fast and far-spread for ponies to intercept.
  2898. > And the ship itself was reentering the atmosphere far, far too high up to be intercepted by any one pony, even an alicorn.
  2899. "If you think I am bluffing about what I am willing to do - remember that my life is my ship and my freedom. I will pull the trigger."
  2900. > "This only shows how low your spirit has sunk, Anonymous."
  2901. > "Don't you even talk to him that way!"
  2902. > Dash reenters the argument, leaning in until you imagine her muzzle fills the camera's view on the alicorn's end.
  2903. > "He's the only one here who's been aiming for peace. You - I thought I was a subject of yours, but I don't want to be anything to anypony like this!"
  2904. > That actually catches you by surprise.
  2905. > You'd weaned Dash from the influence of her friends and her princesses, certainly.
  2906. > But to hear it spoken of that frankly and that openly...
  2907. > Shaking her head softly, for a moment see a fraction of the normal Celestia - the soft, caring ruler - peeking through from behind her armor.
  2908. > "I have given you chances, Anonymous. So many chances. I pleaded with you, even, to return Rainbow Dash and consider further negotiations with us."
  2909. "Exactly because of something like this!"
  2910. > "Then, it could have gone another way. No... My sister is already on her way to deal with you, Anonymous. There will be an end of this at last, and you will face her justice."
  2911. > As if there'd been any more need for confirmation of what was going on, that settles it.
  2912. > Celestia might have once offered you a chance for peaceful surrender, but you knew there'd be no such thing from Luna.
  2913. > Her mind would demand unflinching 'justice' - and your head on a pike.
  2914. "Twelve minutes, Celestia. Twelve minutes to consider what you've done and rethink it."
  2915. > "I rethink nothing, Anonymous. As long as you are allowed to operate freely, injustice will continue and violence will be inevitable. I-"
  2916. > You've heard enough.
  2917. "You can call me when you realize just how insane this is and think twice. I'll wait."
  2918. > Finger nearly crushing the button, you cut the comms call.
  2919. > And then, without hesitation, you bury your head in your arms.
  2920. > This was... bizarre.
  2921. > Why now?
  2922. > What had driven Celestia so far as to run this risk?
  2923. > No - not a risk but a certainty.
  2924. > The Obstinance would deliver its payload.
  2925. > What had possibly convinced Celestia to pay that cost?
  2926. > "Master?"
  2927. > Dash nudges her head in against your arm - her tone, her posture, her everything positively exuding a kind of fear you had come to be associated with imminent punishment.
  2928. > "What do we do...?"
  2929. "We..."
  2930. > What do you do?
  2931. > If the day that repairs would be completed and you would go home seemed like an impossibly far-off eventuality, then this seemed unimaginable in any stretch of time.
  2932. > Your hand curls into a fist that slams onto the table.
  2933. "Celestia must believe she's found a way to halt the Obstinance's bombardment. I don't understand, though - no shield could possibly protect against that kind of-"
  2934. > "And if she does...?"
  2935. "I don't know. Interception of all the warheads once they're out isn't possible; the strikes will spread out to hit all around Equestria, I-"
  2936. > It suddenly occurs to you, reality sliding into focus at last, that you are talking about the annihiliation of uncountable pony lives.
  2937. > Ponies that had nothing to do with you.
  2938. > It isn't just a theoretical threat anymore, a sword held but not swung.
  2939. > Now, lives are in play.
  2940. > You unexpectedly find yourself retching, doubled over in your seat and clutching your stomach.
  2941. > "MASTER!"
  2942. > Dash is clutching your belly as well, now openly shaking with fear.
  2943. > Nothing had come up, but your mouth was filled with a foul taste.
  2944. "It's - I'm okay, Dash."
  2945. > No, you aren't.
  2946. > You wish this question wasn't there, that you didn't have to face it.
  2947. > Unbidden, a question wanders into your mind.
  2948. > Is this how Dash felt, when she asked you to bind her so she could not even think of disobeying?
  2949. > Had she felt this same way?
  2950. > Maybe there was something to her desire to be bound away after all.
  2951. > At the time you'd dismissed it as the ramblings of a broken mare, but now...
  2952. > Now you wonder.
  2953. > ...no.
  2954. > Have to focus.
  2955. > Keep adapting.
  2956. "The shuttle is still preparing for takeoff. Whatever happens, we can ride it up into orbit. She won't be able to touch us there."
  2957. > "But Luna-"
  2958. "My perimeter drones are still active. They won't stop an alicorn, but they can give her pause."
  2959. > And, of course, there was still the one final resort you had hidden away...
  2960. > Needing to use that, though - that is a last ditch action.
  2961. "We need to get moving before she can get here, though."
  2962. > Nearly leaping from your chair, you're back at the screen ordering the housekeeping drones to pull the most valuable things they can fit into the shuttle and load it.
  2963. > Soon you find yourself micromanaging them - doing anything to keep yourself focused away from the fact that Celestia is not calling back.
  2964. > Hands trembling, you force yourself to stop.
  2965. > Scooting back from the keyboard, you instead hold your arms out and call softly:
  2966. "Dash? Come here."
  2967. > She does, filling your lap without hesitation and wrapping her forelegs around you.
  2968. > A moment later, they are joined by her wings - spreading to settle around your shoulders.
  2969. > Obviously she'd sensed what you needed.
  2970. > Her coat is smooth and silky as it ever had been, her barrel warm with the heat of her heart.
  2971. > You can feel the vibrations when Dash speaks.
  2972. > "When - when she comes. Let me go out and talk to her, Master. Please-"
  2973. "Do you think Luna will listen to you? She is set in her ways. Set in her demands. I am the devil, and she is - is an avenging angel come to smite me."
  2974. > "I have to try. Don't fly unless you flap your wings; don't break a record if you don't race it. And maybe-"
  2975. > She shiffs softly, head burrowing in to your neck.
  2976. > "-maybe I can get you the time you need to get the shuttle out."
  2977. > Your hands slip up to hold her just beneath the wings, and both of you stay like that a long time.
  2978. > The moment is snapped away by the shrieking tone of an alarm.
  2979. > Dash falls away, spinning around to peer at the screen.
  2980. > "Master, what's-"
  2981. "It's the Obstinance - an intercept alert. But it's reentering the atmosphere, well outside of its attack window. It's out over the ocean; nothing could reach-"
  2982. > A threat display is brought up on one screen, and your stomach seizes.
  2983. > Something is coming up - alarmingly fast, well past the sound barrier, it's track originating on an island far below.
  2984. > And, somehow, it was keeping an intercept trajectory with the Obstinance.
  2985. "Impossible..."
  2986. > You voice is a whisper.
  2987. "Twilight - she can't fly like that. Not even an alicorn should be able do that."
  2988. > Silence holds, and then-
  2989. > "Oh, no. No, no, no - they couldn't have-"
  2990. "What? What did she do?"
  2991. > "It's - it's something the princesses did before. To stop Tirek, they shoved all their alicorn magic into Twilight. She was - incredible. Impossible. I've never seen anything like it."
  2992. > Another wave of nausea sweeps you.
  2993. > "But - Celestia was right there. She was with the soldiers, we saw her-"
  2994. > Dash trails away, watching the dot marking the single contact continue to rise.
  2995. > You want to send an order - to have the Obstinance change its own trajectory, to flee the impending attack.
  2996. > But that, too, is impossible.
  2997. > It was still moving far too quickly; push too far up, and it would overshoot Equestria entirely - you'd have to call off the attack and have it come around again.
  2998. > Perhaps it could ride out whatever she was trying to do...?
  2999. > Another alarm sounds.
  3000. > The Obstinance again - reporting, as it had before, an unexpected and inexplicable thrust on it.
  3001. > Now orders of magnitude greater, and in a direction you had never expected.
  3002. "That little bitch..."
  3003. > "She's trying to crash it into the water!"
  3004. "No. That purple cunt did her homework - she doesn't need to crash it. She's pushing it back up into orbit!"
  3005. > "What?!"
  3006. "It's orbital mechanics. When you hit atmosphere, if you come in too shallow or too fast for the angle you'll bounce off the atmosphere and skip back out into space."
  3007. > Your fingers are already dancing over they touchpads, new instructions being written and sent off at a frantic pace.
  3008. "The Obstinance isn't deliberately slowing itself; it's just letting the air pressure drag it back. She just has to cancel a fraction of that to make it overshoot Equestria entirely."
  3009. > Dash's brows knit.
  3010. > "I don't understand. Can't you just make it slow down more?"
  3011. "No."
  3012. > You shake your head.
  3013. "Turning completely around, once entry's begun, to point the engines backwards? It'd tear itself apart under the strain; the Obstinance isn't designed for that. It's still going way too fast - going to overshoot Equestria, and..."
  3014. > Your hands are trembling now.
  3015. "The warheads - they can't launch. They're not designed for launching during reentry speeds; hell, they're barely good for atmospheric flight. I'm going to have to push back out into orbit, away from her - come back around for another circle on the next orbit."
  3016. > "Then..."
  3017. > Dash watches the same screens you do.
  3018. >Tthe Obstinance is at last beginning, engines straining with effort, to pull speed and altitude and rise away from the pursuing alicorn.
  3019. > "...how long...?
  3020. "With time to rise back into orbit, come around, and reenter again...?"
  3021. > Quickly sorting through the math in your head, you find the answer to be a deeply unwelcome one.
  3022. "...two hours, at least. How fast can she fly with all that magic?"
  3023. > "I need a map!"
  3024. > You pull one up, and she leans in to peer at it, the gears turning away in her head.
  3025. > "...I don't think it's going to come back in time."
  3026. "What about getting the shuttle off the ground?"
  3027. > If you could load it up, not only could you escape but a second reentry attempt with two separate craft would be far harder to-
  3028. > New alarms scream; both of you flinch at their sudden howling.
  3029. > "What is it now?!"
  3030. "Energy surge of some kind. Twilight-"
  3031. > What had she done?
  3032. > You'd gotten a brief burst of energy across multiple frequencies; the Obstinance's sensors had completely given up trying to categorize it.
  3033. > Its cameras, looking back, showed a radiating burst of rainbow-hued colors, snaking their way back towards Equestria at impossible speeds.
  3034. > "Oh, no..."
  3035. > Snapping your head around so quickly your neck almost pops, you narrow your eyes at Dash.
  3036. > She is too caught up in the screens to notice your glare.
  3037. "What does that mean?"
  3038. > "She - she released their magic. Sent it back to the other princesses."
  3039. "Luna."
  3040. > Your words is hissed, laden with rage.
  3041. > That was why Celestia had sent Luna after you.
  3042. > All her pieces, set in place like perfect little chess pieces.
  3043. "She'll be coming, and soon. I expect she'll be waiting just outside my perimeter for her magic to return to her."
  3044. > "What do we do?! Can you turn your ship around and come back-"
  3045. > If rage now simmered in every word you spoke, fear was coiled in every one of Dash's.
  3046. "No. I told you, it can't pull a maneuver like that. But, my point-defenses here will still give Luna pause - give us cover to ride the shuttle out."
  3047. > Fingers dancing on the keypads, you give in to the temptation of micro-management and check in on the shuttle's preparation.
  3048. > "Anonymous... master..."
  3049. > Dash's hoof brushes your arm.
  3050. "What?"
  3051. > "I - there's still something not right. I had my magic sucked out of my once; it was - eurgh. I felt like - like all my muscles had turned to jello. I could barely stand up, let alone fly!"
  3052. "What's your point?"
  3053. > The snap in your voice is not intentional, but Dash doesn't flinch from it.
  3054. > "Celestia - she still had her magic..."
  3055. > You pause, at last accepting the point in her argument.
  3056. "Can she get magic from other ponies? The other element-bearers? Does that work?"
  3057. > "I... don't think so. When Twilight told us about it, she said it was more raw magic from any one pony than she'd ever felt. Like, she'd have to get the magic from hundreds - thousands - of other ponies to do that!"
  3058. > The sick feeling in your stomach grows deeper again, a suspicion slipping into the corner of your mind.
  3059. "And you said it had a noticeable effect on you to be 'drained'?"
  3060. > "Yeah. All of us - we were weak. Small. No energy to do anything..."
  3061. > A pause, and she adds more softly:
  3062. > "...felt like I did when I came out of that cage. Small. Helpless."
  3063. > If draining a pony of their magic left them anything like what she turned into when you put her in the cage, then there was no chance that the pony you'd spoken to had actually been -
  3064. "Chrysalis."
  3065. > "Chrysalis."
  3066. > Both of you hiss the name at once.
  3067. > As if on cue, an incoming comm line pings; you do not even need to look at it to know who it is.
  3068. > Twilight's unit - and 'Celestia' on the screen when the line is opened.
  3069. > Her gaze is just as fierce, expression as iron-clad as it had been before.
  3070. > "I hope, now, Anonymous, that you understand the full situation you find yourself in. You will not be able to stand against my sister when she arrives."
  3071. "Fuck you, Chrysalis."
  3072. > Normally you aren't one for swearing, but this situation has taken what self-control you had and put it through a mulcher, thrown it into a furnace, and chucked the ashes into the ocean's deepest trench.
  3073. > 'Celestia' doesn't even look surprised; instead delight flickers over her face.
  3074. > "Well, you figured it out at last."
  3075. > She giggles, a malign and predatory sound.
  3076. > "Oh, you would not believe how much fun that was... 'I swear on this crown, and-"
  3077. "Does the fact that I saved your hive - saved your subjects - mean nothing to you?!"
  3078. > Your knuckles are white, fingernails biting into the palms of your hands under the pressure your fists are squeezed with as you interrupt her mocking impersonation of Celestia.
  3079. > "Oh, it does."
  3080. > Shooting you a toothy grin that looks terribly out of place on the solar princess' face, Chrysalis laughs aloud.
  3081. > "It really does... but you know what else you are to me, Anonymous? You are a competitor. You are one of the few creatures on this planet that I have reason to fear. I came to you in my hour of need, and you saved me - but you also saw a chance put a chain on me, and I will not be chained back."
  3082. "......"
  3083. > No words come.
  3084. > Had she completely lost her mind, admitting her betrayal to you?
  3085. > Seeing your expression, Chyrsalis lets out another cackle.
  3086. > "You think those two alicorn nags will listen to you if you tell them this? They're far too trusting when someone has their ear; they'll believe anypony if they've 'given up their evil ways and seen the magic in friendship'. Hah!"
  3087. "You actually think they trust you while as you're turning traitor on me?!"
  3088. > "Me? Oh, no no no. Not me alone... but Chissik has been such a good little spy, 'running away' from me and then whispering in their ears... and she spent so long with you, she can tell them all about the secret deals you've been making with the dragons - trading your weapons for their aid against Canterlot."
  3089. > The way she lays emphasis on certain words, it is easy to tell that Chrysalis is outright enjoying this.
  3090. > "When I 'offered my aid', they were all too willing to accept. Except that rotten little pink whore of a 'princess', but her betters' magic will be more than enough to put an end to you."
  3091. > A cold, icy feeling settles across your shoulders like a shower of freezing water dumped from above.
  3092. > So that was what Chissik's mysterious meetings with other ponies had been about.
  3093. > And what had prompted the alicorns to action.
  3094. > It wouldn't have been too outlandish a claim, after all; you were making rare metals that they might want for their hoard, you were forging other alliances in Equestria...
  3095. > Maybe Chrysalis had even had her other Changelings play the roles of appropriately-interested dragons.
  3096. > Chissik, that little-
  3097. > "Cockroach!"
  3098. > Dash plunges her muzzle straight into the camera, tears running down her cheeks but eyes lit with a burning, raging, fury.
  3099. > "You rotten, two-timing, sniveling little cockroach! He saved your entire nest of stupid bugs, and you do this? You've killed him."
  3100. > "Of course I have."
  3101. > Chrysalis, still wearing Celestia's visage, shrugs.
  3102. > "It's what I meant to do... we are both predators, Anonymous and I. Do you know what happens when two predators meet on the same territory? One kills the other."
  3103. > You open your mouth to respond, but a far more violent, artificial howling interrupts it.
  3104. > A sound you've heard before, but that now sets your heart thudding and skin prickling in understanding of what it means.
  3105. > The perimeter breach alarm.
  3106. > Your face must've gone pale, because Chrysalis unleashes another bout of laughter.
  3107. > "I see your guests have arrived. I'll leave you to entertain them now. Goodbye, Anonymous."
  3108. > She even denies you the chance to cut the call, being faster to do it herself.
  3109. > For a moment you are left simply grinding your teeth in incoherent rage as the true depth of the betrayal became clear.
  3110. > And then the alarm starts again, snapping you back to reality.
  3111. > The breach, you find, is twofold.
  3112. > One a small group of ponies in the far distance, just beyond the very edge of your 'territory'; snapping open a quick camera view, you zoom in and find a the other Element bearers - minus Twilight - and a group of unicorn Royal Guard carefully spread out in a small clearing.
  3113. > But the other breach...
  3114. > Two distinct forms are tracked, hurtling through the air straight for your home.
  3115. > There's little question in your mind who those two are.
  3116. > A single alicorn, your defenses might have delayed for a time.
  3117. > Two of them would be exponentially harder - a far shorter time for you to remain safe, and no hope of being able to drive them away from an ascending shuttle.
  3118. > They must have been waiting just outside of your perimeter, waiting for Twilight to release their magic.
  3119. "Rainbow Dash?"
  3120. > She doesn't even answer, simply leaning forward in answer to your call.
  3121. "Dash - there is no easy way out of this. I -"
  3122. > You choke, swallowing hard.
  3123. > Tongue leaden and lips stiff, you spit the words out - each one a monumental effort in its own right.
  3124. "I have been outmaneuvered. Badly. I never considered a scheme this large, this risky, so many things planned so close together. I wonder what Celestia would have done if one of them hadn't worked..."
  3125. > Shaking your head, you sigh one last time.
  3126. "Regardless, it's pointless now. Celestia believes I am plotting against Equestria, and I don't think she will stop in time for me to show her otherwise."
  3127. > "What - what do you want me to do?"
  3128. > Not even what can I do.
  3129. > What do you want me to do.
  3130. > Even at this moment, Dash's dedication draws a smile to your lips.
  3131. > Raising a finger you point to the dots that signify the cluster of ponies waiting in the distant clearing.
  3132. > They're more than enough distant to keep her safe.
  3133. "There. Princess Cadance - she might be able to stop Luna and Celestia. Or at least make them pause long enough for me to escape."
  3134. > "But she's-"
  3135. "Dash!"
  3136. > Your voice is raised, the first time you've actually had to reprimand her with force in some time.
  3137. "This isn't a time for you to argue. I can't stall two alicorns for long enough; you go - go to Cadance. Get her to stop this."
  3138. > And get far enough away she wouldn't try to come back and help you.
  3139. > "I... I don't want to. I'm not going to leave you alone, Master!"
  3140. > Reaching out, you slip your fingers around Dash's cheek and stroke softly.
  3141. "I'm making this an order, Dash. A direct order - go out there and get Cadance."
  3142. > "But-"
  3143. "Shhh."
  3144. > Pulling her up into your seat, you slip your arms around her and she reciprocates with her wings, nuzzling your shoulder.
  3145. "You still have the compass-watch I gave you. Use it. Whatever happens, wherever they take you, you'll be able to find your way home."
  3146. > "But what about where they take you?"
  3147. "I'll be fine - but only if you can do this. Go now; stay low to the ground, or they'll spot you and stop you from reaching Cadance. Understand?"
  3148. > "Y-Yes, Master."
  3149. > One tear dampens your shirt, then another.
  3150. > Scratching lightly between her wings, you chuckle.
  3151. "If it's anything, Dash - in the end, you were right. It looks like sending you out to save me was the right choice after all."
  3152. > She doesn't speak, and eventually you're forced to set her down.
  3153. "Go. Fly like the wind, get to Cadance, and I promise I'll be there when you come back to me."
  3154. > For a second Dash gazes up at you, her eyes tear-laden crimson pools and mouth trembling, ears laid flat and wings hung despondently.
  3155. > And then, in an instant, a change comes over her.
  3156. > Wings snap in, ears fold back aggressively, and she jerks her head in one singular nod.
  3157. > "Right. I - I'll get her back, Master. I'll do it!"
  3158. > Before you can even respond she is gone, a snap of rainbow tail in the doorway and then only her fading hoofbeats.
  3159. > Turning back to the screens, you call up the perimeter cameras.
  3160. > It is with these that you see Dash appear at your bedroom balcony, taking a cautious step out onto the balcony.
  3161. > Turning around, she vanishes back within - but not a moment later appears again taking a running leap from the balcony, past the eyebolt you'd once chained her too, and spreading her wings at last.
  3162. > She does not merely take flight so much as erupt into the air, like a fish diving back to water at last.
  3163. > Go fly like the wind - your orders taken literally as she hits the edge of your home's clearing and weaves into the trees, a rainbow trail vanishing among the trunks.
  3164. > At that rate...
  3165. > You pause, doing the calculations in your head.
  3166. > At that rate, Dash would only need a few minutes to reach the cluster of waiting ponies.
  3167. > Good - plenty enough time for her to get to a safe distance.
  3168. > Turning your attention back to the two still-approaching alicorns, you split your face into a feral grin.
  3169. "Alright, you two... let's see how well you dance."
  3170. ~~~~
  3171. > Duck, dodge, weave, swerve, slip aside.
  3172. > A beat of the wings here, a twitch of the tail there.
  3173. > It all rushes back, like the blood pounding in your veins - old memories and familiar instincts.
  3174. > The weight of Anonymous' compass-watch and collar on your neck barely seem noticeable.
  3175. > This - this is what you were born to do.
  3176. > You might not be ready to pull a rainboom yet, but there wasn't a pony in Equestria who could catch you now.
  3177. > A quick glance up at the sun confirms you are traveling in the right direction.
  3178. > There'd barely been a chance to glance at the map on the screen before you'd fled Anonymous' office.
  3179. > Just enough time to get a general idea of the right direction to fly in, the general proximity to the major landmarks of surrounding hills.
  3180. > But, they were in a clearing, right?
  3181. > Making a brief ascent at the end should bring them into view.
  3182. > Forcing your wings to beat just a little harder, you add a tiny sliver more of speed to your flight.
  3183. > Already a low burn was settling across your back.
  3184. > Those muscles had been exercised, but there was a difference between merely building them and putting them to the fiercest test in months.
  3185. > But it didn't matter.
  3186. > All you had to do was get there.
  3187. > Get Cadance.
  3188. > And your Master would be safe.
  3189. ~~~~
  3190. > If they had a choice, no doubt Celestia and Luna would have teleported straight into your home as soon as they were in range.
  3191. > Dropped right into the front lobby, accompanied by some speech about your actions against Equestrian and the triumph of friendship over cruelty.
  3192. > You do not give them that chance.
  3193. > The best of your drones might be gone but there were other, lesser units that now rose like hornets from a stirred nest - not to intercept the two alicorns, as they would surely have just teleported past them.
  3194. > But instead feinting after Dash, towards the cluster of ponies waiting beyond your perimeter.
  3195. > As you had expected, both princesses diverted in an instant - diving after the drones, who soon pivoted to engage the two sisters instead.
  3196. > To any lesser force, those drones would have been a fair duel.
  3197. > Against an alicorn, however, they were no match.
  3198. > Against two, hopelessly outclassed.
  3199. > The shells they threw and missiles they launched were only mildy more of a nuisance to the sisters' arcane shields than if you'd run up swinging a hammer yourself.
  3200. > Though they danced, spun, and whirled on thrusters, the alicorns gracefully exceeded their maneuvers.
  3201. > Soon the sky was filled with smoky, uneven trails where burning frames had crashed to the earth, brought low by the might of your opponents.
  3202. ~~~~
  3203. "Hello, Celestia. And Luna too, I suppose. I'm leaving this message on Cadance's machine, since that roach has Twilight's."
  3204. ...
  3205. "Well. First of all, Chrysalis. She's going to betray you - told me as much, though I didn't think to record that message. I was... a little distracted at the time. Anyhow - she's got Chissik feeding you a nice line of lies to provoke your attack, and is planning to sink her fangs into your neck the moment your back is turned. Just like she did with me. Might not believe me, but if you do your own investigation I'm sure the facts will turn up. I know I'm not in a position to be asking favors, but if - once you're done with me - you could put that roach's head on a pike, it'd be nice."
  3206. ~~~~
  3207. > There was fighting somewhere behind you.
  3208. > You could hear it, a booming chatter like lines of firecrackers going off punctuated by periodic louder blasts.
  3209. > Now you could feel the weight of collar and compass on your neck - tugging, heaving, pulling as if still linked to him by a leash.
  3210. > Demanding you go back and join the fight, protecting him.
  3211. > ...but no.
  3212. > You have your orders, and the echo in your head - echo in every wingbeat you put into driving yourself forward.
  3213. > If there was one thing your Master had taught you, it was control over all but your strongest emotions.
  3214. > How to subsume the 'Want' under the weight of 'Have To'.
  3215. > And so you hurl yourself on, trees snapping by so fast they are almost blurred.
  3216. > Master would be safe.
  3217. ~~~~
  3218. > The drones were dying at a precipitous rate.
  3219. > You'd thought, perhaps, that some of the legends you'd uncovered of alicorn potency in battle were exaggerations
  3220. > Tall tales designed to intimidate neighbors, rivals, even ponies who might otherwise look on Equestria's riches with a greedy eye.
  3221. > There was no doubt anymore.
  3222. > They were a two-pony army, forces of nature incarnate.
  3223. > Or, more accurately, forces of magic.
  3224. > Concealed canisters' ends blow off with staccato pops, the missiles within streaking into the sky on pillars of smoke.
  3225. > Never designed with the intention of being shot at anything like those two, however, most go wild when both sisters teleport from their seekers' cone of vision - spiraling uselessly into the horizon.
  3226. > A few more are carved to shreds by streams of magic flowing from the alicorns' horns.
  3227. > The few rockets that do find them do no more than sputter against the might of their shields.
  3228. > But that was okay.
  3229. > All they needed to do was buy Dash a few minutes longer.
  3230. > She was already almost to a safe distance.
  3231. ~~~~
  3232. "So, uh, congratulations. You win. I honestly - honestly didn't see a lot of this coming. The magic-transfer trick you pulled, Twilight being able to get good enough resolution with her telescopes to spot the Obstinance and figure out reentry mechanics... yeah. You stacked yourself a perfect deck and played it well. By the time I figured out half of what you were doing, it was far too late. So - one pegasus, returned to you alive and uninjured. The spoils of your victory. I hope it makes you feel good."
  3233. ~~~~
  3234. > Almost there.
  3235. > Your entire back was alight now, as if someone had been flaying it with a whip.
  3236. > But it didn't matter.
  3237. > Nothing else mattered.
  3238. > Erupting from the treeline, you turn yourself skyward at last.
  3239. > Free of the cluttered obstacle course you'd been flying in you are able to push a last few drops of energy into your flight.
  3240. > You are not aware the rainboom's shock-cone forming around your body.
  3241. > Even the riotous explosion of color and sound barely penetrates your focus.
  3242. > The shield, though, you immediately see - a shimmering dome not too far in the distance sustained by the ponies within.
  3243. > Most are royal guards, jaws dropped and wings spread, faces similarly expressing varying degrees of total shock.
  3244. > Your friends - no, not friends.
  3245. > Four of the five ponies you'd once called friends.
  3246. > Their faces are just as shocked, but there is an unknowable, indescribable joy there too.
  3247. > A joy you do not share, as one most critical face is missing.
  3248. > Diving down, you nearly splatter yourself against the shield by preserving your velocity until the final moment.
  3249. > Only at the last second do you reign your wings back, fanning them out and letting the air snag you to a merely painful stop atop the scintillating magic.
  3250. "Where's Cadance?!"
  3251. ~~~~
  3252. > Most of the missiles were expended now.
  3253. > A handful of laser arrays around the very edge of your home fire at last.
  3254. > They do nothing to halt the two alicorns.
  3255. > Another, final flight of missiles sails skyward from their canisters.
  3256. > Immediately a half-dozen are cut down, but there were only a couple of them whose warheads really mattered anyhow.
  3257. > The rest were merely decoys.
  3258. > In the distance, a thunderclap sounds.
  3259. > Like an artist had spilled their paint-pallet onto the sky, a semicircle of multihued color erupts from somewhere just above the treeline.
  3260. > Despite the situation, it brings a smile to your lips.
  3261. > For Dash to pull that, even when she was flying the first time in so long...
  3262. > Truly, her friendship was a powerful thing indeed.
  3263. ~~~~
  3264. "But you know what you don't get, Celestia? One, you don't get me. If you think I'm going to let you pick me up, put me on some show trial, throw me in a dungeon or turn me to stone or whatever it is you do to your enemies... no. I'm no prize of yours. Two, you don't get any of my technology. I won't have your little tyranny benefiting from what is mine... although you'd probably just lock it up anyhow, just like you tried to do with me. And three - most important of all - you sure as hell don't get Dash. Rainbow Dash belongs to me now - mind and spirit. Nothing you do now will change that. You can take her away from me, but you can't take me away from her. She's my little bluebird. "
  3265. ...
  3266. "Anyhow, I've got to wrap this up. You and your little attack-dog sister are getting pretty close. I don't know if this will actually hurt you - I'm not inclined to think so, given the way you just cut down the rest of my stuff - but it ought to get my point across."
  3267. ~~~~
  3268. > "Cadance?"
  3269. > The shield vanishes with a hollow pop; you fall a few feet before your wings snap out and halt your descent.
  3270. "Yeah! Cadance! Where is she, Rares? I gotta find her - she's the only one who can stop Luna from-"
  3271. > "Rainbow, hon..."
  3272. > Applejack reaches up with one hoof, plain desperation in her eyes.
  3273. > "Cadance ain't here, hon. Ah - ah dunno where she is, but she ain't here."
  3274. "But he said-"
  3275. > Your heart seizes.
  3276. > Wings almost do too; only sheer instinct of a born flier keeps them beating.
  3277. > Impossible.
  3278. > "Dashie..."
  3279. "Don't call me that!"
  3280. > Your ragged scream sends Pinkie rearing back.
  3281. > "Rainbow Dash!"
  3282. > Fluttershy is angry - actually angry.
  3283. > You made Fluttershy angry.
  3284. > That is hard enough for your mind to wrap itself around, and it is already struggling with what you had been told.
  3285. > Her tone quickly softens to its normal, soft tone.
  3286. > "Come down here, Rainbow. I'm, um, I'm sure Cadance will, um-"
  3287. > "What Fluttershy is trying to say is that it's time to come home, Rainbow."
  3288. > No!
  3289. > Your home is-
  3290. ~~~~
  3291. "And Dash? I'm sorry. I lied to you. I told you to go out, that Cadance would be there, that everything could be okay. I'm sorry for that, because... in the end, you did more for me than I expected. You were a better pony than I had hoped for. Just... Remember. You'll always be able to come home."
  3292. > Without hesitation, you end the call and slam your finger down on the button.
  3293. ~~~~
  3294. > White.
  3295. > Everything is white.
  3296. > The entire world is overcome with a brutal flash of white that leaves spots dancing in your eyes.
  3297. > It's too much for you at last; your wings seize, and you tumble to the ground.
  3298. > On unsteady hooves you force yourself back up; spinning in place - staggering as your head pulses with pain under under the effects of the flash - you're struck dumb by the sight that greets your eyes.
  3299. > An incredible point of light is roiling up from the hillside where your masters' home had been, a monumental sun-like ember clawing into the sky atop a pillar of fire and smoke
  3300. > Nopony speaks.
  3301. > How could they?
  3302. > Even you have nothing to say.
  3303. > Until-
  3304. "No!"
  3305. > You are the first to recover, wings snapping out to carry you back into the sky.
  3306. > Why, you do not even think about.
  3307. > That isn't relevant.
  3308. > All that matters is that you have to get back to your Master.
  3309. > While your will might have been stoked into a powerful flame, though, your body was not so compliant.
  3310. > The effort of flying here - of pulling off a Rainboom after so long grounded - must have been far, far more than you realized.
  3311. > One leg folds under your weight, and a harsh voice calls out:
  3312. > "H-Hey! Stop her!"
  3313. "Outta my way!"
  3314. > The cry reinvigorates you, but the royal guards who had accompanied your one-time friends are already moving.
  3315. > You might've been the fastest pegasus on a planet, but you were also unsteady and laden with aching muscles, limbs seeming to be weighed down by lead.
  3316. > On instinct you duck the first guard to leap at you, but stumble on the recovery.
  3317. > A second is shoved off, and two wingbeats lift you back into the air-
  3318. > Only to be piled on by another pair of armored pegasi.
  3319. > The unicorns and earth ponies among them add their magic and muscle to the effort, but even so you fight them tooth and hoof.
  3320. > Snapping out, battering them with your wings and driving sharp kicks into any unarmored or vulnerable bits of exposed coat you could find.
  3321. > Everything is chaos; dimly you can hear Pinkie crying and Rarity's scream for them to stop, stop, they're hurting you.
  3322. > But they aren't.
  3323. > Or if they are, it doesn't remotely compare to the burgeoning ball of agony set in your chest-
  3324. > There's an awful crunching, and your neck snaps back.
  3325. > They'd torn Anonymous' compass-watch from your collar.
  3326. > Howling with unintelligible rage, you drive a hoof into the muzzle of the stallion responsible.
  3327. > He tumbles back - blood pouring from his nostrils - but you aren't able to follow up yet as an all-encompassing golden field surrounds you.
  3328. > Magic prickles your coat, makes your ears hum, and turns you to face your captor.
  3329. "You..."
  3330. > Spitting both metaphorically and physically, you snarl at Celestia.
  3331. "Let me go! I have to go back in there!"
  3332. > "You will go nowhere, Rainbow Dash."
  3333. > It takes you a few moments to actually notice how tired she is, or that the tips of her feathers, mane, and tail are actually seared and in some cases still smoking.
  3334. > "Anonymous is... gone. You have endured enough; your trial is over."
  3335. "No! I have to go back to him, I have to!"
  3336. > Celestia regards you with an even gaze as her guards back away; steadily she sets you back to the ground, but retains her magical grip on you with enough pressure that it is clear you would not be escaping again.
  3337. > You scramble for the compass-watch where it'd fallen on the ground, but when you pick it up your breath freezes in your lungs.
  3338. > There is nothing on the screen but a blank, black background and a series of deep cracks running through its face.
  3339. "No..."
  3340. > Desperately you press it between your hooves, pressing the button on the back like he'd shown you.
  3341. > Hoping against all reason to make it bring up the compass again, show you a way back-
  3342. > But nothing greets your eyes except the bare hint of your own reflections in the cracked screen.
  3343. "Please, no..."
  3344. > Every time you repeat it, your voice becomes ever-weaker.
  3345. > Instead, that energy feeds into your chest - reigniting and feeding the flames that live there until, at last, you rise to hurl yourself bodily at Celestia.
  3346. > Slamming against her chest you drive hoof after hoof into her, screaming out as you do:
  3347. "You killed him! YOU KILLED HIM, YOU-"
  3348. > Spraying a line of obscenities that would make the most hardened sailorpony blush, you eventually fall back to the ground - resting on your haunches and staring up as tears mat your cheeks.
  3349. > "I..."
  3350. > Celestia's voice is low, emotionless, and surprisingly soft.
  3351. > "I did no such thing, nor did my sister. What he did, he did to himself. He left you behind, Rainbow Dash."
  3352. "LIAR!"
  3353. > Launching yourself up, you strike her across the muzzle.
  3354. > Immediately Celestia raises a wing to halt the guards who had begun to charge you.
  3355. > Not until later would you realize that she herself could surely have blocked you... if she had not wanted the blow to land.
  3356. > As it is, you throw kick after kick until every bit of fire in you has been spent.
  3357. > Until you cannot resist as she slips a tender, ivory-coated leg around you.
  3358. > Until all that remains is the wrenching sobs of a broken mare, echoing off the hills over the distant crackle of flames.
  3359. --------
  3360. "...and, in conclusion, although I have been able to examine a number of examples of his technology seized from the lowest levels of the tunnels - those that survived the blast - I'm really no closer to actually understanding exactly how they work - though I have made some progress in discerning fundamental principles."
  3361. > "And in your estimation, Princess Twilight Sparkle, is there risk of his machines rising against Us again?"
  3362. > You shake your head fervently at the lunar princess seated across the broad, oaken table.
  3363. "No, Princess Luna. They are nearly all inactive, and even those that are still working seem to be stuck in a - a loop, passively waiting for instructions. Without anyone to give them orders, they will not do anything."
  3364. > "But thee cannot give them commands."
  3365. > Luna tended to - slip back into the old ways when she was emotional.
  3366. > Even the memory of the battle seemed to be enough.
  3367. "No. I don't know how. I don't even think Rainbow does, and even if she did, she - "
  3368. > You break off, glancing aside to the massive, gilded oaken doors that barred entrance to the hall.
  3369. > They seemed as utterly impermeable as the ancient stone walls that surrounded them, lit by the flickering light of the room's torches.
  3370. > But to you, they are nearly transparent - your thoughts running past to the rainbow-maned pegasus resting in a suite a few doors down.
  3371. > "-Twilight?"
  3372. "Huh?"
  3373. > Looking back to the table, you give a little nervous smile to the four other ponies assembled around the table.
  3374. "Sorry, I - my thoughts are wandering..."
  3375. > Celestia smiles one of her signature reassuring looks in your direction.
  3376. > Immediately you feel a wave of relief and comfort flow down your neck, across your shoulders and withers.
  3377. > It was the same imperturbable look that had calmed the innumerable, frantic outbursts of a little faithful filly student.
  3378. > "It is fine, Twilight; I understand. I asked what of the construct that is still in orbit."
  3379. "It's... well, still there. Just circling the world - I marked no deviations from its path or other signs of activity before I returned home, and I've left Aurora Gaze with a jar of dragonfire to alert me if she sees anything."
  3380. > "Can it be reached? Investigated?"
  3381. "I don't think so. Even with our magic joined, it's too far up for me to put meaningful force on it. I don't think it's going to do anything, though - its owner is dead, and without his orders it is too."
  3382. > Luna sniffs unhappily, and you frown.
  3383. > She was... distraught by having an intruder in her sky, especially one that had been used to threaten Equestria.
  3384. "I know it's not optimal. But there's so many other things we need to focus on now - and we don't even know how it will react if we try and bring it down! I believe it's really best to just leave it there, for the time being at least."
  3385. > "Agreed."
  3386. > Your mentor's backing is, again a welcome relief on your mind.
  3387. > "It can be addressed another time, and there are more pressing concerns immediately at hoof."
  3388. > "Chrysalis."
  3389. > Cadance's tone flattens your ears and sets your coat prickling.
  3390. > "I am raising a new battalion of guards in the Empire. She is an immediate threat, and-"
  3391. > "Thy overstep thine bounds, Mi Amore Cadenza. Our rulership will protect you."
  3392. > Lips drawing back in a snarl, Cadance drops a hoof to the tabletop with a sharp thud.
  3393. > "Protecting my own realm is overstepping my bounds now, is it?"
  3394. "Luna, Cadance, please-"
  3395. > "Thy lack of faith in Our leadership is what concerns Us!"
  3396. > "You kept us completely unaware of what you intended to do! All three of you!"
  3397. > Cadance's tone is as much one of hurt as anger, and you wince in sympathy.
  3398. > That particular bit of deception had been... painful.
  3399. > Not something you agreed with.
  3400. > "Our plan worked, did it not? Anonymous is dead. Equestria is safe. You should trust that We are certain of our plans."
  3401. > "So I should just assume that everything is still going to be alright no matter what? You heard his warning, Princess Luna - Chrysalis will betray us!"
  3402. > "We know this, Cadenza. The insect-queen is Our momentary guest, just as Anonymous was in Fillydelphia. And just like We brought him his just fate in time, so too will she be dealt with."
  3403. > "And what if you don't? Is it that much of an insult if I protect my ponies from that possibility?"
  3404. > "It is an insult that you do not keep faith with Us!"
  3405. > "Well then maybe you shouldn't have locked me out of-"
  3406. > "Everypony, ENOUGH!"
  3407. > Shining Armor may not have had the force of a Royal Voice to project, but the stallion's angry roar still cut through the argument.
  3408. > Though in Luna's case, the expression on her face makes you wonder if her silence had more to do with shock that the prince would raise his voice to a far-elder alicorn.
  3409. > You'd have to thank him for that later, though.
  3410. > "Your Highness Princess Luna - please understand. We trust you. But being excluded from the plans was a painful blow to us, and Chrysalis has proven herself to be a cunning enemy. We have to be prepared for her. If you are angry with anyone-"
  3411. > He slips a hoof around Cadance's withers, and she extends a wing across her husband's back in turn.
  3412. > "-be angry with me. The expansion of the Guard was my idea."
  3413. > Luna seems ready to launch a retort, but Celestia speaks first:
  3414. > "Sister, she is right. Even if the Crystal Empire's rulers trust our plans, the Crystal Ponies will wish for reassurance in these troubled times. Let her be."
  3415. > At last, Luna ducks her head - lips moving as if silently trying to stifle back her true thoughts.
  3416. > "...fine. We accept this."
  3417. "Um. Right. Well then-"
  3418. > Your own tone is far, far too nervous.
  3419. > Shuffling through the scrolls in front of you gives a moment of distraction, but does little to actually alleviate the tension in the room.
  3420. "Well, after that we have the issue of Anonymous' business associates. They are none too happy about what happened, and are making some noise about trying to sue for the lost profits."
  3421. > Again Luna snorts.
  3422. > "Let them. Anonymous' fate was his own choice; he is the one at fault here."
  3423. > "Agreed."
  3424. > Celestia stretches a wing towards her sister, nodding.
  3425. > "Twilight, if you can confirm - I do not think there is any legal basis for that kind of action."
  3426. "No legal one, no, but they could certainly make it quite public and messy if they wanted."
  3427. > "Let them. It shall be a reminder not to rub shoulders with Equestria's foes. With Rainbow Dash returned to Us safely, there is no reason to pretend he was anything but."
  3428. > Quickly you force away the frown that Luna's declaration brought to your face.
  3429. "Then I think that's-"
  3430. > "There's one thing left, everypony. And we have to talk about her."
  3431. > Shining Armor's tone - the implacable tone that from your fillyhood had meant there wasn't to be any argument or discussion about it - makes your ears fall again.
  3432. > "I am sorry, Twilight, but we do have to talk about this..."
  3433. > Sinking as a long breath is blown from your nostrils, you nod.
  3434. "Yes, Princess Celestia. I - I guess I have to."
  3435. > It takes another moment for you to gather up the willpower to do so, however.
  3436. "R-Rainbow Dash won't speak to me. She - she turns her back and stares into the wall each time I try to visit her, and won't even speak a word. She holds me responsible for this all, I think."
  3437. > "For saving the lives of untold millions of ponies? A truly foalish error, if We may-"
  3438. "She was brainwashed! We don't know the half of what he did to her; if even half the things are true-"
  3439. > "Twilight."
  3440. > Again it is only your mentor's calming, soothing voice that manages to stop you.
  3441. "...sorry, Princess."
  3442. > "Do not be. It is... you have lost a deep and dear friend to this."
  3443. > Her eyes flick, for just a moment, to the seated form of her younger sister.
  3444. > "I understand the pain of losing someone close to you."
  3445. "W-What do we do, then? Rarity says she is barely talking to any of the others."
  3446. > A long, pointed silence follows, only breaking when Cadance sighs and dips her head.
  3447. > "I will speak to her again. She - she is speaking to me."
  3448. > "Thank you, my niece."
  3449. > Turning away, Cadance silently leans in against Shining Armor.
  3450. "I - I think that's everything?"
  3451. > Looking around, Celestia focuses on each pony's expression in turn before nodding a shallow affirmative.
  3452. > "I suppose that will be it for tonight. We will have to talk again soon, everypony."
  3453. > With the scrape of a chair on the stone floor and rush of broad wings, Princess Luna is gone - the final tip of her ethereal tail vanishing around a corner.
  3454. > Celestia looks between the three of you and bows her head.
  3455. > "...forgive my sister, please. I..."
  3456. > Her tail flicks, head falls, and for just a moment you catch a glimpse of the truly tired pony behind the princess' mantle.
  3457. > "...I truly am thankful for you coming here. All of you. This has not been an easy time. It is over now, though, and may we all of us - and Rainbow Dash - soon begin to heal from this trial. Shining Armor, if I may have a moment of your time - I would like your input on the deployment of Equestria's guards in light of this situation..."
  3458. > And there it is:
  3459. > Her signature bridge-building, your mentor's distinct and unique ability to mend fences.
  3460. > Shining Armor nods, and the two quickly depart in close conversation as well.
  3461. > You slip from your chair as well, but a soft voice calls out from behind:
  3462. > "Twilight, wait!"
  3463. > You do, but there is a silent sigh in your voice.
  3464. "What is it, Cadance?"
  3465. > The older alicorn approaches, and you shy away.
  3466. > Her expression falling, Cadance reaches out one wing towards you.
  3467. > "I'm sorry, Twilight, I... I don't know. I just wanted to talk to you. Not - not as a princess. Just - sister-in-law to sister-in-law. One worried pony to another."
  3468. > Now your face falls as well, wings and tail drooping similarly.
  3469. "What is there to say? It's over. It's done. We - we should all try and move on. It wasn't the best choice, but-"
  3470. > "Twilight."
  3471. > She had slipped closer to you; the outstretched wing resting on your shoulder.
  3472. > One of your own wings rises to brush it away, but never quite makes it there.
  3473. > "I foalsat you, Twilight, and now I can still tell when you're upset. Those wings only make it easier - remember, I was born a pegasus. I can read them, and you're not very subtle with them. So - please, tell me?"
  3474. "I thought you were angry at me. For excluding you."
  3475. > Cadance pauses, her wing slipping off.
  3476. > "I am. But you were little Twiley to me long before you were Princess Twilight Sparkle, and I still can't help but worry about you too."
  3477. "I..."
  3478. > She's next to you now, a wing across your back and hoof beneath your chin.
  3479. > "Please, Twilight?"
  3480. > Shades of old comforts well up from your memory.
  3481. > Of that same voice, those same hooves holding you - a little filly, angry for whatever reason little fillies were.
  3482. "...I wasn't good enough."
  3483. > Cadance goes silent, just listening now.
  3484. "I pushed myself harder than I ever have before. I - I pulled myself away from my friends, practically invented a whole new telescope design to find that thing, and - and -"
  3485. > Your voice cracks, eyes squeezing shut.
  3486. "- and it wasn't enough. We couldn't stop him from - from almost -"
  3487. > Emotions that had been long-pushed back within you, crushed beneath the need to focus on finding a solution, crack through the dam you'd built around them.
  3488. > Tears begin to leak from your eyes.
  3489. "Rainbow Dash would have died if he hadn't let her go. Everything I did, and Rainbow Dash would have died... and I wasn't anywhere near enough to stop him. I don't even know if it would have helped if I was!"
  3490. > "Shhh..."
  3491. > Cadance is rubbing your back with her wing now, nuzzling her chin into your mane.
  3492. "And - and now you're angry at me because he managed to get away, and Luna is angry because he ran away...
  3493. > "Twilight... is this why you've been throwing yourself into reports and investigations ever since it happened? To - to try and put that aside?"
  3494. > You miserably nod.
  3495. "I've spent a sum total of sixty-two hours personally digging in the ruins of Anonymous' home alone. I have written seventeen complete analyses of equipment recovered, including six which are already being published to the Royal Academy; at least thirteen more are half-done, with harmony-knows-how-many more waiting yet. Thirty-four of the best researchers from the Academy are already at the site, and I am also examining ways to remove the toxic materials his weapon seeded the land with."
  3496. > Eyes squeezing shut, you gather strength to continue.
  3497. "But all of it... it just feels so empty. Like I'm going through it for the sake of it... what did all of this even gain?! Anonymous is dead, but Rainbow - she won't even look at me! He's - he dug himself so deep into her head she may as well still be in there, and I have to admit that the only reason she's even alive is because Anonymous..."
  3498. > Anger trailing off, your voice drops down to its normal levels.
  3499. "...because Anonymous did a good thing. Because he let her go. I nearly killed Rainbow Dash, and he saved her instead."
  3500. > "Twilight -"
  3501. > Cadance pauses, dipping her head to the floor.
  3502. > "I... I can't say I approve of what happened. It could have been done without loss of life. But - you aren't alone. Nopony should ever be alone. I'm here for you."
  3503. "Yeah."
  3504. > You crack a small, pained grin.
  3505. "Always little Twiley first, huh?"
  3506. > "Always a pony first."
  3507. "It's - it's great of you to offer, Cadance. But right now, I think Rainbow is more alone than I've ever been."
  3508. > "Then I'll just have to go to her too."
  3509. --------
  3510. > Looking down on Canterlot has become something of a fascination for you.
  3511. > After so long with your only view out being the hills surrounding Anonymous' home, Canterlot is a treasure of detail.
  3512. > From the window of the royal quarters you'd been given, practically all of the city was visible.
  3513. > Gleaming and twinkling in the evening's last light, little dots of color moving down the avenues radiating from the palace...
  3514. > A city alive.
  3515. > Alive.
  3516. > Snarling, you grit your teeth - an unwelcome weight pushing in to the back of your head.
  3517. > The city was alive.
  3518. > You were alive.
  3519. > Anonymous was not.
  3520. > That fact alone makes every moment spent relishing in the city's grandeur feel like a betrayal.
  3521. > How could you take pleasure in it when he would never be able to see anything again?
  3522. > You sit in front of the cool glass, watching a million little lamps being lit as the sun slips down over the horizon and night drifts into place over the city.
  3523. > 'Traitor!' hisses the voice in the back of your mind, and you flinch at its viciousness.
  3524. "I'm not a traitor..."
  3525. > The mumbled objection is perfunctory, though.
  3526. > No true effort in it.
  3527. > Dropping your head, you bring your chin to the floor and simply lay in front of the window instead.
  3528. > There, you weren't looking any more.
  3529. > Maybe now Anonymous' voice would stop echoing between your ears.
  3530. > 'You said you would come home!' his voice hisses.
  3531. "I don't know where home is!"
  3532. > Curling into a ball, you bury your head in your forelegs and lift a wing to shelter it.
  3533. > 'Liar!'
  3534. "Please, quit it, okay?! I - I know I screwed up. I know I failed you. I didn't mean to let your watch get broken, okay? I'm sorry!"
  3535. > 'Liar. You aren't even trying to find home.'
  3536. > Instead of arguing further, you simply squeeze your eyes shut and pray the needling whispers stop.
  3537. > 'Come home to me, Rainbow Dash!'
  3538. "Be quiet!"
  3539. > Your voice is a mere mutter now, a whisper - as if speaking up could further attract the attention of the ethereal taunts.
  3540. "You - you aren't even my Master. He never called me that. He-"
  3541. > "Rainbow Dash?"
  3542. > The voice - a real voice - interrupts your mutterings.
  3543. > Lifting your head, you immediately feel your cheeks flush as you come nearly muzzle-to-muzzle with Cadance.
  3544. > That close, she must have heard you talking to yourself.
  3545. "H-Hey, Princess..."
  3546. > "Cadance, Rainbow Dash. Please, just Cadance."
  3547. > An objection dies in your throat.
  3548. > She was the only one of the four, it seemed, who'd ever given Anonymous a fair chance.
  3549. > So, you suppose, you should give her one too.
  3550. " 'kay... Cadance."
  3551. > Sighing, you lower your wing back down.
  3552. "So, uh. What's - what's up?"
  3553. > "I... I wanted to check in on you. It's been so long, and I heard you barely come out of this room or talk to anypony-"
  3554. "Twilight put you up to this, didn't she?"
  3555. > Cadance's hesitation gives all the answer you need.
  3556. > Setting your teeth, you shoot a glare past the alicorn to the door she'd entered through.
  3557. "I don't want to talk to her. I don't want to even see her! She - she started all this off, and for what? So Celestia would pet her mane and tell her she's a good pony?"
  3558. > "Rainbow Dash!"
  3559. > Cadance's objection is only halfhearted, though, and you lift a leg to rub at your eyes with a fetlock.
  3560. "I'm sorry, Cadance... I just can't... it's still getting to me, I guess. That - that he's really, really gone."
  3561. > 'I'll never be gone.'
  3562. > Anonymous' voice, seemingly hissed straight into your ear, makes you flinch.
  3563. "...everypony keeps talking like I'm supposed to be happy about this or something."
  3564. > "I understand, Rainbow Dash."
  3565. > Settling to her belly, Cadance looks at you with a pained expression.
  3566. "No. You really - really don't."
  3567. > Your chin falls to rest on top of crossed forehooves again.
  3568. "You don't get how it feels to have that kind of weight on your wings - to be told you should be happy, to know you should feel that way too - really, really should! - but to still have this big hole inside of
  3569. you where he was..."
  3570. > 'Rainbow Dash, you aren't even trying to come home!'
  3571. > This time, you're able to suppress flinching.
  3572. > Cadance, however, simply stretches out a wing around you.
  3573. > "I think you're wrong. I might not be able to really feel every bit of grief that you do, but I do understand how you are feeling."
  3574. "How?"
  3575. > Right now you aren't sure you even care, but there's a part of you that just wants to talk about something, anything, other than Anonymous.
  3576. > "Well. I suppose you know I was born a pegasus?"
  3577. "Yeah."
  3578. > "Then let me tell you, I had even less preparation than Twilight did when I was suddenly a princess. It was like - like day and night. One day, I was little filly Cadance playing by the stream and figuring out which stallion was making eyes at which mare, and this filly was preening for that colt..."
  3579. > She sighs.
  3580. > "That was day. Then came night. It felt like just a second, and then I had a horn, magic... ponies wanted me to do things. Wanted to do things to me. Stormy times for me, Rainbow Dash... and I couldn't go back either."
  3581. > Another interruption, and you look up to see Cadance staring off into the distance.
  3582. > This was something important to her, more than you'd understood.
  3583. "Is that why you didn't give your magic to Twilight? Didn't help with all this?"
  3584. > "Partly. Even if I had been told I wouldn't have had a part in it because my place is to mend hearts, not break them. I think Anonymous did evil, evil things, Rainbow Dash - but I do not think his heart was truly empty, like Chrysalis or Sombra."
  3585. "Or Luna."
  3586. > "Luna... is not empty heart. She is... I think she still sometimes pines for her ages past. She's been speaking in her old thees and thous ever since this all happened. It's like it's awoken something in her."
  3587. > Cadance lays her head down.
  3588. > "But - what I was saying before is that I don't think Anonymous was truly evil. He wanted you to live, Rainbow Dash. He let you go so that you could live."
  3589. "He let me go so I could find my way home. But where is home now?! I don't - I don't even know."
  3590. > "Maybe he meant for you to find a home of your own...?"
  3591. "No."
  3592. > Turning in place, you raise yourself to sit on your haunches and show her the broken compass-watch.
  3593. > It was on a chain necklace now - Celestia had refused to allow you to wear the collar, but she had relented and allowed you to keep the watch itself.
  3594. "This - this was supposed to help me find my way back to him. It was like a compass, you know? Always pointed home."
  3595. > "And it was broken..."
  3596. "The guards broke it. When I tried to fly back."
  3597. > Dropping the compass-watch, you lean back in against Cadance.
  3598. > It feels wrong, but the feeling of needing this - needing some contact, some comfort at all - is even stronger.
  3599. "Now... now I don't know what to do. I'm not the same pony I was, Cadance - nopony gets that, but I'm not. I'm not supposed to be here, but I don't know where I'm supposed to go."
  3600. > Again her wing settles over you, and you burrow down beneath it.
  3601. > It's not the firm, reassuring touch of your Master... but it helps.
  3602. > "I don't know either, Rainbow Dash. And I won't tell you where to go. But I think you do need to go somewhere. You can't just - stay cooped up in here forever. You were not a pony meant for staying inside."
  3603. > You aren't sure if that is a subtle jab at Anonymous' method of holding you.
  3604. > You aren't sure you care, either.
  3605. "I don't wanna go outside though. Everypony there... they all look at me funny. Or tell me how brave I was to fight him."
  3606. > "Then don't pay attention to them. Do what you were meant to do."
  3607. "Which is?"
  3608. > "Fly."
  3609. > There is no answer to that.
  3610. > A morose silence falls; eventually, Cadance stands.
  3611. > "I will be going downstairs, out into the gardens. If you want to follow... please do?"
  3612. " 'kay."
  3613. > She stares a moment longer before turning away.
  3614. > One ear swivels at the click of the closing door as it shuts behind her, and then you are alone again.
  3615. > Eventually, your gaze drifts back to the window.
  3616. > The moon has crested the horizon now, creeping every upward in the sky,
  3617. > Your eyes follow it.
  3618. > Maybe Cadance was right.
  3619. > He had to have known what he was risking by sending you out.
  3620. > That Celestia and Luna would simply... end him.
  3621. > Not even bother with a dungeon, or banishment, or banishment to a dungeon...
  3622. > That they were not the same ponies Twilight was.
  3623. > Maybe you couldn't forgive Twilight, or Celestia or Luna.
  3624. > But maybe that didn't mean you couldn't push on either.
  3625. > Fly...
  3626. > That had been his order to you, hadn't it?
  3627. > Fly like the wind.
  3628. > Heaving yourself to your hooves, you crack the room's door open and slip out as quietly as a pony can with hooves on a polished stone floor.
  3629. > The guards you passed, at least, did not bother you.
  3630. > Ordered not to interact, or simply learned that their complements cut you like jabs from the weapons they bore you weren't sure.
  3631. > Though subtle, watchful eyes were kept on you.
  3632. > No doubt they had been very explicitly ordered to watch where you went.
  3633. > Down and down Canterlot palace's many staircases you went, until at last you were spilled out into one of the grand central hallways that speared the palace through.
  3634. > This place was, unfortunately, vastly busier than the private quarters had been; almost immediately you feel the weight of a hundred gazes boring down on your back.
  3635. > Ears laid flat and tail hung low, you stalk as close to the nearest wall as you can - regretting, for once, your vibrant and immediately-recognizable rainbow mane.
  3636. > Un-hushed whispers tickle your ears, and even though the floor fills your vision eyes squeeze shut.
  3637. > This was a mistake.
  3638. > Legs move from a nervous walk to a trembling canter and then to a panicked near-gallop.
  3639. > Just enough to get you to a door.
  3640. > To the gardens.
  3641. > To Cadance!
  3642. > A side-hall's alcove presents an escape from their attentions, and without hesitation you turn down it.
  3643. > Your attempt at navigation, however, is promptly interrupted as reality turns abruptly grey-coated and soft, something tumbling you head over hooves with a decidedly feminine cry of surprise.
  3644. > Down you go, a tumble of grey-and-blue legs.
  3645. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I'll get off of you, let me get up-"
  3646. > The vigor that had filled you a moment earlier is gone, however; first and second attempts to rise end in sprawling in failure, while on the third you barely make it a few steps before dropping to your haunches again.
  3647. > "I'm terribly sorry; I wasn't expecting, ah - wait! Wait - Rainbow Dash, yes?"
  3648. > For the first time you glance at the pony who you'd collided with.
  3649. > An earth mare - charcoal mane and only slightly lighter grey coat, an instrument's case slung across her back and purple eyes regarding you with a mix of sadness and regret.
  3650. > Did you know her from Ponyville?
  3651. > If so, you were damned if you could remember her name at this moment.
  3652. > As if on cue, a hoof is stretched out in greeting.
  3653. > "Octavia Melody."
  3654. > Oh, yeah.
  3655. "H-Hey. Look - I - I'm sorry, I didn't mean to just gallop in t'you like that. I, uh - I just need some time to myself. And space. Sorry."
  3656. > "It's quite alright."
  3657. > The thinnest of pained smiles touches her face.
  3658. > "I very much understand. I was so terribly sorry to hear it..."
  3659. "Don't."
  3660. > The snap in your voice is harder than you'd expected, but you do nothing to stop it.
  3661. "Just, don't. I've heard it a million times by now, and I don't want to hear it again, okay? I just... don't."
  3662. > "I am sor- no, I suppose that is not the proper phrasing. But, I was instructed - strongly instructed - to give you something, though. From a dear friend."
  3663. "I don't want to talk to anypony, okay? I told you, I need some time for myself."
  3664. > A moment, and then a sigh.
  3665. > "So I see. My deepest apologies, Rainbow Dash. I will simply leave this here for you, then. Please, do, at least look at it?"
  3666. > This you do not even grace with an answer, head remaining down and your back to her even when something clinks softly against the palace's marble floor.
  3667. > Even when fading hoofsteps signal her departure.
  3668. > After what seemed like a little eternity but could not have been more than a few minutes, your curiosity finally forces you to look at what she had left-
  3669. > Your heart stops.
  3670. > Placed directly behind your splayed tail, gleaming in the lamplight, was another compass-watch.
  3671. > There's no mistaking it - a perfect copy of the ruined device hung around your neck.
  3672. > With a delicate, almost reverent touch, as if it might crumble to dust if mishandled, you scoop it between your forehooves.
  3673. > There it sat, the second hand busily making its way around the face alongside the minute and hour hands.
  3674. > Not a breath escapes your throat as you pin it between your hooves, squeezing the hidden button on the back as you'd been shown.
  3675. > A moment where the screen is reduced to a stomach-churning blank -
  3676. > And then it is back, hands swinging around to find their places as compass-points.
  3677. > Only two hands now, yellow and red.
  3678. > The blue - the one that had pointed to Anonymous - is gone.
  3679. > But the others...
  3680. > Yellow had been to give the watch's direction, but red - red had pointed back home.
  3681. > Except, now, it did not point to the scorched ruins you had left behind.
  3682. > Those, you knew, were more towards the northwest.
  3683. > Yet now the red bar was firmly locked to somewhere in the far east.
  3684. > Somewhere -
  3685. > - who knew where -
  3686. > - there was something out there waiting for you.
  3687. > Octavia had given shown-"
  3688. > Octavia!
  3689. > Barely thinking long enough to scoop the compass-watch between your hooves, you take to wing - launching yourself out into the hallways and hurling yourself up into the air, trying to spot that bob of near-black mane and tail among the ponies travelling the hall-
  3690. > But of course she is gone.
  3691. > Long gone, with how long you had been sitting in that nook sulking away.
  3692. > All that you have done is cause numerous golden-clad helmets to rise and watch you as their bearers make note of your sudden burst of flight.
  3693. > Dropping back down to the floor, you retreat back towards the nook you had emerged from.
  3694. > No, there wasn't any chance to pursue Octavia now.
  3695. > Not with the questions you wanted - needed - to ask her.
  3696. > ...probably all that would do is get her asked some rather more pointed questions by the Royal Guard - questions not unlike your own, primarily revolving around 'where in Tartarus did you get this thing and when did He give it to you?'
  3697. > Not to mention they would almost certainly take the watch again.
  3698. > Instead you walk - at a rather more reserved pace - out towards the gardens.
  3699. > More guards are waiting there, but they keep their distance.
  3700. > Cadance is there too, quietly speaking to a crystal pony at her side.
  3701. > Settling on your belly, you stare up into the night sky.
  3702. > Luna's moon quietly ascends and you shiver softly.
  3703. > Even after the departure of the familiar Mare-in-the-Moon, it never troubled you so much.
  3704. > Now, though, it sometimes struck you as the pupil of the night's eye - the gaze of a mare who had helped kill your master, staring down in the same unblinking fury she had lashed out at him with.
  3705. > Its gaze weighing down on-
  3706. > There was something crossing the sky.
  3707. > A single bright dot of light, still lit by the sun that had so recently passed beneath the horizon.
  3708. > It crept up from behind you, somewhere in the Northeast.
  3709. > Scudding between stars - an intruder in Luna's night.
  3710. > Unbidden, a small and bitter laugh works its way up from your throat.
  3711. > You hadn't been the only one left behind after all.
  3712. > Eyes tracking the Obstinance until it fades from sight out over the southern horizon, you're suddenly drawn back down to the second compass-watch still clutched in your hooves.
  3713. > A quick check of its hands reveals that no - it was not pointing towards whatever spot the Obstinance had vanished towards.
  3714. > But even so...
  3715. > If there was something out there...
  3716. > A home to be found.
  3717. > Your gaze again falls to Cadance, in the distance.
  3718. > After a few moments she looks back over at you and smiles a kind of half-somber, half-hopeful smile, but does not yet approach.
  3719. > For that you're thankful, and look down to break the gazes.
  3720. > If you did this...
  3721. > Would she come after you?
  3722. > Would Luna?
  3723. > Your 'friends'?
  3724. > Would anypony?
  3725. > Your hooves tremble.
  3726. > If you did not find anything...
  3727. > Would any of them welcome you back?
  3728. > ...
  3729. > But...
  3730. > If there was any hope at all out there.
  3731. > Any chance to find - you don't even know what.
  3732. > Somewhere you belonged.
  3733. > Wasn't that a risk worth taking?
  3734. > Wasn't that a reason to fly?
  3735. --------
  3736. > By the time the guards realized that their charge had managed to lose them with a burst of speed in Canterlot's twisting, ancient alleys it was already too late.
  3737. > All that was left in her room was a small pile of distinctive, multihued hair.
  3738. > By the time they arrived in the tiny town she had once called home, the window to catch up to the fleeing pegasus was long since passed.
  3739. > The apple farmer had already awoken to find several of her crop vanished as if into thin air.
  3740. > The fashionista had already discovered her shop ransacked - leg-warmers and a pegasus' jacket stolen in the night.
  3741. > The bakers' apprentice had already gone downstairs and confirmed the bag of hard-baked bread, salt, and one cupcake - a bag which a particular twitch and twinge in her wild tail had told her to leave out the previous night - was absent.
  3742. > In its place, a hastily-scribbled note.
  3743. > 'Thank you - D'
  3744. > The cloud-home above Ponyville, its form growing thin and almost on the verge of disintegration so long had its loyal occupant been absent, at first seemed untouched.
  3745. > Until the butter-yellow pegasus studying it for the guards realized the map of Equestria, long crowded between a signed Wonderbolts' poster and a Best Young Flyers' award, had disappeared.
  3746. > And an orange coated filly had already yawned, stretched, batted her tiny tings against the mysteriously cold and hard object that had come to rest in her bed.
  3747. > Wide, lavender eyes peered in confusion at the silver cladding and blank face - three deep cracks run through its black surface.
  3748. > By the time anypony knew what had happened, Rainbow Dash was gone.
  3749. --------
  3750. > Round and round the handle goes, each turn drawing a grunt from you as the millstone grinds against its base.
  3751. > Barley always was a pain to turn to flour, much worse than wheat.
  3752. > But if you had any hope of making these scones work...
  3753. > "Hey, Gilda!"
  3754. "In here, Greta. Barley flour's halfway done."
  3755. > The hen wasn't exactly your friend -
  3756. > There weren't many of those out here.
  3757. > - but she was... tolerable.
  3758. > "Some pony's here looking for you."
  3759. > The next grunt turns into a drawn-out groan issuing from your beak.
  3760. > Ponies.
  3761. > In your list, they fell under decidedly "not tolerable".
  3762. > Couldn't even leave you in peace after you'd gotten out of their Winds-forsaken country.
  3763. "Well, tell them to buzz off. I'm not in the mood for one of them right now."
  3764. > Not in the mood to think about what you left behind there.
  3765. > At least the milling went easier when you had a little bit of anger driving your muscles.
  3766. > "I don't - I don't think she wants to talk to you -"
  3767. > Oh, delightful.
  3768. > The pony was actually that close.
  3769. > Evidently the interloper doesn't bother listening to Greta either, as the distinct sound of hoof-falls can soon be heard from your doorway.
  3770. > Pointedly ignoring them and keeping your back to the door, you release the mill's handle and start scooping out the ground-down flour into a bag.
  3771. "Hey, didn't you hear me four-hooves? Go bite their own feathers off; I don't want to talk right now."
  3772. > "Kinda rude, G. I've been flying a long time, and the word around here is you've gotten actually pretty good at baking."
  3773. > The bag falls from your talons, dropping to the floor as breath catches in your throat.
  3774. > Turning to face the doorway is done in a haze.
  3775. > You certainly don't mean to do it - if anything, you want to turn away from that voice, away from the shame and guilt it laid on your back.
  3776. > But at the same time, you couldn't not look.
  3777. > She...
  3778. > Doesn't look like you remember.
  3779. > Her mane must have been cut practically down to nothing - the old burst of wild, radiantly-colored hair had been reduced down to a strip no more than a claw-width long running down her neck.
  3780. > Judging by the conspicuous absence of her tail protruding from beneath the body-length hooded overcoat she wore, something similar had been done to it as well.
  3781. > There were... other differences too.
  3782. > A bandage spiraled up one leg to disappear beneath the coat, and the ragged scarf thrown about her neck doesn't quite hide the thin, black strip of fabric snugly circling it beneath either.
  3783. > Travel-worn but sturdy saddlebags hung beneath her wings, and two more had been dropped to the ground just behind her.
  3784. > The beaten pair of goggles resting on her head completed the roughened appearance.
  3785. > And yet...
  3786. "...you're here."
  3787. > It seems like an idiotic thing to say, and a moment later you're cursing your own stupid tongue.
  3788. > "Yeah. I am."
  3789. "I heard some... stuff happened. Word's slow to get out here, but it does."
  3790. > "Yeah. Stuff... happened."
  3791. > Her voice is -
  3792. > Tired.
  3793. > And yet, lit by a fierce internal flame.
  3794. > Tired, but not weakened.
  3795. > Not diminished.
  3796. > Clicking your beak, you turn your head away.
  3797. "I..."
  3798. > "G?"
  3799. "Sorry, Rainbow. I just - I..."
  3800. > Talons dig into the dirt floor, and your hindlegs' claws leave furrows when you nervously paw at the ground.
  3801. "I dunno why you're even out here."
  3802. > "Well - here, because of you. This way in general, I..."
  3803. > You barely hear the rest of what she says.
  3804. > Rainbow Dash had come out here for you.
  3805. > For Gilda.
  3806. > For -
  3807. "Why'd you come out here for me, Dash?"
  3808. > You can't even face her when you speak, head twisted away to stare at the grindmill.
  3809. > "...'cause I wanted to see you?"
  3810. "See who? The 'friend' who ran away when she should have helped you? Who walked off and left her best friend a prisoner to - that?"
  3811. > Clicking your beak again, you snarl out:
  3812. "All those times I called you a dweeb, but I was the one who ran away in the end."
  3813. > There's a hoof on your shoulder.
  3814. > Talons rake through dirt, ready to crush the offending limb.
  3815. > "For the only friend who didn't try to force me to be what they wanted me to be."
  3816. > What?
  3817. > Sheer shock makes you look around at her at last.
  3818. > Rainbow's head is tilted, her mouth curled into a half smile.
  3819. > "Look. You - you came out there for me. You showed me you cared. But - but you didn't try to force me. You walked away, and - and maybe, even though it musta seemed like pulling out your own feathers, maybe that was the right thing to do."
  3820. "...leaving you in there?"
  3821. > "Not getting so caught up in what you wanted it blinded you. Not letting it get in front of everything else. Not kill-"
  3822. > For just a moment the mask of exhaustion she wore had slipped, and you'd seen a glimpse of the fire that was hidden away deep inside.
  3823. "Tartarus-!"
  3824. > The swear comes soft and hissed from your beak.
  3825. "Tartarus' chains, Rainbow. What happened back there?!"
  3826. > Now it is her turn to look away.
  3827. > "Stuff. Stuff happened, Gilda."
  3828. > You swallow.
  3829. > Wonder to yourself what that fire concealed in turn - how deep the wound it burned in had been cut.
  3830. > "I forgive you, though. You - y'weren't trying to hurt me, and I'm not holding it against you. We cool?"
  3831. "I... yeah. We're cool."
  3832. > Rainbow Dash smiles, and you smile, and soon the two of you are grinning like chicks just taken to wing for the first time.
  3833. > That her relief is every bit the equal of your own is a barest hint of how much she had needed to hear that.
  3834. "So. Uh. So, you're out here now. Where're you going?"
  3835. > "Don't know."
  3836. "What's there?"
  3837. "Dunno that either."
  3838. > She lifts a hoof, pulling down the scarf to reveal a - a something, a heavy silver dusk hung from the black band around her neck.
  3839. > "I know how to get there, though. And I know that whatever it is... Equestria isn't the place for me anymore."
  3840. "You - got a place to stay, Rainbow? For tonight?"
  3841. > "I can make my own."
  3842. > A 'no' in five words.
  3843. "Y'want one?"
  3844. > "I'd love one, G. Been traveling on my own so long, I can barely remember what it feels like to actually stay with someone. Just one thing, though."
  3845. > Still grinning, you tie off the sack of flour and toss it away.
  3846. > Scones can wait.
  3847. "What's that?"
  3848. > "No Rainbow now. Just - Dash."
  3849. --------
  3850. [Concealed in code in images posted in the thread]: K0sy5KTt
  3851. > SYSTEM LOG
  3852. > UCRT-2789 'SSO OBSTINANCE'
  3853. > LOG DATE: 07242382
  3854. > BEGIN LOG
  3855. > 00:07 :: Orbit complete
  3856. > 01:34 :: Orbit complete
  3857. > 03:01 :: Orbit complete
  3858. > 03:47 :: Expected solar/lunar shift detected
  3859. > 04:27 :: Orbit complete
  3860. > 04:39 :: WARNING - Unknown orbital contact detected on intercept course, designate BOGEY01
  3861. > 04:41 :: BOGEY01 transmission received
  3862. > 04:41 :: IFF transmission authenticated. BOGEY01 redesignated SHUTTLE02
  3863. > 05:53 :: Orbit complete
  3864. > 06:11 :: SHUTTLE02 docking radar received. Begin docking process.
  3865. > 06:17 :: SHUTTLE02 docking complete. Port C locked.
  3866. > 06:19 :: Port C airlock cycling.
  3867. > 06:22 :: Detected (1) passenger transfer through Port C.
  3868. > 06:28 :: Terminal accessed; credentials verified.
  3869. > 06:29 :: System rebooting. Goodbye.
  3870. TRANSMIT R DASH COME HOME

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