> The Continuing Adventures of Detective Richard Pound
>  by Cinor
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> 1. Ascent of Darkness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Richard Pound
in
Ascent of Darkness

It had been a few weeks since the terrible dreams had stopped. Everything was going swell in Ponyville. I knew more and more of my fellow ponies as the days went by. Soon enough I knew everyone by heart. It wasn’t long however, until people began to notice that I was quite the intuitive pony. They would come to me with their problems.
Like when Sweetie Belle, a filly from the town got lost in the Everfree Forest. I remember it like it was yesterday, it practically was. I was reading with Twilight in our house. It must have been near 8 or 9 o’clock. Rarity came rushing in, she was frantic. Twilight went over to console her, but she looked at me, tears streaming down her pretty face. Her eyeliner was running.
“Dick, I need your help! Sweetie Belle, she-sh-she ran off into the forest! I need you to find her!” She broke down into a fits of sobbing.
“Which way did she go, Rarity?” She briefly pointed east. I nodded, grabbed my coat and hat, and headed out the door. Twilight wished me good luck. I’d need more than that. It was summer which meant I’d have an hour, two tops, of sunlight left. I had to work fast. I ran in the direction that Rarity had pointed out for me.
I have never been so good in the forest. I was always a city detective. I knew some basics, and that was it. It was going to be tough. I prayed that Sweetie Belle didn’t go too far into the forest; the forest was far too dangerous for her to be out there alone. I couldn’t let her stay out there alone all night.
“Sweetie Belle!” I cried out into the darkness. I was running fast into those dark trees. I could see faint tracks, but the sun was setting fast. Broken twigs her, crushed leaves there. No telltale signs of her anywhere. “Sweetie Belle!” I heard no response. I had to keep going. I could only hope I was on the right path.
All too suddenly, the light was gone, and I was alone in that dark and evil forest. Sinister howls emanated from deeper within. I had no idea where I was; I needed to make some light, and fast. I got two sticks near me and rubbed them, vigorously. It wasn’t working. Suddenly I could hear rustling in the bushes in front of me. I started to back away slowly, keeping one of the sticks in my mouth. I wasn’t going down without a fight.
“Show yourself!” I yelled at the bushes.
“D-dick?” A terrified voice came from the bushes, it was Sweetie Belle. She ran at me and grabbed on to my left leg. “I’m so scared! Take me home!” She started to cry. I was about to tell her that was the plan, when a howl came from my right. I turned to it.
“Stay behind me, Sweetie. Can you make any light?” She nodded and her horn started to glow. It wasn’t much, but it illuminated the small clearing I was in. A black furred leg stepped out of the bush, followed by another. A wolf’s head with glowing red eyes emerged. It stepped into the light, never once taking its eyes off of Sweetie. “Hey ugly, why don’t you take on someone your own size?” I picked the stick up and lunged at the wolf. The stick hit ground as the wolf dodged to the left, nimbly avoiding the blow. He launched off the ground and went for my shoulder. I wasn’t ready for such an attack. His teeth sunk into my shoulder.
I screamed out in pain. I twisted my head and slammed into his. He stumbled back and I used my hind legs to deliver a punishing blow to his skull. I could hear it crack under the force. The wolf fell to the ground and did not stir. Sweetie Belle was hiding her face and crying. I picked her up by her scruff and carried her back the way I came. Hopefully we would find town.
A little over two hours later, we did.  I was exhausted, my shoulder hurt, I couldn’t take a single step more. I collapsed on the ground, in the center of the street. Sweetie Bell ran off to Twilight’s to get help. I didn’t see Twilight, or anyone else for that matter, come to help me. I fell unconscious. A very familiar experience. 
Chapter II
I woke up with Twilight lying on my side. My shoulder was bandaged. I tried to move it, I couldn’t. I started to panic.
“What’s the matter, Dick?” Twilight asked me, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
“I can’t move my arm!” She gave me a kiss to shut me up.
`	“It’s ok, silly. I numbed it so it wouldn’t hurt.” This calmed me down. I laid back down on the bed. Twilight moved back to my side and hugged me tightly. I didn’t feel anything in my shoulder.
“What attacked me? A wolf?”
“That wasn’t just a wolf, Dick. That was an evil wolf, you should be glad you got back when you did. Otherwise you’d have a serious infection. Or worse, you could have been cursed. Let’s not dwell on that, Dick. You are a hero.” She started to giggle and kissed me all over. I kissed her back, equally passionate.
“Twilight, honey, I love you so much.” In a few minutes the kissing finally subsided, and we laid there and went to sleep.

The next day was quite the event. The mayor worked with Pinkie to set me up a hero’s party. It lasted all day and into the night. I was awarded a medal for bravery. I had never felt so great in my entire life. The mayor was so nice, that she gave me a small building near the library where I could set up a detective’s shop.
“This is a great honor, mayor.” I was addressing the crowd. “I never wanted to be much in my life. I wanted a wife, which I got; I home, which I have, and a job. This amazing town has just given me the latter. I can never repay you. But I can do my best. If any of you ever need me. You know where to find me.” I wiped a tear from my eye. “I don’t think I’m a hero, I did what any pony here would do. I helped one of my friends. I thank you all.” I walked off stage and into Twilight’s waiting arms. I couldn’t help but cry. This was the second most wonderful thing anyone had done for me. The first being Twilight’s hand in marriage. 
The next was spent with Twilight and Rarity setting up my office. Sweetie Belle was there too. She was very happy to be around me. Rarity made me a trench coat with my cutie mark emblazoned on the back. I gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“Rarity, I can’t thank you enough for-.” She cut me off.
“Dick, you saved my dear sister, Sweetie Belle. It’s the least I can do. In fact, I’m going to take you to dinner tonight. I’ll pick you both up at 6.” She told Twilight and I. I couldn’t wait, Rarity knew the best places. I nodded in agreement.
It took only a few hours until the entire office was set up. I had everything I could possible ask for. A hat rack, a desk, bookcase, sofa, chairs. It was perfect. Twilight even gave me a picture she had had taken of us to put on my desk. I carried it delicately, this was worth more the gold to me.
“I guess you want to get to work now, Dick. I’ll see you at 6.” Twilight left me then. I sat at my desk, watching her leave through my window. I didn’t take long for work to find me however. A slightly familiar gray pony yellow hair walked in, stumbled really.
“Well hello there, you must be Ditzy right?” She nodded and sat in front of my desk.
“Hello there, Mr. Dick. I need your help.” She seemed frantic.
“Sure thing Ditzy, and please, call me Dick.”
“Ok, Dick. I’ve lost my muffin!” I sat there in silence.
“A muffin you say? Are you sure you didn’t eat it?” Everyone knew Ditzy’s infatuation with muffins. She glared at me.
“Dick, I know when I eat a muffin. I did not eat this muffin.” I sighed slightly.
“Well ok, let me ask you a few questions then. Do you know anyone who would take your muffin?”
“Yes! It would be Spike! He’s always got that hungry look in his eyes. I know it was him.”
“Ditzy, Spike is a dragon, which means he only eats jewels.” She was undeterred.
“I know it was him! I saw him eat it too.” This came as a shock.
“Wait, you saw him? Let me go talk to him then, ok?” I motioned for her to stay there for now. I grabbed my hat and coat. I walked over to Twilight’s; I knew Spike would be there at this time. He always was.
“Spike, I’ve got a question for you. Do you know Ditzy Doo well?” When he heard me mention Ditzy, his eyes got shifty.
“Uh, no I don’t.”
“Really, Spike? Didn’t you stay with her for a while a fortnight ago?” 
“No! I don’t think that happened at all.” This was getting annoying.
“Ok, Spike. Just tell me, did you eat her muffin. I know you know her, ok?” He stood up.
“I didn’t touch her stupid muffin, Dick!”
“She seems to think that you did. Why would that be?”
“I don’t know, Dick. Maybe she should be less stupid.”
“Maybe you need to grow up, Spike. Listen, it’s a four bit muffin. Just tell me whether or not you ate, I’ll even pay her back. Ok?” He seemed to brighten up at this.
“Yeah, sure, fine. I ate the muffin ok? I was hungry and I couldn’t stop myself. I’m sorry.” He didn’t seem sorry. Damn dragons, you just can’t trust them.
“Ok, Spike. I’ll give Ditzy her money, you make sure to tell her that you’re sorry.” I headed back to the office. Ditzy was still there.
“Did you get the info out of that muffin robber, Dick?”
“I sure did, Ditzy. I even got some money to pay you back with. Here’s four bits.” I put the coins in her hooves. She looked at me with a smile.
“Oh thank you so much, Dick! I’m gonna get a nice big muffin and share it with you!” She got up and walked away. It was nearing 4 o’clock now. I closed for the day. It was awfully lonely in that office. I walked to the Cake’s bakery, I wanted to get a nice treat for Twilight and I.
When I got there I was Ditzy leaving with a huge package. She gave me a wink and flew off towards her home. I walked inside, where I was greeted by Mrs. Cake.
“Well hello there, Dick. It’s a pleasure to serve you here.” I blushed.
“I’m no hero Mrs. Cake. I did what anypony would have done.”
“What are you here for, Dick? Anything thing particular?”
“Oh, I’d like something for Twilight and I.” She started to giggle.
“Ooooo, you and Twilight are just the absolute cutest couple I’ve ever seen. I’ve got something for you, a nice fresh cinnamon bun.” She handed me a package, it was warm and smelled heavenly.
“Thank you, Mrs. Cake.” We said our goodbyes and I headed to the library. Twilight was checking out a book for someone so I waited until she was free.
“Hello, honey. I got something for you.” I handed her the cinnamon bun. She smelled it and gave out a delightful squeal. 
“Oh, Dick. This is marvelous.” She opened the lid and gave it a small bit. She uttered a small squeak. “Hot!” She went to the kitchen and grabbed water. I laughed a little. “That’s not funny, Dick.”
“Come on, honey. It was a little funny.” She pouted at me. I frowned playfully. “Come on, I think I see a smile.” She turned away from me. I went up to her and kissed her. “Let’s see a smile now.” She turned back and she was grinning. We both laughed.
“Ok, Dick. We have an hour or so until we have to meet Rarity. What do you want to do? I was reading this great book…” She was talking about the books again. I loved Twilight with all my heart, but sometimes she did talk a little too much about books. I knew she was a bookworm when I married her, and I won’t fault her for it. I could feel myself drifting off to sleep, listening to Twilight talk about her books.
“Wake up, honey.” Twilight was nudging me.
“What happened?” Twilight was tapping me with her hoof. Rarity was here as well, with Sweetie Belle in tow. “Oh, hello there, Rarity, Sweetie Belle. Is it time for dinner already?”
“Why yes, dearie. I hope you two don’t mind, but Sweetie Belle was insistent on coming with.” Sweetie Belle blushed behind her sister.
“It’s fine, Rarity. The more the merrier. Let’s get going.” We got off the couch and headed towards the restaurant. Rarity told us about the place on the way. It was called the Fancy Bridle. It seemed like an odd name, but I was willing to give anything a try at least once.
Once we got there, the host sat us at a corner table. We placed out orders and waited.
“I can’t thank you enough, Dick. I don’t know what would of happened if you hadn’t saved Sweetie Belle.” Rarity said to me over her glass of wine.
“It was no problem, Rarity.”
“No, Dick. I’m really sorry I ran off into the forest. I don’t know what came over me.” Sweetie Belle was talking now. She seemed close to tears.
“It’s ok, Sweetie. It was nothing.” I didn’t want all this recognition. It was a bit much for me.
“Dick, I want to repay you somehow. I know I’m giving you this dinner, but I want to give you something more. I just don’t know what.” I looked down and sighed.
“Rarity, it’s fine.” I would have said more, but our food had arrived. We all began to eat, giving me some time to think for myself. I Knew the Rarity wasn’t going to give up without a good fight. I didn’t want her to give me anything more. The dinner was great, the trench coat was amazing. In the midst of thinking, my shoulder began to ache. I started wincing.
“What’s the matter, Dick? Are you okay?” Twilight looked concerned.
“Nothing, honey. Just my shoulder acting up, that’s all.” Her horn glowed and the bandage loosened enough for her to see beneath it. The wound was a dark red with yellowish tendrils spreading along the arm.
“Oh my gosh! Dick!” The sight of the wound made me feel queasy. I couldn’t bear another look at it. My vision started turning. I turned away and started to run. I didn’t make it far however, as I stumbled on my own legs in my delirium. The room started to spin, darkness closed in on me. 
Chapter III
I could hear voices in my head. “Is he gonna be ok?”, “What’s wrong with him?”, “I love you, Dick”. The words made no sense. I dreamed terrible dreams. Dreams of wolves chasing me, catching me. There was no rest, and no room for rationale.
I awoke with a start. My coat was slick with sweat. It must have been midday. I cried out for Twilight, but no one replied. I crawled out of bed and went downstairs. The house was empty, no noise at all except for my hooves. I went to the kitchen for some cool water, I was burning up. The water helped a little; I needed medicine or else. I needed to see the doctor, luckily I knew where that was; it was however at least 10 minutes away. I hoped I had enough strength to make it.
Ponyville must have been in a heat wave, it felt at least 120 degree outside. The streets were deserted. I could have sworn I saw shadows from the corners of my eyes, but when I turned to look, they were gone.
Finally, I was at the doctor’s office, it was locked. The office was never locked; something must be going on in Ponyville.
“Is anyone here!?” I yelled out into the streets. As the echoes subsided, I could hear howling. “This can’t be happening.” I looked for something to defend myself with. There was nothing. I could see the wolves enclosing around me. Ten of them, all fully grown. They must have been 5 yards from me. Suddenly they began to charge me, lunging at me, mouths open wide. As the first teeth began to close on me, my world became black.
I awoke with a start, sweat and tears coming down my face. Twilight was shaken awake.
“Dick, are you ok? Let me get you some water.” She ran to the kitchen. Soon enough however, she was back. I drank the glass in one gulp.
“What happened, Twilight? I can’t keep waking up like this.” I said jokingly. She didn’t smile at all.
“Dick, I’ve scheduled you to be brought to Canterlot tomorrow. Celestia will look at you herself, and I’ve asked her to let you use the royal doctors as well.”
“Honey, it was just a fever.” She looked sad.
“It’s not just a fever, Dick. This is serious. Please, just listen to me ok?”
“Ok, I’ll go.” I conceded; there was no arguing with this mare. She went to get me more water. I laid back in bed. I fell asleep quickly, I was quite tired indeed.
I awoke to a semi familiar bedroom. It was Celestia’s. She was standing over me, looking quite creepy if you ask me.
“Good morning there, Dick. How are you feeling?”
“Morning to you as well, Celestia.” She was staring at my wound, no longer covered by bandages. “Can I help you with anything?”
“Your injury is very strange, Dick. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. I’ll use my magic to see if I can help it a little.” Her horn glowed briefly and I could feel familiar warmth covering my body, concentrated on my shoulder. Something was wrong though, as the magic touched the puncture wounds, it began to burn. I let out a scream; her horn stopped glowing.
“Dick, what happened?” She was nervous.
“The wound… it burns!”
“Let me get the doctors.” She flew away. My body was on fire, the wound began to sting and itch. The doctors came and went in a blur; the pain from the wound grew worse and worse. Celestia kept pacing around me, eventually she left. A strange pony came in after she left; she was dark in color, with a unicorns horn and wings.
“Hello there, Dick. I’m Luna, Celestia’s sister. I’m going to use my magic to help you.” I shook my head to stop her, but she paid no attention. Her horn glowed a sickly dark color, the same as her mane. Instead of warmth, I felt cold envelop my body. The wound, instead of getting colder, got hotter and hotter. From deep within my shoulder the pain grew intensely. I screamed out in pain but she did not stop. It seemed to last for an eternity, but eventually it ended.
“I see you are healed now.” She said with a slight smile. I looked at my shoulder, the bite marks, the red lines, were now all gone. I fell onto the pillows, exhausted. 
“Thank you… Luna.” That was all I could mutter before exhaustion overcame over me. The last thing I felt was her warm body lying next to mine.

“You two are far too cute.” Celestia was poking me awake with her hoof.
“What are you talking about?” I rubbed my eyes and stood up. I was still in Celestia’s bedroom. Luna was still sleeping.
“Aren’t you married, Dick? You shouldn’t be sleeping with other mares.” She was smirking.
“Oh, you know it’s not like that. She cured me, and fell asleep next to me. I know it looks weird, but I swear its fine.” She shook her head.
“Whatever you say Dick. Do you want me to transport you home now?” I nodded and she cast her magic on me. Transport magic always made me a bit sick. It felt like being in two places at once, an awkward position to be in.
I was back at Twilight’s. She was sleeping in our upstairs bed. I wasn’t tired, so I decided to read a book she had suggested, one of several in fact. It was a book about a war in the olden times, before all the pony tribes worked together. It seemed like rubbish, but I couldn’t tell her that, it was one of her favorites.  The book wasn’t interesting to me at all. It did do wonders to make me tired though. I headed up to the bed and got inside. Twilight stirred at my movements. I kissed her on the nose and snuggled up. Sleep soon followed.
The next day came with some sad news. Mayor Mare had decided that it might be easier for me if my office was in the library, so it would have to be moved. Also she needed the old office for personal reasons. I didn’t dig more into it.
“That’s really rude of her. She gave you that office.” Twilight said this after we got back into the library.
“It’s ok, honey. Think of it this way, I’ll get to see you more!” I gave her a big kiss. I wasn’t fazed too much by the move. “I know it sucks, but I don’t mind, really. I’m not that much of a hero.” She looked at me and sighed.
“Dick, you have to see it from another perspective. You ¬are a hero; you saved Sweetie Belle’s life.” It was my turn to sigh.
“But anypony would do that. Not just me.” She shook her head and walked away. I knew it was no use to argue with her now; she had to get over it by herself. I decided to wait outside to see if anyone would come to me for some detective work. In a small town like this, it wouldn’t be likely that I’d get a client every day, but you can never know. 
It didn’t take long for somepony to approach me. It was somepony I’d never seen before. He was wearing a weird garb, like a cloak. He had very dark eyes and a long unkempt mane.
“Hello good sir, have you heard of the Lunar Revolution?” This guy must be a nut.
“No, I’m afraid I haven’t. What’s your name? I didn’t quite catch it.” He continued to stare at me.
“I didn’t say it. The revolution is for the betterment of all ponies everywhere, too long have we suffered under Celestia’s reign! We plan to bring back the days when we were free under Nightmare Moon’s guidance.” This guy was clearly crazy; everypony knew that Celestia was the better ruler, at least compared to Nightmare Moon.
“Now, I’m sure you may believe that, but I’m just not interested. Have a good day.” He gave an awful frown at that.
“One day you will understand, fool!” He stormed off to another group of ponies and began to chat with them. This guy might be trouble, but I didn’t want to judge without all the facts. I’d have to ask Twilight about the Lunar Revolution later, if she was feeling better that is.
I stayed out there in front of the house for a few good hours, nopony came up for a job, only to talk and socialize. A few of them mentioned that strange pony from before, but no one had any real complaints about him. I decided to call it a day as the sun was finally setting. I headed back inside to see Twilight sleeping on the couch, a book resting gently on her face. I walked over and took it off her, making sure to save the page; she went mental over that sort of thing. She looked very peaceful so it seemed like a good idea not to wake her up.
I went to the kitchen to fix myself a sandwich. While I ate it, I wondered what I was going to do. Ponyville was far too small to run a successful detective agency in, but I don’t think I could ever convince Twilight to move; this was her home and mine too. I barely even remembered my hometown now. Thinking about the past made my head feel fuzzy, I shook myself out of it, but it wouldn’t go away.
“I have to stop getting sick.” I murmured to myself. I tried to focus on the plate in front of me, but my vision was blurring. I tried to yell out for Twilight, but I couldn’t say anything. I stumbled out of my chair, my head hit the floor. I fell unconscious.
 
Chapter IV
I was sitting at a bar, but I wasn’t myself. I was Richard, a human. This must have been Barney’s pub, I remember that.
“Why do I keep dreaming this?” I asked myself.
“What’d you say, Dick?” I turned to see Barney looking right at me. He was drying those cups like always.
“What am I doing here, Barney?” He chuckled and put down the glass.
“You know why you’re here, Dick. This is where you can be what you want.”
“You mean, here I can be a detective, but when I wake up, I can be happy.” He nodded.
“I knew you were sharp, Dick. Those ponies don’t need a man like you. Here, have a shot on me.” He took a full shot glass and placed it in front of me. As I drank it he said, “You know, I wish you’d never had those dreams, Dick.”
I woke up abruptly. I got up and headed into the living area, Twilight was still asleep. That was lucky; I was tired of her seeing me unconscious on the floor. I wondered what that dream had meant. ‘I wish you’d never had those dreams, Dick.’ What dreams? Was this the dream? No, that’s impossible; this must be the real world. I even remembered my childhood, I think.
I decided that Twilight shouldn’t know about the dreams again; she worried far too much about me as it was. It was getting late, the windows were all darkened. I got the spare blanket from the closet and laid it over Twilight and kissed her goodnight. I went upstairs to the bed and fell asleep. I wondered if I was going to get the same dreams. I did not.
The next few days went by without much trouble. I was able to get a job, searching for a break-in suspect. More and more of those ponies came by, touting the Lunar Revolution. A few of Ponyville’s ponies went with them, but not more than ten.
“Some ponies will believe anything.” This was said by Twilight during dinner. She had a disapproving tone.
“I don’t get this whole revolution thing, Twilight.” She looked at me.
“Well, you know how Luna was banished to the moon for taking not lowering the moon right?” I did know this. Turns out reading some of Twilight’s books had been beneficial.
“Of course I do. I believe that was in one of your books.” She smiled, she liked when I read. She wanted me to be book smart, not street smart.
“That’s great. Well, I think that some ponies want Luna to be in control instead of Celestia. I can’t understand why though. They work so well together.” That was the part that confused me too. Of all I knew of Equestrian history, which wasn’t much, the two princesses ruling together were the most peaceful times.
“I know what you mean. I also don’t think Luna could single handedly rule Equestria. She’s too young.” She nodded. I offered to do the dishes afterwards, she heartily accepted. I took the plates and cups to the sink and began to wash. I looked back to see her watching me from the couch. When she saw my glance she quickly turned around.
“That’s weird.” I muttered. I thought no more of it. Maybe Twilight was in the mood for something more romantic. To be honest, we hadn’t made love to each other for a week, and I did miss it. She was an amazing pony whom I loved deeply and I always would. I finished up the dishes and went to the couch with Twilight and sat beside her. She was deeply engrossed with her book now. It was something to do with magic incantations. I was always sort of jealous of her magic, but what can you do?
I picked up my own book, a western novel, my favorite genre. I got nearly 100 pages in when Twilight said she was ready to go to bed. I agreed and we trotted off to the bed. It was easy to fall asleep next to her; her rhythmic breathing was very soothing.
The windows were still dark when I woke up.
“That’s strange.” I murmur. I got to Twilight and try to rouse her; she mumbles something and turns over. I check the clock on the wall, its 8 o’clock. That’s odd, it’s summer; there should be sunlight. I walk out the door, my jaw hits the floor. There are no stars, the sun is dark. Equestria is blanketed in darkness.
 
Chapter V
“Twilight, you have to wake up!” My hooves pushed her to and fro on the bed. She wasn’t getting up. “Twilight!” Still no response. “I have to get a letter to Celestia.” I ran to get Spike and sent off a letter.
“What’s going on, Dick?” He asked me.
“Well for one thing the sky is dark. Secondly, Twilight won’t wake up.” He seemed panicked at that too. I rushed back to the house with Spike in tow. All over Ponyville ponies were panicking, running around town screaming. What’s going on here?
Twilight was still asleep when we arrived. I tried once more to rouse her from her slumber, but she would not stir. I was getting intensely worried. I wondered if the sun and her had any correlation. Just then Spike received a letter from Celestia.
“Dick, I’m coming to get you and Twilight, don’t leave the house.” Is what the note said. It didn’t take long for her to arrive. Celestia appeared in a bright flash of light, and as soon as she arrived she grabbed Twilight and I and we were teleported away. We arrived in what must have been her war-room.
It was a large room. Unicorns sat at tables looking into crystal balls and writing things down. Couriers sometimes received said notes and brought them to other tables. We were standing on a pedestal in the center, Luna was standing near us; she did not look well.
“What’s going on Celestia?” I asked her, alarmed at the situation. She looked at me grimly.
“Luna can’t seem to grasp her magic anymore. She’s blacking out the sun and she can’t stop. We have no idea why.” I gasped.
“Why can’t she control her magic?”
“We don’t know, Dick! Have you heard anything in Ponyville?” I thought back, but only one event stood out to me.
“There were these strange ponies coming around. They kept talking about something called the Lunar Revolution.” Her eyes opened wide.
“Tell me everything you know.” I did so.
“Celestia, what can we do about Twilight?” The princess looked at her faithful disciple on the floor.
“I’ll see what I can do. Dick, I need you to find the source of this cult and get rid of them. Equestria’s future lies in your hands.”
“Me? What can I do? Aren’t you all powerful? What about all these unicorns here?” She shook her head.
“Dick, I can’t leave this room. They might try and get me somehow and I can’t risk it. The scanner magic we use isn’t picking up anything. You are the best detective pony I know, also the only one.” I sighed.
“I’ll do it, just make sure Twilight’s ok.” She nodded. “I need to get my things at the library.” Another nod and her horn glowed white. Her magic teleported me instantly to Ponyville. I went to the closet and donned my faithful hat and coat. And for more than one reason, this was going to be a long night.
I needed somewhere to start, but where? Who knew anything about this cult? I remembered that they had taken some of the ponies from town for the group; they would know where they meet. I wracked my brain for their names… only one came to me, Bon-Bon. Luckily, I knew where she lived. It was merely a quick walk, but this time I ran. Ponies were still running and screaming all around Ponyville as I ran. It took me only 2 minutes to make it, but I was out of breath now. I stood outside her house looking at it, there didn’t seem to be any lights on.
I approached cautiously and knocked. There was no response. I needed her to tell me what was going on. I knocked and harder and then stuck my head to the door. I could hear something in the back. I decided to brute force this. I turned around and gave a few great kicks to the door, it broke the hinges. After the door there was a hallway with three doors, at the last door on the right there was a small glow. I slowly walked down the hall. As I neared, I could hear crying. At the precipice of the door, I snuck a quick look. 
There was a pony in the room, but it wasn’t Bonbon, it was Lyra, her greatest friend. I jumped into the room in front of Lyra.
“Where is Bonbon? Tell me now!” She started to cry harder. Through her sobs I could make out a few words.
“She…she hasn’t come…back yet. She went with th-those ponies. I-I told her not to g-go. She w-wouldn’t listen to me.” The rest of what she said is unintelligible. I asked her if she knew where they met. She shook her head. I was going to have to have a look around. I decided to start with checking out the current room. It must have been their bedroom. Lyra was still crying on the bed. I turned on another light, to make it easier to see. I checked her drawers and shelves for anything that might lead to a location. Her wallet was still here, it had a scrap of paper in it, but it was blank. I decided to keep it just in case. It was a right angle on one half, with flat edges; the other two were clearly torn from a journal or notebook. Clearly this room was not going to give me any leads. I decided that it would be best to check the living room next. 
The living room was meticulously clean. Not a thing out of place, except for a scrap of paper on the table.
“How lucky.” I say to myself. I pick up the paper. It looks like the corner was torn off so I hold the scrap I got earlier to it. It’s an exact match. Strange thing was that that entire piece of paper was covered in writing except for the scrap. The writing was in some sort of unintelligible gibberish. It looked as though the writing ended as soon as it crossed the edge. Maybe Lyra would know more. I returned to the bedroom, Lyra had calmed slightly.
“Lyra, what’s the deal with this paper?” I held it up to her. She gave it a quick glance.
“They gave it to her when she joined. They told her to look at it when the time was right.”
“What does that mean?” She gave a heavy sigh.
“I don’t know, Dick. But it felt like she took that thing out with her every night.” So she took it out a night, maybe it has something to do with it. “She always seemed to be looking at it, like it would change or something… I don’t know anymore, I’m sorry.” She looked down.
“It’s ok, Lyra. You’ve been a great help.” I took the paper and headed outside. Why would she take it outside at night? Perhaps it changes in darkness. I held it up to the dark sun. It was still blank. I’d have to try with the moon up. The sun was setting so it wouldn’t take long. Everypony has calmed down in town, so it was a lot quieter; easier to get my head around things. I decided to see if anyone needed any urgent help from me. The town was practically deserted; everyone was either out of town or cowering inside. I had made it nearly all across town when I saw the moon peaking above the horizon. ‘Go time,’ I thought to myself. I held the scrap of paper up to the moon. As if by magic I could see ink begin to appear. 
Within the Earth we crave the moon
The time of destiny shall be soon
Through the glass we gaze the stars
Fused with night, the world will be ours
A riddle, I hate riddles. Riddles never solve anything. I wish Twilight was here. I better get Spike to send a letter to Celestia, asking her about Twilight. I ran back to the house, thinking all the while about the riddle. ‘Within the Earth’, did that mean underground, maybe a basement of some sort. Spike was still in the house, pacing anxiously. He saw me walking through the door.
“Did you find anything, Dick?” I told him what I had so far. “Ew, riddles.” He shared my sentiments exactly. I asked him to send a letter to Celestia for me, he agreed to.
“I want the letter to be as follows ok? Princess Celestia, I may have a lead on where to look for the cultists. I have a riddle to decode, if you could send someone that’d be great. Please tell me my wife is ok, please.” He wrote it down and sent it away. I waited for an eternity for a response, and when it came, it wasn’t in a letter. A smart looking unicorn appeared in front of us.
“My name is Bastion Yorsets, I work with Celestia. I hear you have a riddle to crack.”
“Yeah, I sure do Bastion. My name’s Dick by the way.” I told him the riddle. He closed his eyes and concentrated for a few minutes.
“Hmm, yes. From what I can think it may have to do with an underground meeting area. Probably not the main one either. It is definitely somewhere you could find astronomical equipment, like telescopes. I think that’s what the ‘stars’ line refers to.” It all fit into place, sort of.
“Yeah, that makes sense. Thank you so much Bastion.” I looked around nervously. “Do you know anything of my wife?” He looked sad and cast away his glance.
“I know nothing new to report… I was one of the judges for her entrance exam into school. She’s a great unicorn; lots of potential.” A tear fell down my cheek. I turned away from them both.
“Thank you, Bastion. I’ve got to find the base now. I’ll be back.” I walked out the door into the twilight night. I knew there was one place where you could go to gaze at the stars. It was a tiny little house; just a thing ran by the community. It was on the other side of town however and would take me a fair amount of time to get there. It gave me time to think about what I was doing.
This was what I had wanted, a nice big case to solve. For some reason, I wasn’t feeling happy about it at all. I wanted to be home with Twilight, reading a book or maybe just snuggling. I looked up from my thoughts, I was nearly there. It wasn’t as very big building at all. I was also fairly certain it didn’t have a basement. The front door was unlocked so I walked in unhindered. The place was fairly dusty from nonuse; it had been a few weeks since the last clear night sky. I saw a few footprints in the dust and followed them until they died in the middle of the room. Upon closer inspection I saw that it was a trapdoor. I lifted it up slowly. There was a faint amount of light down the tunnel it revealed.
I climbed down the ladder; it must have been a five foot high tunnel of roughhewn stone. I never knew this place existed. I slowly closed the trapdoor in case anyone came in after me. The passage looked to be about fifteen feet long until it opened up, there was light and voiced at the end of the tunnel. I crept up to the ending. The bigger room was just a big circle with a fire in the middle. Around the circle were a lot of ponies, all dressed in raggedy cloaks, in chanting. There were a few ponies around the edges keeping an eye on things. The pony that first came up to me was there too, he was the one closest on the edge.
I needed to ask some questions. I looked around below me for a small pebble; I tossed it at the cultist. It bounced off his head. He looked around and walked near the entrance. As his head poked around, I hit him square in the jaw. I grabbed him by his cowl and dragged him back through the tunnel and up through the trapdoor. I threw him onto the ground; put my hoof to his neck.
“Listen here, boy. You are going to tell me everything. Ok?” He spit at my face. I shook it off. I used my other foreleg to smash his head against the ground. “Do you understand?” His mouth opened.
“You are all going to suffer.” He started to laugh.
“I’m afraid that’s not what I was looking for. What have you done to the sun? What have you done to Luna?” He wouldn’t stop laughing, so I hit the smile off his face a few times. Blood was running down his face, pooling slightly on the floor.
“We helped her reach her potential to be a ruler. She is more powerful than ever now.” He wasn’t laughing now.
“I’m going to stop you, no matter what it takes. I’ll take this entire building down if I have to.” He let out a quick laugh, more like a bark.
“You think we are the only ones? We are everywhere! Even in the castle. Hahaha!” I was tired of this bullshit. I gave him a hard punch to the face one last time; he went out cold. I knew I couldn’t take out the entire group here by myself. Luckily I knew two great friends who could help me.
 
Chapter VI
“I know this sounds strange, but I need your help, please.” Applejack and Big Mac looked at each other. I knew that these two were my only hope. They were the strongest ponies in all of Ponyville. I told them everything that had happened today. Some parts had shocked them, mostly the parts with Twilight and the cult.
“Dick, I don’t know what you got yourself into, but we will always be there to help you. We’re in.” Applejack looked unsure when she said this, but her voice seemed confident.
“I can’t thank you enough. Please there’s not much time, follow me.” We ran back to the secret base.
The supposed cult leader was still there when we got there. I showed them the trapdoor and we headed down. On the way we had discussed the plan. Big Mac would take on the enforcers around the edge; none of them were nearly as big as he. Applejack and I were to help Big Mac if he needed it and stop any chanter if they got up. It was the best plan we could come up with in that time.
“Ok, let’s go.” We rushed out of the opening. Big Mac barreled over two enforcers on the left, neither of them got up. He then tangled with a third and fourth, hitting them together like rocks.  A.J. and I saw some chanters getting up; we jumped and landed on their backs, slamming them to the ground with our unexpected weight. Big Mac had already taken out all six of the enforcers when we stepped off the downed chanters. The room was silent, there was no more chanting. Everyone was staring at us.
“Stop this now! You are going to destroy everything!” I yelled at the assembled ponies. They continued to give blank stares. “Why are you doing this?” From here I could see Bonbon. “Bonbon, what would Lyra think if she knew what you were doing?” I could see a glimmer of recognition cross her face, but it soon faded.
“We seek the Lunar Revolution. We want the world united under the rule of Queen Luna.” The cultist from upstairs was walking through the door. His face was no longer marred with blood. “You should not have come back, you may have lived longer. Grab them my children.” The ponies began to swarm us. Big Mac charged to us and threw Applejack into the hallway. He turned to me.
“Get her safe.” He grabbed me by my coat and threw me as well. The ponies were swarming all around him when I landed. Applejack and I hurried through the trapdoor and out of the house. We didn’t stop running until we were back in the library. As soon as we got through the door, she broke down crying.
“Big Mac, no!” She started to roll on the floor. I tried to console her but she pushed me away. “I trusted you, Dick!” I felt the tears coming too, but I couldn’t let my emotions get the best of me; not now at least.
“A.J. you don’t know what happened.”
“What are they going to do to him!?” I wanted to tell her it was going to be ok, but I couldn’t.
“I don’t know, Applejack. I just don’t know.” She began to cry harder. I picked her up and put her on the couch with a blanket. It was getting late. I told Spike to keep watch tonight, just in case. I walked up to the bed and went to sleep almost immediately.

“What’s going on there, Dick?” Barney was asking me how I was doing. This dream again, what a pain.
“I lost a good friend today. I have no idea how to get back at them. I only have one friend who is strong left.” He pat me on the shoulder.
“Dick, you know your greatest friend is your greatest ally. Don’t forget good ole’ whiskey.” I shot him a puzzled look.
“What’s getting drunk going to do to help me?” He chuckled.
“Remember those arson cases, Dick. The ones with those teens who couldn’t keep themselves away from a bottle of jack and a lighter?” It was coming back to me in some strange way. The kids kept using molotovs for some major destruction. Could I trust myself with this weapon in Ponyville? Was the risk worth the benefit? I could see no other way, it had to be done.
I was being shaken awake by Spike, Applejack was behind him, and they looked terrified.
“What’s going on?” I could hear knocking at the door.
“It’s the cultists, they came for you.” This wasn’t good.
“Hold them off; I need to get some things. Applejack, I need your alcohol.” She looked confused but nodded in consent. “I’m going to sneak out the back. Cover me.” I ran for the open window and jumped out. I made a break for Applejack’s farm, making it in record time.
I knew where her whiskey was from repeated drinking with the gang. It took only a few minutes to assemble some Molotov’s. I placed them in my coat, matches close at hoof.
“If you do this, Dick, there is no going back.” I asked myself. “Is it worth it? Is there any other way?” No, there wasn’t. I see no other solution. I began the walk back into town. I nearly stopped many times. The guilt of this was going to get to me, I know it. 
I stop by the cultist’s secret base, they left the trapdoor open. Light pours from it through the glass ceiling. I grab one of the Molotovs and light it, merely holding it makes me tremble with fear. I throw it through the window of the store. It shatters on the floor. Hot, orange fire spreads throughout the building in seconds. I throw another through the trapdoor. I can hear the screaming of unidentified ponies. My heart broke then, but I wasn’t done yet. I had more work to do. I began the walk to the library once more.
“So I see you’re back, Dick. You left your friend behind you. I guess you didn’t care for him.” I could see none of his enforcers with him. They must have all been knocked out cold.
“I want you to leave Ponyville. Even Equestria if you must. There will be no Lunar Revolution.” He chuckled.
“What makes you think you can make me leave?” I was tired of this smug bastard. He needed to be knocked down a peg.  I saw he was standing a good ten feet away from any other pony. I grabbed one of the Molotovs and lit it. “What’s that you got there, Dick? Gonna mix me a drink?” It was my turn to be smug.
“Something like that.” I threw it at his damn face. It hit him square on the nose. The fire erupted all over his body. He started to scream and ran through the crowd and through an adjoining alley. All the assembled ponies looked at me with horror in their eyes.
“What have you done?” The voice came from Bonbon. I looked at her, she met my gaze.
“I did what I had to do. He had put you under a spell.” It was then that they all took a look at each other and what they were wearing. I heard a few of them ask what happened. I told them.
 
Chapter VII
I was back in the library now. All the ponies that had assembled outside had decided to hunt the remains of the cultist leader. The fire at the secret base had been put out. There was no sign of Big Mac at all. I hoped he had gotten out. There had been no ponies in the base at all, which was lucky. They must have all gotten out. Applejack had gone back to the farm to console Applebloom, her younger sister. I had Spike send one more letter to Celestia, telling her of the news. The worst news being that there were more cultist locations.
Her letter came quickly in response. Her magic wasn’t working on Twilight just as it hadn’t worked on me. It was up to Luna to get better to help her. Those words hit me like a brick to my head, and my heart. The letter went on to tell me that I needed to find the lead cult group. She said she was going into hiding now. She couldn’t trust any of the guards. It looked like I was on my own for now.
I had to find that lead cultist; I hoped he wasn’t dead, not yet at least. I went outside to see how the ponies were faring finding him. They told me they had caught him trying to flee into the Everfree Forest. He wasn’t in a pretty condition.
His clothing had burned off, his face was burned terribly and even then I could still see the hatred in his eyes.
“You are an animal! A monster! Why can’t you accept our good graces?” This was getting old fast, even he couldn’t see how wrong he was.
“You are the animal. What did you do to Big Mac? Who is your leader?”
“Don’t you see fool? Can’t you smell it in the air? The world is going to a better time!” He wasn’t making any sense anymore.
“What are you talking about? Answer my questions!” I gave him a quick jab to the gut. He bent forward, the breath knocked out of him.
“I-I don’t need your questions, fool. It’s too late for you to do anything!” Mildly asking questions was getting me nowhere. I needed to up the ante. I turned to one of the ponies around.
“Get me some matches.” He looked mortified, but scurried away. I turned back to the cultist. “You listen to me and you listen carefully. I am going to ask you one more time. What did you do to Big Mac? Who is your leader? You answer me those questions, and I don’t make you look worse off. Ok?” His face looked a mixture of pure hatred and panic. He tried to back away from me. The ropes binding him held him tighter.
“No, no, no. You can’t do that! It’s not right!” He eyes the returning pony. I grabbed the matches from him.
“I need these answers, and I’m willing to do worse to get them.” Panic swarmed his face. I took one of the matches and lit it. His eyes didn’t leave the flame.
“The big pony got away after you! H-he escaped! I don’t know where he went!” I drew the match closer to his face. He struggled against the bindings, trying harder and harder to get away.
“One more thing, my friend. Where is your leader? Where is he?!” My face was in his now. I could smell the burned hair and skin. He was shivering in fear.
“I-I don’t know where he is. We just get orders… I don’t know anything.”
“That’s a damn shame isn’t it? I needed some info to get me out of this room. Well, I guess you and I are going to have a lot of fun. Won’t we?” I motioned for the other ponies to leave the room. He knew I wouldn’t act with them in here. He started to shout.
“Wait! Wait! I think he might be in Canterlot! Th-the Royal food supplier! I used to work there.” He broke down in tears. “He called me in one day. Told me about Luna’s great power. I didn’t want to follow him. Something compelled me; it made me follow, it made me worship him. Please, you have to understand. He’s going to destroy the kingdom! You have to stop him.” I turned around and walked out, there was no time. The ponies surrounded and untied him. From behind he called out, “My name is Xavier… Thank you, Dick.”
I headed back to the library; I needed to pick up some final supplies. How was I going to get to Canterlot? I couldn’t get Celestia to port me, not this time. Then I remembered the fastest pony I knew, Rainbow Dash. She could carry my weight and do it quickly. It was the only way. I sent Spike to go find her. I needed to prepare.
I looked around the house for something to use a weapon. I found a baseball bat that had been used by me once; it was perfect. I slung it over my back with a few of the Molotovs. I hoped I wouldn’t need them, but I had to expect the worst. There was a knocking at the door, Spike was back.
“So you need my help to get to Canterlot? Why?” Rainbow Dash was standing in front of the door.
“I need to stop this cult before anyone else gets hurt. I need to get there as soon as possible. You are my only hope Rainbow Dash. Please.” She gave a grunt.
“Fine. Let’s hurry.” We headed outside and she picked me up and we began the flight to Canterlot.
 
Chapter VIII
It was nearly dawn when I finally landed in Canterlot. The streets were empty. Patrols of royal guards swarmed the skies. They stopped us, but relented when I told them we were on royal business. One of the guards gave a shocked look at the mention of Celestia’s name. I took that in a mental note.
“Do you need anything else, Dick?” Rainbow Dash was getting ready to fly back to Ponyville.
“I can probably take care of it myself, but if you’d like to help you can.” She scuffed the dirt with her hoof.
“I’ll stay for a while. I can’t leave you here by yourself.” I knew I could count on Rainbow Dash to stick with me whenever I needed her. The streets were deserted, not a single pony in sight. We started to walk down the road towards the castle looming in the distance. We couldn’t fly closer; the guards would not allow it. Without warning Rainbow Dash lets out a small cry.
“What happened?” I ask her. She rubs her head.
“Someone threw a rock at me.” I looked around to catch any culprits, but none could be seen. We continued walking with no incident to the castle.
There were multiple squads of guards protecting the door. At the sight of the two of us, they raised spears. An apparently high-ranking pony came in the front.
“What are you doing here?” He asked in a serious voice.
“We need to talk to the princess. We are on royal business.” He scowled.
“Prove it then.” 
“Get Bastion Yorsets. He knows me!” A look on recognition came over him at the name. He barked orders to get Bastion. It took only minutes.
“Why did you call me, general?” He looked at me. “Oh you’re here. Hurry inside.” He led the way indoors. The guard ponies made a path for us. Bastion led us down a maze of hallways and stairs until finally we arrived at a dead end. He tapped a nearby vase and a slight rumbling noise began to emanate from the wall. A good portion of the door swung outwards. 
“This way, Dick.” Bastion lead us through, the door closed behind us. 
“This is a pretty cool room you got here, Bastion. Where’s Celestia?” He stopped and turned his head.
“She’s not here, Dick. It’s too risky to bring you to her. I will communicate with her through telepathy. Is there anything you need to ask?” A devious plan indeed. Celestia was a smart one, you can’t deny that.
“I need to know where I can find the royal food supplier. I’ve got a good idea that he may be the leader in all of this.” His horn glowed as he relayed the message. Unexpectedly his eyes shot wide open.
“Celestia tells me that he was fired a week or so ago. She heard results that he was making unsavory statements against the crown. I believe he was sent to the dungeons. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“Is there anyone I can trust besides you two?” His horn glowed.
“You can’t trust anyone else, Dick.” I thanked him and headed out of the room. I turned to Dash.
“You stay out of the dungeons, just in case. He said we can’t trust anyone. If I’m not out in thirty minutes. Get help.” She nodded and went to leave the castle. I headed deeper. I entered the dungeons.
Chapter IX
The dungeons were a dark place. Several guards were leading me to the cell where they keep the dissenters. We passed many cells of thieves and worse. Finally we reached the cell at the end of the block.
“He’s in here. Please go in sir.” I thanked him and walked inside the dark cell. It was empty. As soon as I turned to call them out, the door was shut and locked. I ran to the bars. Banging into the door with my hooves.
“What is this? Let me go!” They looked at me with distaste.
“You are an enemy to the throne. We have had order from Celestia to capture you; luckily you just walked in yourself.” The guards turned and walked to their stations. This was terrible. I was in dire trouble. I had to keep calm; I knew Rainbow Dash would come for me eventually. They didn’t expect that.
“I see you’re settled in your new accommodations. Hmhmhm. I bet you expect that little rainbow thing to help you? Well she won’t be, she was captured by the guards as well. They are having a little fun first before they get rid of her.” I looked up to see Bastion standing in front of me.
“What are you doing?”
“Ha ha ha. You didn’t think I’d tell him my real job would I? No, I was a royal advisor at that point. It wasn’t easy moving up in the ranks to this position, getting real close to Celestia. Let me tell ya’ Dick, she was real interested in you when you first arrived in Equestria.” How long had this guy been planning this? “In fact, she had me compile a story of your life, and one little thing surprised me. Practically nothing exists before you turn up in the forest. In fact, nothing does. Can you explain that?”
What did he mean nothing showed up? I had a life. I had a mom and a dad. I tried to think back on them, but nothing came up; just vague and blurry memories. He saw the look of confusion on my face and smirked.
“I knew it, Dick. You aren’t anything. At least you don’t remember anything. Don’t worry though; we will have plenty of time to jog that old memory of yours. We will start bright and early tomorrow. Ha ha ha.” He turned and walked away. I was too stunned to say anything back. I went to the cot and laid down. I needed to get my wits about me. What did I have on me, they hadn’t taken anything. I still had the bat and the Molotovs. I have a small pack of matches. Lastly I had a few bits, but that wasn’t going to do me any good. I couldn’t bribe the guards; they were under the idea that I was a criminal. I had to hope he was lying about Dash; he just had to be. I laid my head down to sleep. It came quickly.

“Mmm, Dick. Are you ready for round two?” The voice came from something next to me, a woman, a human woman.
“Who are you?” She gasped, taken aback.
“Ooh, do you want to play a little game?”
“What are you talking about? Where am I? Where’s Barney? He’s usually the one here.” She started laughing.
“Oh, Dick. Don’t tell me you’re gay. If you are, you put on quite the disguise.” 
“Can you please answer my questions?” She controlled her laughter a little better.
“Sure thing, sweetie. You are in our home, where we live. Barney is at his home; that’s because it’s three in the morning. Also, you can tell me if you start sleeping with Barney. I’d like to make a schedule with him.”
“This is a strange dream, isn’t it?” 
“Oh, Dick. Not this dream shit again. It’s bad enough that you dream of ponies, like some little girl. Dick, everyone thinks you dream about sex, since that practically all you do when you’re awake.” This wasn’t making any sense. In my dreams I had always been a detective.
“What do you mean? Sure it happens occasionally. Aren’t I some kind of big detective?” She gave a hearty laugh and had to hold onto the bed poster to stabilize herself.
“You? A big detective? Not for at least five years, Dick. You gave that up.
“What’s your name?” She gave me an endearing smile.
“Dick, you’re slow sometimes. My names Karen.” She kissed my forehead. “Now goodnight.”
 
Chapter X
“Wake up, Dick. We’ve got some games to play.” It was the voice of Bastion. I was back in the cell in Equestria. “Come on, Dick. We don’t have all day.” I didn’t move; I wasn’t going to give him anything. “Get him up.” Two burly pegasi burst inside the cell. The used their powerful blows to rouse me from bed and get me through the door. “Good. Now let’s go, we have some fun things planned for you. Traitor”
Bastion led the way through long corridors of the dungeons. We must have passed hundreds of cells. I didn’t think Equestria would ever have so many criminals. Finally we arrived at an unassuming wooden door.
“Well well well, looks like we’re here.” He gave one of his content laughs. The guards pushed me inside the door. There was a platform in the center. They lead me up to it, and as soon as I stood on it, my feet were frozen in place.
“What is this?” He gave me a look of fake pity.
“Oh, Dick. You didn’t think we could have you thrashing about could we? No, these will hold you until were done with our… fun; just in time for dinner.”  He and the guards started to close in on me.


I had been in this damn dungeon for ten days; I knew Rainbow Dash couldn’t help me. Bastion would be here soon, but I would be waiting. I had hidden away the bat and Molotovs the first day. It was growing darker by the day. I had no idea how Twilight, Luna or Celestia were doing. I could hear the door open as Bastion entered the hallway. I grabbed a match and a bottle. His footsteps echoed in the hallway, louder and louder as he came nearer. I had to time it exactly right. It sounded like he was alone this time. I stood on the bed, where it would be hard for him to see me. The lock jiggled and the door opened.
“Come on, Dick. It’s time for your favorite activity!” I leapt off the bed onto his back. His head hit the floor and knocked him unconscious. I rifled through his pockets for the keys. I dragged his limp body into the cell and locked it, making sure I grabbed my bat and the rest of the bottles. I felt lucky I hadn’t needed to use it; I couldn’t be sure of the future however. My body ached with the wounds of his torture. I was weak from the little bread and water they gave. I would make them pay. I snuck up to the main dungeon door, the door let out to the guard post. It was empty!
I walked inside, ready to grab the bat at moment’s notice. Candles were still lit on the tables; they couldn’t have been gone for long. I hurried back to Bastion, he was stirring now.
“Wake up, Bastion. It’s time for a little game. I’m going to ask a question, and then you are going to answer it. Doesn’t that sound like fun?” He glared at me.
“I don’t think you can boss me around. The guards will arrive soon. They’re all outside that door, waiting for me to return.” I let out a cocky laugh.
“Oh, Bastion. I don’t think that’s true. I mean, I would know and all. I was just out there. It’s empty.” His eyes didn’t move at all. He had an amazing poker face.  “Now back to the game! First question, how do I stop this magic nonsense?” 
“Hah, you can’t stop it now! It’s far too late for that. You can’t stop us now.”
“Now, the ‘us’ you mention right there. Does that refer to your whole cult? Or perhaps just the ones at your level?”
“You think that I’m it? I’m the top? Oh what a joke! We are the tip of the iceberg!”
“Alright, that’s fine. Where would I find the rest of the iceberg?”
“Why on Earth would I tell you that?”
“You see, that’s what your underling, Xavier, said to me once. I lit him on fire. I’m not saying I like to repeat my little tricks, but I’d do it again. Just for you, of course.” His face paled. “Now, I think maybe a little fire would do you good. You had me in here for ten whole days, and not once did you use fire. I think maybe it’s because you never tried it yourself. You do try all your torture on yourself right? Otherwise that’s just cruel. What do you say? Want to tell me, or do you want some fire training?”
“You wouldn’t dare.” I had him in a corner now.
“Wouldn’t I? Well, Luna is the only one who can cure my wife, and you seem to be the only one holding Luna back from that. It seems like an easy trade to me. Your life for hers.” Now to drive it home.
“Yo-you can’t kill me! I-I’m a royal advisor!” I took out one of the bottle and a match. His eyes didn’t leave either. “Wh-what are you doing? Stop this…now!” I lit the match and held it close the wick. “D-don’t. You can’t.”
“I can, and I will. Unless you tell me how to stop this madness. Okay, Bastion?” He was sweating profusely. The wick caught fire. He nearly exploded in panic.
“I don’t know anything! PLEASE! Stop it!” I prepared myself to throw the cocktail into the cell. “WAIT!” I held my position. “I-I know something, maybe. The spell we cast on Luna, it’s fueled by people’s belief. It can’t stop unless people stop believing in it.”
“That sounds really stupid, Bastion. Can’t you come up with something more believable?” I heaved the cocktail into the adjoining cell. It burst on the opposite wall. Magnificent yellow and orange flame engulfed the entire cell. The heat was intense even as far away as I was. I made sure Bastion could see the flames flickering through the cell door.
“Now, Bastion. I’ve got at least one more of those, and I’m pretty sure it’s got your name on it. Why don’t you tell me how to really stop it?” He was sobbing in the cell.
“I-I don’t know! I was told to make it all happen.”
“By whom?”
“I don’t know! I got a letter one day, it had the royal seal on it so I assumed it was Celestia or something, trying to give her sister power.” It sounded strange, I didn’t believe it.
“You’re telling me that you received a letter that told you to start a Lunar Revolution? Where is the letter now?” He shook his head.
“I burned the letter, it told me to. It didn’t tell me to start a revolution! I just had to do that to make people follow it. It told me only of the spell. I had to keep it hidden from others, so I wrote it down in a secret location.”
“Where?” He undid his coat and showed his body. His body was adorned with strange marks and diagrams. “Oh god. What is this?”
“These are the directions I’ve been following. The note came with everything. It even suggested the Lunar Revolution.” A thought came to me about what he’d said.
“Bastion, did you ever think about WHO sent it to you?” another head shake.
“No, I didn’t. I didn’t care, it looked to important.” Shameful little minion, only ever follows orders.
“Tell me, Bastion. Who has access to the royal seals?” He thought on it for a second, calming down now that the threat of death was diminished.
“I think just the princesses.”
“Do you know where Celestia is?”
“No, I don’t. She went into hiding, she was right to if you ask me.” He gave a brief smile. “No one knows where she is tho-”
Without warning the door at the end of the hallway was blown from its hinges. I could see Rainbow Dash charging down the hallway towards me.
“I’ve come to get you, Di-. Oh.” She saw me out of the cell and Bastion inside of it. “I see you do pretty well for yourself.”
“What took you so long Rainbow Dash?” Tears came streaming down my face, for ten days I thought her dead; now I was pleasantly surprised.
“Oh you know this and that.” She came over and embraced me in a hug. Her strength sent pain through my wounds. I didn’t let go anyway.
“We have to find Celestia! She’s in grave danger.” I turned to Bastion, “Did she take Luna with her?” 
“No, Luna should be in her room.” I turned to Rainbow Dash and motioned for us to go. We ran out of those dungeons.
“It would be easier to fly to it. It’s on one of the top towers.” I nodded at Rainbow’s suggestion. We exited the castle. I had never been happier to see that black sun. 
Chapter XI
It must have been midday, but torches and lights were everywhere. The sun provided next to no light now. The guard posts in front of the castle were deserted. It didn’t look good.
“Come on, Dash. We have to hurry.” She nodded and she carried me off into the sky. We could see her room on the top spire. It was opposite Celestia’s, yet joined to her tower by a bridge near the middle of the tower. Stairs encircled the tower to the top. Smoke seemed to pour out of the window.
“Dash, she might be in trouble. Hurry!” We picked up speed. Close to the tower I could see that the smoke was some sort of black smog. We ran up to the grand door and attempted to push it open. It didn’t budge. We knocked, but there was no response. I told Dash to fly me in through the window.
The black smog completely covered the inside. There was the sound of loud chanting in the middle of the room. Though it was hard to see, I made it to the source of the noise. Luna was loudly chanting while looking at a piece of parchment, some of the markings looked familiar. Her mane was distorted, it was completely black, and the smog seemed to emanate from it.
“Luna, what are you doing?” She didn’t seem to hear me. I was going to have to wake her up. I grabbed the bat from my coat. With a quick turn, I ran the bat into her back. She stopped chanting immediately; the smog stopped coming from her mane. She glared at me intently. Rainbow Dash backed away towards the window. As I held my ground and the room cleared I had a thought, maybe that wasn’t the best idea.
“HOW DARE YOU INTERRUPT ME?” Her voice far louder than her size bellowed throughout the room. “WHY HAVE YOU COME HERE?”
“Luna, we have something to tell you,” I had a feeling she already knew however; “Bastion is a spy.” Her look was a mixture of contempt and hatred.
“IS THAT ALL? IS THAT ALL YOU HAVE?”
“W-well, I thought it was important that you hear something he told me. He uh-“
“SPIT IT OUT!”
“He told me he was given instruction in a letter, and that the letter had a royal seal on it. Now only two ponies had access to that. That would be you and Celestia. Celestia doesn’t seem to be the one who would do this. That leaves one option open… you.” Her eyes flared.
“You think that I would do this? ME? Poor little Luna. I’m just the little sister!” I didn’t know where she was going with this.
“Yes, I do. I got a chance to look at that paper of yours while I was cowering. It’s the same spell that Bastion had.”
“Bastion had a spell? Surely you must be joking. He is behind it!”
“You know, Luna. I think that you’re behind it.” She began a dark laugh.
“You may be right about that, Dick. But that truth will die, with you!” She stood up and began to saunter towards me.
“I’m not sure what your game here is, Luna. But you will never get away with it.” Her laugh reached an astonishing crescendo.
“Oh, I think it will.” The doors to her room burst open.
“No, Luna. I think he’s right!” Luna gasped.
“Sister!” Celestia had walked through the door, a regiment of guards behind her. Luna was trembling.
“I know what you did now. I am very disappointed in you, Luna. We were raised better than that.”
“It’s too late, sister. You can’t stop me now. It’s far too late for that. The spell has been completed.” 
“No, it hasn’t.” Celestia said as her horn glowed bright white. White vapors exploded outwards and rushed into the sky. They mixed with the black smog and disappeared. Luna gave out a cry.
“No! All my work!” Luna glared at me. “This is your fault.” She lowered her horn and began to charge. Her horn barely scraped my shoulder as I dodged out of the way. At the touch of her horn, my shoulder exploded into pain. The wound that had vanished before was back, and it was a darker, sickly color.
“What? It was gone!” I screamed out. Luna laughed.
“I couldn’t get rid of it my dear Dick. I needed you to have that. You were a catalyst for my spell.” Luna lowered her head and charged again. I knew I couldn’t dodge this one. Her horn stopped inches from my side. Luna’s body was covered in a white glow. Celestia’s usually calm face betrayed a deep anger.
“Luna, Dick. Stop this madness!” Celestia declared. My body couldn’t control itself; it looked like Luna’s couldn’t either. We both sat upright on the floor.	“Luna, how could you betray me like this?”	 Luna started to sob.
“I wanted to be powerful like you! I just wanted to be loved like you.” Celestia’s face turned to a mix of pity and compassion.
“Power is not the answer, Luna. I’m afraid I must punish you for this transgression. I’m sorry for this, Luna. But I must return you to the moon.” Luna’s face turned to horror.
“No, sister please! Not the moon, not again!” Celestia horn glowed a deep white. A similar glow began to cover Luna’s body. Her screaming did not stop until the white completely covered her. Within an instant she was gone, banished to the moon. Celestia turned her gaze to me. “Now, Dick. What should I do with you?” I panicked.
“Yo-you’re going to punish me?” She laughed in her little cute way.
“Oh no, Dick. I’m making you a hero. You uncovered a plot against the throne.” I could feel control return to my body. 
“How did you know I was in trouble?” I asked her.
“I believe your friend escaped in all that confusion. She came to my tower and told me.” I was dumbfounded.
“You were hiding in your tower? That’s brilliant! Hiding in a spot everyone would assume you would never hide in!” She smiled.
“You are quite the detective, Dick.” A thought popped into my head, the most important thought of all.
“Celestia, where’s my wife? Where’s Twilight?” She looked down for a while until finally returning to my gaze. She did not look happy.
“Dick, I’m afraid to tell you this, but I have no idea how to heal her. She’s still in her coma.” It was my turn to be mad.
“What do you mean you can’t fix her? What’s the cause?” She flinched at my rage.
“I think it may be from when she tried to heal your wound. It was Luna’s mark. It may have caused this in her.” She had as annoyingly calm voice.
“Well can’t you take it out?” She started to tremble very slightly.
“It can only be taken out by… Luna.”
“YOU SENT HER TO THE MOON, AND SHE’S THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN FIX HER?” She took a step back.
“Dick, it had to be done.”
“It could have waited! When will she be back?” Celestia thought for a second.
“A few years at the least.” I was going to be without Twilight for years? I couldn’t live with that.
“There’s nothing you can do? Nothing at all?” She turned around and began thinking.
“Well, I can use my magic to keep her stabile for a few…” Her words droned on and on. I all I cared was that she couldn’t cure her. I walked out the door to the ledge. The sky was clearing up. It was bright for the first time in nearly two weeks. The sunset was beautiful. I could hear Celestia continue talking, she hadn’t noticed that I’d left. How could I live without Twilight? I called out for Celestia.
“Can you out me in a deep sleep too?” She raised her head and stared at me confused, and then it hit her.
“Of course that’s possible, Dick. Are you sure you want to?” Tears streamed down my cheek. I looked her in the eyes.
“I don’t think I could stand it any longer without my beloved wife.” She nodded.
“Then it will be done. I’ll take you to her.”
 
Chapter XII
She looked incredible peaceful. I wondered what she was dreaming about. I heard Celestia telling me lie down. I did so. I laid there, next to Twilight.
“Now, Dick. You will wake up when I have Twilight up. Ok?” I nodded. “Do you have any questions before I put you under?” I had only one question.
“Will I dream?” She nodded. That was perfect.



	

> 2. Reckoning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Richard Pound
In:
Reckoning

There was a knock at the door. I tried to ignore it; this was it for me. The knocking persisted. I could hear yelling. It was a female’s voice. I threw the revolver to the ground and ran to the door. I threw it open and acted nonchalant.
“What’s up, ba-” That’s as far as I got when I realized who it was. It was Karen. “Karen, what are you doing here?” She hurried inside.
“Dick, there’s no time. You’ve got to come with me. Pack up your things and let’s go.” I had so many questions to ask her. 
“Karen, I don’t understand. What’s going on?” She shoved a few clothes she had picked out of my closet into my hands.
“I don’t think you want to go to jail do you? I’m saving you. Now let’s go.” We headed out the door together.


That was what she told me happened years ago, when I gave up being a detective. I couldn’t believe it, but I had to be true. I was wanted back in California, for that…accident. This life had been easier to live as the years crawled by. 
“What do you want for breakfast, honey? I know you have a big day at the firm today.” Karen kissed my forehead; she had done this every day. I snapped out of my thoughts, she was right. I had bigger fish to fry.
“Oh you know, the usual.” She giggled at that.
“You need to eat more. Can’t have grapefruit for breakfast every day.” I kissed her as she brought me my grapefruit. I dug in; this was the most important meal of the day. In a deep part of mind, I thought of bacon. I squashed that thought immediately; after all, bacon was bad for my heart. I glanced at my watch, it was already 7:30, and I was going to be late. I grabbed my hat and ran out the door. 
“Don’t forget to pick up Jimmy after work!” Karen called after me. I gave her a nod from behind and got into my car. It was brand new, only bought last month. It had been expensive, but the raise from the firm had made it easier on us.

“Big day today, Richard huh? You ready to meet the stockholders?” Barney was always trying to make it hard on me. He knew I had it in the bag.
“Barney, this sale is going to be so easy we might as well not even hold the meeting.” He laughed at that. A distant thought came about, whiskey this time. I squashed that thought just as before. I hadn’t touched alcohol since California. I knew I couldn’t handle it anymore; it had ruined my life. “Well Barney, I’ve got to do my job now.” He gave me a salute, I smiled at that. Barney really was the best.
I picked up my briefcase and headed towards the meeting room. We were using the main meeting room today; it was a very important meeting. Today we were pitching an idea that would potentially bring in millions. 

I addressed the assembled stockholders, “Good morning everyone. I think you may want to know why I had you all show up today. You see, we’ve come up with a brilliant new strategy that you may want to hear…” I began to recite the lists of facts and statistics to the crowd. From the looks on their faces, they were enjoying every minute of it; especially the part about the profit gain. One of them raised his hand. I stopped the speech for a moment, “Yes, you in the back?”
He stood up, “Don’t you think we shouldn’t bet the apple farm on this one?” Applejack… 
“Excuse me?” He looked angry; he probably thought I wasn’t listening.
“I said, don’t you think that we need to keep all the books in the library? At least until the ceremonies over.” Some of the stockholders began to nod, others cheered. I was losing them now.
“Gentlemen please. This idea is foolproof.” A few of the remaining stockholders on my side cheered, he did not relent.
“I think you may have gone Ditzy on this.” Why did the words he was saying conjure up such strange memories? What was going on here? I felt a little sick.
“If you’ll excuse me, my associate will take over the demonstration.” I walked off the stage past a bewildered Barney. He took the stage, apologizing for my disappearance.

“What were you doing up there, Dick? You got killed!” Barney was standing next to me. We were in the men’s room. I splashed water onto my face. “That deal will never go through.” I turned to Barney.
“Barney, I don’t know what came over me. I just couldn’t get my head straight.” He let out a big sigh.
“Dick, we might lose millions now. We could be fired.” Those words echoed through me. If I were to be fired, how could my family survive? I grabbed the sink with both hands, leaning on it for support. I knew I had made a mistake in that meeting. I looked Barney in the eye.
“Barney, everything is going to be fine, you did great.” He didn’t share my optimism. I decided it was time to get my head back into the game. I headed for my cubicle.

My cubicle was bare compared to most others, containing only a cup of writing instruments, a few pads of paper and a photo of my family; Karen, Jimmy and I. The photo was from a few years ago. It was at the park near our house, I was holding jimmy up the monkey bars, Karen stood a few feet away laughing. That picture always made me smile, thinking of the simpler times. I could hear a light tapping at the doorway to my cubicle. I turned to see the boss’s secretary in front of me.
“Mr. Pound, The president would like to see you in his office. Now.” She told me in a deadpan voice. She didn’t move from the spot, clearly there to lead me to an unpleasant conversation. I nodded and got up.


“Dick… you are a great man, an important man too. Just tell me one thing. Did you mean to fuck that up? Or was it merely you failing miserably? I’d like to imagine the former.” The boss sat behind a large mahogany desk, cluttered with stacks of paper. An ashtray on the desk held a still smoldering cigar.
“Well, I was doing fine until one of them asked a question. I just lost it.” His controlled face didn’t change.
“You lost your multi-million dollar pitch… To a single question? What the hell, Dick? You should have expected a damn question!” I felt myself tremble to his anger.
“Sir, I’m sorry. I just, uh, couldn’t focus.”
“Get out of here, Dick. I have to decide what to do with you.” I scurried out of his room and went to the elevator. The secretary muttered an apology for bringing me here. It wasn’t her fault and I knew that. I went to pick up Jimmy early from daycare.

“Honey, how was your day?” Karen was massaging my shoulders; she tried to do this every day. She loved the hell out of me, I imagined.
“It was alright, sweetie.” She kissed my head.
“That’s good. Now you sit here; I’m going to get dinner started.” She left the room and I could hear her open the fridge and moving around pots and pans. I picked up the newspaper beside me. It contained all the boring news it always did. As I turned the pages, a few words would catch my eye; The Prancing Pony is shutting down, Horse races, twilight getting longer as winter approaches. What did it all mean? My head flashed with brief memories, none of them too clear but all of them powerful.

I was lying there in bed next to Karen. She was sleeping peacefully; always falling asleep before me. In the silence, I could swear I could hear voices; I strained to hear them but they always stayed just out of clarity. There was a crash downstairs, I leapt out of bed. I grabbed the gun I kept in my nightstand, just in case. I made sure it was loaded and the safety off.
I crept towards the stairs, peeking over the bannister for any intruders. Another crashing noise erupted as I descended the stairs. There was a light in the kitchen, and a shadow cast out of the doorway. I slowly approached the doorway; there was the sound of something eating. I jumped through the door and aimed at the intruder it was a… pony?
 
Chapter II
“Is he awake?” My eyes showed a blurry world in front of me, gray clashed with bright colors, vague shapes populating it.
“Wh-where…” My mouth was dry and I could hardly talk. I tried to move my hands to my face, but it was different.
“Richard, are you ok? Someone get him water.” A commanding voice barked orders above me. I looked like it came from a big, white, thing. My eyes began to clear; I was in a castle’s bedroom. Besides me appeared a familiar pony… Celestia.
“P-princess, I…” She cut me off.
“Richard, don’t talk.” A guard appeared with a glass of water. She took it from him and passed it to me. “Here, drink this.” She said. I drank the water, it hurt a little but the feeling of refreshment far outdid that.
“Thank you, Celestia.” I finally managed to say. She smiled at me, her grin made me feel happy to be here.
“Dick, I’ve got someone who wants to see you.” I knew what that meant. Twilight burst through the door to the bedroom. I tried to get up but I couldn’t, my muscles were incredibly weak. She rushed over and embraced me in a hug so tight I thought we would fuse together. Tears came from both of us.
“Oh, Dick. I’ve missed you so much!” Twilight said into my shoulder.
“Twilight, I love you more than anything!” I said into hers.
“I’ll leave you two alone.” Celestia said as she walked away. I couldn’t believe that Twilight was back in my life. Then I remember Karen and Jimmy, I would miss them dearly but they were only in my dreams; Twilight was my true wife. After an eternity the embrace ended, a little bit too soon for my taste.
“Twilight, when did you wake up?” I asked her.
“I only woke up this morning. Celestia opted to wake you up later, so you’d be very well rested.” We both laughed at that.
“But honey, well rested for what?” She blushed a little. Surely Celestia didn’t think we were going to make love in here.
“For your ceremony, dear. You’re a hero!” My eyes opened wide, along with my jaw. I’m a hero? 
“Oh my god, Twilight. That’s amazing.” She nodded.
“Yeah, it’s in an hour.” I knew what I wanted to do for that hour, and it was to spend it alone with Twilight. Just sitting in the bedroom with her was amazing. 

Celestia was standing at the podium on the stage; she was addressing the assembled royalty and ponies from all across Equestria. Twilight and I stood behind the curtains, out of sight for now. I was feeling nervous, not one to talk in front of crowds that much.
“May I have the great pleasure in welcoming the hero who saved Equestria only a few years ago. Richard Pound!” She beckoned me onto the stage, my knees wouldn’t move me. Twilight gave me a push from behind. She had to push me all the way to the podium. The assembled crowd chuckled, probably thinking it comedy. I stood at the podium. The crowd grew silent, waiting to hear what I had to say.
“Hello all. I want to thank you all for coming here. I’m pretty sure you’re here for a speech from me, or the free food. I don’t know,” some of the crowd laughed, the non-royalty, my people. “Well believe it or not, I just woke up from the most glorious nap. I know you all see me as a big hero, the one who saved Equestria. I won’t deny that it was hard, and sometimes I thought I wouldn’t prevail, but there was one thing that made me keep going. It was hope. Hope that I would see my home, my friends, and most importantly my family.” I could feel myself coming to tears over the ordeals from that. The things I had to do.
I continued my speech, “I won’t say that I’m proud of everything I did; it wouldn’t be possible. There were times when I wondered who was worse, them or me. I was held for ten days in the dungeons, a suspect of being a traitor to the throne. I don’t know what happened to the man who caused it, but I pity him. He was used, like a pawn, in a game bigger than he should be in.” I was talking about Bastion, the man who had tortured me for ten days in that hellish prison. “I think that any pony in my position would have done that same thing, but I would rather it happen to me than anyone else. It took a lot of work, but in the end it was all worth it. I want to thank you for coming. Thank you. It would never have been possible if it wasn’t for my wife, Twilight. Thank you all for coming. ” I bowed my head and turned back to Twilight, she was crying. Celestia stood in front of the podium now. 
“Richard, I don’t know if it’s possible to give you a big enough reward, but I would like to give you something the throne hasn’t given out for centuries.” There were hushed murmurs among the crowd, wondering what it was. Celestia motioned for me to stand in front of her. Her horn glowed white and upon my flank was inscribed a small shield above the cutie mark. “I hereby declare you Sir Richard Pound, knight of Equestria.” The crowd began to cheer wildly. Twilight put her head against my neck.
 
Chapter III
The party was at full momentum. No part of the castle was spared from music, laughter, and merriment. Twilight and I were barraged by well-wishers all night, but we finally found a moment for ourselves.
“Dick, I’m so happy for you.” We were in one of the castle’s gardens. The moonlight reflecting on a still pool of water. I could still hear the music from the classical era from one room, and the newer music being played by some DJ in another, I’d wanted to talk with the pony playing the cello, she was really good. 
“Twilight, I could never have done it without you. You know that.” She blushed again.
“Dick, I wasn’t even awake for it. You must’ve-” I stopped her there.
“Twilight, if it wasn’t for you and your books I would have never known anything about the revolution.” She looked away shyly. “You’re a hero as much as I am.” I nuzzled her hair.
“Whatever you say, Dick.” We decided to go back into the party, I felt like dancing. The rest of the party passed in a blur; it was a night of drinking, eating, and dancing. It ended with us sitting near Celestia as the party ended, most of the ponies either downed on the floor or heading back to their homes. Twilight was sleeping, her head resting on my back.
“Celestia, what happened while we were asleep?” Celestia pulled a scroll out of midair jokingly.
“Well let’s see. Firstly there were letters asking where the hero was and what happened. Then we had letters of anger after I told them it would be a while until they saw you. Lastly Luna came back and healed Twilight. I let her off the hook for that. Then I woke you up. Is that all, Dick?”  I shrugged.
“How is our home in Ponyville? Is it still okay?” She nodded.
“Your home is fine, I think your friends made sure to take care of it while you were gone. I think they also have a party for your arrival tomorrow.” It saddened to think that I hadn’t been able to see my friends for years.
“Celestia, how long were we out?” I asked her.
“You and Twilight were out for a little over three years. I’m sorry it took so long, Richard.” I sighed.
“You did the best you could, Celestia. No one can fault you for that.” I looked at Twilight sleeping next to me. It was getting pretty late; I told the princess that it was time for us to go to bed. She yawned an agreement.
“Would you like me to teleport you to your bed?” I shook my head. I’d rather just let Twilight sleep peacefully. I rested my head on a nearby pillow and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning passed by without much action. Celestia asked us if we’d like to be teleported back home. I told Celestia that I was getting pretty tired of teleportation. Both she and Twilight seemed to understand my point. Celestia told us that there had been a train set up that connected Canterlot and Ponyville; we opted to take it.
Celestia set us off with a royal accompaniment of guards. I recognized one of the guards; he was one who had brought me to Bastion’s torture room. When he saw me, he got on his knees and cried, he tried to kiss my hooves.
“Please, don’t do that. It’s ok.” He looked up at me with great sorrow.
“I’m so sorry; I didn’t know he was bad. We all believed him. I’m so sorry!” He bowed his head once more. I picked him up and set him on his feet.
“Listen, I understand why you did it; it isn’t your fault. I did some pretty terrible things back then too. I don’t blame you.” It was then that he looked at me, a great sense of joy in his face. We made our way to the train station after that. Ponies on the street stopped and cheered as I passed by, I waved to all that I could.
A young pony came to me, rushing away from his mother. He stopped in front of me, looking at me expectedly.
“Can I help you, little man?” I asked him.
“You’re that knight! This is so cool! I want to be like you when I grow up.” He scampered away finally, at his mother’s insistence. 
We finally were at the train station. The guards ponies said their goodbyes and left. Twilight and I boarded the train, Celestia had reserved a car all for us. We sat across from each other.
“Richard, they really look up to you now.” Twilight said to me as a grin broke across her face.
“Yeah, I guess they do.” I looked out of the window, the scenery was passing by now, mostly mountains. Twilight’s gaze did not leave me. It turned back to her. “Is something the matter?”
“Richard, being with you has made me the happiest I’ve ever been. That kid that came up to you today he sort of got me thinking of something. Richard, I think it’s time we thought about a kid of our own.” Twilight said with reluctance.
“Twilight, if you think that you’re ready, then so am I.” Relief washed over her face.
“I was hoping you’d be amazing like always, Richard.” Finally she looked away from me and out the window. “The view really is great isn’t it?”
 
Chapter IV
“Surprise!” The light turned on as soon as we opened the door to the library. All the ponies of Ponyville were inside, prominent were our five greatest friends; Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. The room was decked in streamers and balloons. Many ponies adorned party hats and noise makers.
Twilight said, “It’s so great to see all of you!” I remained speechless, unable to find suitable words. I’d always been a man of few words, and sleep didn’t help it either. The girls came and circled around us; we fell to the floor in a pile of laughing ponies. Somepony fired Pinkie’s party cannon and confetti covered us on the floor. Pinkie was the first to get up.
“Don’t spend all day on the ground, girls. There’s cake!” We got up and I began to make my way to the punch bowl. I saw Berry Punch enjoying herself there; she was always one to enjoy fine drinks. I poured myself a moderate glass of punch, it was non-alcoholic of course. I sipped it slowly as I watched Twilight acclimate herself with the going-ons of the town; I knew she would tell me all about it later.
Rainbow Dash was the first one to address the crowd, “I’ve heard from sources that somepony in here is a hero! I wonder who that could be?” She eyed me clearly. I knew I wasn’t getting out of this without notice; I took center stage with her.
“Yes, it’s true I was hailed a hero by Celestia. I was named the first knight in recent Equestrian history.” The crowd cheered, probably not knowing what the title meant; I didn’t know for sure either. Twilight told me she’d look it up later. “I know you may think that makes me cool or special, so congratulations on that. You’re right. But that doesn’t mean I’m not your friend. I’m still good old Richard, Twilight’s husband.” They gave a brief laugh.
Rainbow Dash gave me a pat on the back. Everypony went back to their mingling. I felt relief that the attention was off me, I didn’t like being in the center of attention. I’d always been someone who liked being either alone or in a crowd, not the center of attention.



A door of full of broken glass greeted me at the scene; the police left me alone, knowing how I worked. I’d heard it was a burglary of an old crown; something before the sister’s rule. Worth an unknowable sum, whoever took it must be either very brave or very stupid. I don’t think that any fence would accept the crown, but maybe this burglary was for some greater purpose, I couldn’t know for sure, not yet at least.  I headed inside of the gallery. The crown display was in the grand display area, just beyond the entrance; not far in for someone to walk.
The crown was normally in the center of the room on a pedestal covered in a glass box. The box had magic runes inscribed into it for protection; they would trigger alarms if broken. Although when I arrived at the pedestal the glass box was gone. The thief or thieves must have gotten rid of it somehow, perhaps magic. I peered inside the groove in which the glass would have been connected to the pedestal; there were no signs of glass at all. The pedestal held on the pillow on which the crown rested. It was of no significance to me. I didn’t know who would steal the old crown, but I had to find out. I went back outside to talk with Celestia; it was she who had called me here.
“Princess, it appears as though the thieves took the charmed glass with them, and no witnesses leaves me little to go on.” She frowned as I told her the bad news.
“Richard, you must solve this! It’s very important to the kingdom. That crown is an incredible artifact of older times. It’s your task as knight to find it once more.” I sighed, Celestia had filled me in on what being a knight for her meant. It was basically like being the official helper of the throne with a cool title.
Relenting, I said, “Fine, Celestia. I will find the crown.” I made my leave of the scene. I was still pretty mad at Celestia for making me come to Canterlot only three days after my return to Ponyville. Twilight decided to stay back in Ponyville, mingling with all of her friends once more. Somewhere inside of me I was slightly relieved not to have Twilight around me. I turned my thoughts to a more important matter; getting back the crown. I would have to check with some art dealers tomorrow. I decided to head back to my room for the night.
 
Chapter V
I was given a guest room at the castle for the duration of the case. Celestia made sure my every whim was catered to while I was here. I was getting quite annoyed of the servants coming and asking if everything was ok. Celestia was there to greet me for breakfast in the morning. When I sat at the table, a waiter placed a plate of fresh fruits in front of me. Celestia was eyeing me, making sure I was happy with the plate. She looked happier when I began to eat.
Finally I asked her, “What’s so important about the crown?” She dabbed at her mouth with her napkin before speaking.
“It’s very old and a symbol of old rulers. It’s very precious to my sister and I,” She responded.
“Oh, well alright. I was thinking of seeing some art dealers to see if they might know any art fences.” She nodded.
“I can send you off with a guide. He can help you find bigger art dealers.” She said.
“That sounds great. Thank you.” I told her. She sent for a guide as we finished breakfast. He arrived quickly, out of breath from running.
He introduced himself, “Hello there, my name’s Herald and I’m going to be your guide today, sir knight.” He bowed slightly. I looked him up and down. He wore a suit jacket and a monocle, his cutie mark was a compass rose, must be good at geography, I thought to myself.
“Hello, Herald. I’m Richard; it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He smiled, happy that I was happy with him. I stood up from the chair and said, “Why don’t we get going, Herald? We’ve got quite the day ahead of us.”
“Of course, sir.” We left the castle. It wasn’t until we passed the royal gardens that I spoke again.
“Herald, don’t call me ‘sir’, please.” He looked at me funny.
“But sir, uh, Richard, it’s your title. I feel obligated to call you by it.”
“Listen, just please call me Richard, Rich or Dick. It doesn’t matter. Now that that is settled let’s move on to important business. We’ve got to find some art dealers.” He nodded.
“I know just the guy; his name is Water Color. He’s one of the most well-known dealers in Canterlot.” I agreed and we went to Water Color’s studio which was in the center of Canterlot’s bustling merchant district.

“Why do you waste my time? What do you want?” Water Color asked us impatiently. He barked orders at his subordinates who were running around trying to set up for an auction tonight. It had taken an hour for him to even talk to us. 
Herald was the one to talk next, “But Water Color, a very important crown was taken from a museum and we thought you might know some art buyers.” Water Color looked down on Herald.
“Listen little pony, I would never reveal my secrets. It’s my business.” Water Color said dramatically. I spoke next.
“Water Color please. We need you to tell us where we could find any underground art dealers or fences. It’s very important.” He scoffed at me.
“Dick, I will tell you nothing! Now be gone!” He turned around to his subordinates, yelling at them to hurry. Herald and I looked at each other, clearly knowing this was getting us nowhere. We headed outside. The roads were filled with ponies coming and going, spending the day shopping. 
I needed a plan, if Water Color wasn’t going to talk to us; we needed some ponies that would. I needed to find somepony who knew the underground scene. I turned to Herald.
“Where can I find the slum area?” I asked him. He looked frightened.
“Why would you want to go there? It’s dangerous.” I raised my eyebrow in disbelief.
“What do you mean dangerous? It’s just another part of the city. Come on let’s go.” He gave a meager whimper and started walking deeper into Canterlot.

The slums were a dark and dirty part of Canterlot. Eerie black clouds clung to the tops of the building, shrouding the alley ways and roads in a strange twilight. Windows were boarded up frequently and graffiti adorned the buildings. Nopony looked happy to be here. Herald and I were walking down the street; he looked terrified to be here. I took note of the graffiti on the buildings, looking for familiar sign. Finally I found something that looked right.
“In here, Herald.” He nearly jumped out of his skin.
“We can’t go in there!” He squeaked out.
“Why not?” I asked him.
“Because! That’s why.” I rolled my eyes. Herald was afraid of everything. I opened the door and walked inside. It was a small room with a teller’s window on the back wall; the room was bare otherwise except for a candle or two. I approached the window. A voice came from behind it.
“What are you looking for?” said the voice.
“I’m looking for something stolen, got anything?”
“Who’s asking?” came the voice.
“Richard’s asking. Now do you have anything?”
“Give me a second.” There was the sound of walking and rustling of paper. It took a few minutes until the voice came back. “Anything in particular?” the voice asked.
“I’m looking for a crown. Maybe you’ve heard of it.” Something dropped from behind the wall.
“We don’t know anything about that. At least nothing you need to know.” I grabbed a few bits from my money pouch and passed them through the window; they were picked up quickly. “Maybe we know something. We haven’t heard for sure who did it, but there are rumors…” The voice trailed off. I knew what needed to be done. I grabbed more bits and slid them through; these were grabbed just as quickly. “It may have been Mad Max and his crew, but we haven’t heard anything.” 
“Is that all you’ve got for us?” The voice said nothing. I looked at Herald, he was shivering.
“Are w-we done here, Richard?” He said.
“Yeah, Herald. We’re done here. Let’s go back to the castle for now.” A wave of relief came over him.
 
Chapter VI
The princess was busy meeting somepony when we returned. I decided to have lunch while I waited for her. The servants brought me a fresh salad and more fruit; they also brought a fine wine. I normally didn’t drink wine, but I felt it would be rude to not take it. It tasted sweet and left a strange aftertaste.
I thought about what I found out today. Somepony named Mad Max might be behind the heist. I’d have to learn about him a fair bit. It took nearly ten minutes for the princess to arrive at the dining room I was using. She sat at her spot at the end of the table.
“I’m sorry you had to wait for me, Dick. Royal business takes most of my day, you know.” She said after she sat down.
I nodded, “I know, princess. I appreciate that you take the time with me even now. I came across the name of somepony who might be responsible for the heist; his name is Mad Max. Do you know anything about him?” She looked away for a second, concentrating hard.
“I don’t think I’ve heard of him, sorry Dick.” She told me as she turned back.
“It’s ok, princess. You can’t know everything.” I finished my glass of wine. I thought I saw Celestia watching me drink it, but I couldn’t be sure.
“You look a little tired, Richard. Why don’t you take the rest of the day off and start again tomorrow?” It was hardly two in the afternoon.
“Are you sure, Princess? I could do a lot more today.” She put her hoof on my shoulder.
“Nonsense, Dick. You look exhausted. I insist you take the day off take a nap and meet me down here for dinner. Ok?” I wasn’t going to get her to give up. She probably felt bad for taking me from Twilight so suddenly. I decided to follow her advice and headed back to my room. It was in one of the closer wings of the castle so it took only minutes to get in my room. The bed had been made since the night before and everything was nice and tidy. A fire was going in the fireplace; warming up the cold room. I got inside the bed and slowly drifted off to sleep.

“I must be dreaming.” I said as I looked at my hands. I was human again, but I was in my room in Celestia’s castle. I got out of the bed, there was someone knocking on the door.
“Are you there, sir knight? It’s time for dinner.” Came a voice from behind the door. The knocking continued. I approached the door and grasped the handle and opened the door. The voice had come from a man as well; he was dressed like the servants.
“I’ll be down in a second.” He nodded and walked away; I closed the door. I grabbed my things and headed to the dining hall. The guards and servants were all humans instead of ponies. Finally I got to the dining hall where Celestia should be waiting for me. I slowly opened the door.
It wasn’t the Celestia I knew at the end of the table. It was a woman, tall with long, flowing hair. She wore an elegant, yet simple dress. She smiled when I walked in the room, beckoning me closer. I walked up to her and she motioned to the seat in front of me, I sat. She beamed at me, expectantly.
“I’ll have you know, this is one of the grandest dreams I’ve had.” I said to her finally. She gave a slight giggle.
“Oh, Richard. You do know how to charm a lady.” The servant brought two steaks to the table and a bottle of wine, similar to the one at lunch. I poured for the both of us. It was Celestia who spoke first, “how was your rest, Dick?”
“It was alright.” I spoke through mouthful of steak. It was medium-well, my personal favorite. It tasted so real as well. “Did you find out anything about Mad Max?” I asked her.
“No, I’m afraid not. He isn’t in any of our records.” I looked down; that was some bad news. I considered going back briefly to that building where I first found out about Mad Max, but that pony behind the window would be gone by now. What was I thinking? This is still a dream here. I wasn’t going to be able to do anything.
Celestia spoke and brought me from my thoughts, “Richard, I’ve got a party tonight and I would like to take you as my date. I know you’re a married man but I’m asking you as a friend. Will you come?” I thought about it for a second before responding.
“Of course I will, Celestia. It would be my honor.” She put her hand over her chest, relieved.
“You don’t know what this means to me, Dick. I hope you know how to dance; I love to dance.” I didn’t know how to dance at all.
“I can figure it out I think. Celestia, I don’t have anything to wear.” She looked at me in my brown trench coat and gave an audible hmph.
“I see, well you can get one of your suits from Ponyville. Can’t you? I’ll send you there immediately.” She waved one of her hands around and suddenly I was back in mah crib. Twilight wasn’t there so I went straight to the closet and grabbed a suit. I wondered how Celestia would know I was ready but I didn’t have long to wonder as she teleported me back within seconds. She looked at the suit in my hands.	
“Oh, Richard. That’s perfect. Put it on now so we can go.”
“You want me to change right here?” She shrugged.
“Sure, why not? I won’t look, I promise.” She turned around. I took off my coat and began to put on the suit. Celestia was giggling like a schoolgirl the entire time. 
“Ok, I’m good.” Celestia looked at me up and down.
“You look good, Richard. The party is in an hour. I know I had you get it together a bit early but whatever. Come on; help me set up the room.” She led me down a few hallways until we were at the grand ballroom; servants were already there setting up chairs and tables. She began to tell the workers were things were going and what to place on certain tables. I stood around, acting cool as usual. It didn’t seem like long however until guests began to show up. Celestia and I greeted them together; I couldn’t tell who they were gladder to meet, her or I.
“Let’s go sit, Richard.” Celestia said to me when the last of the guests had entered. We sat the table closest to the dance floor. Celestia motioned to it as we passed. ‘It’s like prom night’ I thought to myself. As we sat the four others at the table greeted themselves once more to Celestia. They were dignitaries or something, I didn’t pay close attention. Celestia and the guests were chatting about some political thing.
I looked to see if I knew anyone from the tables around us. I could see Luna at a nearby table. Her hair like the midnight sky worked brilliantly with her somber dress. I guessed she and Celestia were over what had happened years ago. I felt someone tugging at my sleeve; it was Celestia.
“What’s going on?” I asked her.
“It’s time to dance.” She told me. I stopped her from getting up quickly.
“Celestia, I’ve got to say something. I can’t dance.” She rolled her eyes.
“Follow my lead, Richard.” She got up and dragged me to the dance floor. A band was playing classical music. Many of the couples who had come to the party were dancing and having a good time. It all looked so complicated. Celestia turned to face me, she placed on of my hands at her hips; the other she held and began to sway with the rhythm. I began to sway with her. Some of the other guests looked at us with a small laugh. I guess it was something to see; Celestia dancing awkwardly with someone like me.
The band began to play a slower song; Celestia pulled me in closer, putting my other hand on her hips. She placed her hands behind me; holding me tightly she laid her head on my shoulder. It seemed like no time had passed when the band stopped playing. People came up to thank Celestia for the party.
One person said, “Great party, Princess, but it was rather short notice don’t you think.” She laughed as she said goodbye. Luna came up to us after the last guest had left.
“I saw you two dancing tonight. You were good.” She said.
“Luna, you are too much. Where was your date?” Celestia asked. Luna looked sad.
“Oh, he couldn’t make it. At least Richard was here for you.”
“Yes, that was a relief indeed.” She kept one of my hands at her side. “We’re going to go to bed now, Luna. Good night.” She led me up to her bedroom, motioning towards her bed.
“Did you forget I’m married?” I asked her.
“No, my dear. I just thought that you could continue being my plus one. Isn’t that ok?” Somewhere inside of me, I was happy to be her plus one. I couldn’t refuse.
“I guess its ok, for tonight.” I began to take off my suit; she watched every second. When I was done she began to slip off her dress slowly. She was beautiful, gorgeous really. We both got into her bed. She turned to me and draped her arms across my middle; her head resting on my chest. I thought to myself that maybe this dream wasn’t so bad after all.  Slowly I drifted off to sleep. 
 
Chapter VII
I woke up to a feeling of disgust and still human. How could I have let myself sleep in Celestia’s bed and why won’t this dream end? I got out of the bed, no regard for her sleeping next to me. My brash movements woke her up.
She spoke, “What’s the matter, Richard?”
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done this. It’s not right.” I told her. She looked hurt.
“It’s ok, Richard. Twilight wouldn’t care.” That hit me the wrong way.
“She would care. She would always care for me, as I do for her. I need to see her today. In fact, can you send me there now?”
“If that’s what you really want, Richard; I’ll send you there now.” I got dressed and nodded at her. She began to move her hands in a complex motion. With a flash of light, I was back in my home. I looked up to the bedroom for Twilight, she wasn’t there. How could she not be there? I went outside to try and find any of our friends. I checked Rarity’s boutique, it was empty. So was Fluttershy’s house, and Applejack’s farm. I even checked the school for Cheerilee and her class, the schoolhouse was empty. The town was deserted. I went back to the library, trying to find a book that might help me here. I wished I read more of the books she’d suggested now.
None of the books I saw looked like they’d help me here, and if they did I probably wouldn’t understand them anyway. I could feel the pull of Celestia’s magic taking me back to Canterlot, and with a flash of light, I was there again. We weren’t in her bedroom, but at the dining hall for breakfast. A plate of bacon and toast sat before me. A glass of familiar wine accompanying it.
“Don’t you think it’s a bit early for drinking?” I asked Celestia.
“Oh, Richard. Don’t worry about, I won’t tell anyone.” She rested her head on her hands as I ate. Her eyes didn’t leave me once. With great trepidation I drank the wine; it’s sweetness intoxicating all by itself.
“Well, I’d hate to be drunk for detective work. I better go now.” She seemed surprised.
“Oh yes, that stuff. Good luck, Richard.” I made my leave of the castle. I could still remember the way to the informant in the slums. Without Herald I could do what I needed to do to find this Mad Max. I was still thinking about Celestia when I reached the building where the informant was. Everything was in place as it was yesterday. I went to the teller’s window. A different voice came out this time.
“Hello, can I help you?”
“I need to know about Mad Max. Where can I find him?” There was the sound of shuffling paper behind the wall.
“Well, that information is very… special. Are you special enough to hear it?” I handed a few bits through the window. “I’m afraid this is a little more special than that.” More bits. “Yes, it appears Mad Max has been making claims that he and his crew can steal anything, and it appears they can.”
“Where can I find him?” I inquired.
“Ah, I’m afraid I can’t help you there. It seems he’s been off the radar for some time now. No one knows where he is.” I thanked the informant and walked out of the building. How did no one know where he was? It had to mean something. 
‘If I stole a one of a kind crown, where would I go?’ I would lie low for a while until I could sell it off. Where could he be lying low? I doubt he would stay in Canterlot with all the guards about on high alert. Perhaps he would go to Manehattan, which was a less controlled area. In the alleyway behind me I could hear a door opening. I turned to see someone exiting the informants building and fast walking down the alley. I started to follow him. He must have heard me because he broke out into a run. I started to run after him. I was faster than he and was soon close enough to tackle him to the ground. He cried out as he hit the ground.
“Don’t hurt me!” He yelled out. 
“I’m not going to hurt you if you answer my questions. Who are you?”
“I’m no one. Let me go!” I slammed my elbow into his back. “I’m just the guy who collects information. Let me go!”
“I need to know about Mad Max! Where is he?” He didn’t say anything. I hit him once more.
“I can’t tell you, he’ll kill me!
“I’ll kill you if you don’t tell me.” Guards passing the alley saw us and began to head down the alley. “Tell me now!”
“He’s at the train depot. Please let me go!” I got off him as the guards arrived.
“What’s going on?” one of them asked.
“Nothing.” I told him. I began to walk away. One of the guards grabbed my arms and turned me around.
“You aren’t going anywhere yet. What happened?” The guard asked the informant. He looked at me, his face was bleeding.
“He tackled me and demanded my money. He’s a thief.” The guard tried to put handcuffs on me but I slipped out of his grasp and punched him in the face. He fell down, knocked out. The two other guards lunged to grab me; I ducked under their hands and started to run to the streets. I didn’t get far as the informant tripped me. I fell face first on the cobblestone. I felt handcuffs being placed on me as I slipped into unconsciousness.
 
Chapter VIII
I woke up in a familiar place, the royal dungeons. I didn’t know exactly where I was, but it probably wasn’t too far in. I hoped the guards would be here soon to let me out. I was about to bang on the bars, but I no longer had hands, it was back to hooves. I must be a pony again, I thought. My hooves banged on the bars. It was then that I realized something terrible. What had been happening to me last night was no dream; it had been reality. I stopped banging on the bars.
How could I have been human in Equestria? Maybe it was just my imagination in overdrive, but that dinner, with actual meat? I didn’t know what to think. A door opened at the end of the hallway. Celestia flanked by two incredibly sorry looking guards came walking down.
“Why is he in here?” Celestia demanded as they reached my cell.
The guard stuttered out, “He was declared a thief…”
“Get him out.” She grumbled. The silent guard fumbled with the key and opened the door. “Follow me, Richard.” I followed Celestia out of the dungeon. She led me into some side room. It contained rows of books.
“Now, Richard. Why were you being called a thief? What have you done?” She and all the ponies we passed were back to… well… ponies.
“I was looking for Mad Max, and I had to tackle some guy. He told the guards that I was after his money. It’s nothing.” She scowled.
“I can’t have you being called a thief!”
“Because I’m a knight? I doubt a little thing like this will smear my reputation.” Her eyes starting shifting.
“Yes, that’s right.” She stopped for a second to pace the room, “What did you learn?”
“I heard that he was in the train depot. I’m going it out tomorrow.” Celestia noted a confused look on my face.
“What’s the matter, Richard?”
“Something strange happened to me recently. Sometimes I have dreams where ponies weren’t ponies at all, but something different, and recently I was seeing things that even you and I weren’t ponies. It was incredibly strange.” She frowned slightly.
“That’s peculiar, Richard. I hope it doesn’t affect you too much. It’s nearly dinner time, come with me to eat.”
“Alright, Celestia.” We walked  to the dining hall where our places were already being set. Two glasses of wine and plates of fruit and breads with cheese sat there. Celestia and I sat down. I tasted the wine; the same sweet taste was there with the bitter aftertaste.
“Don’t you have any different wines?” I asked Celestia.
“I’m afraid that this is my favorite wine. Don’t you like it, my dear?” She hadn’t called me ‘my dear’ for a long time. That was kind of weird. I took another sip of wine.
“It’s good, but it leaves a strange taste in my mouth.”
“Yes, I’ve noticed that. I’m asking them vineyard if they have something similar, but we won’t know for a bit.” Dinner passed by uneventfully after that; Celestia and I saying few words.
“I think I might do some reading before I go to bed.” Celestia perked up.
“I’ve got a wonderful selection of books in my room if you care to look.”
“I think I’m good. I’ve got a book that Twilight gave me before I left.” Celestia bit her lip.
“Ok, Richard. Goodnight then.”

I looked at the book Twilight gave me, The Mysteries of Equestria. Twilight knows what I like, mysteries. I wondered if I would be able to solve them from reading alone. I opened the cover, there appeared to be handwriting. On closer inspection it read,
“Dear, Richard,
I don’t know when you’ll receive this note, but I’m sorry. I couldn’t make it work. Please 	don’t try and find me again. I’m sorry.
With all my heart,
Twilight Sparkle”
 
Chapter IX
I had to get home, now. I ran out the room and the castle, making my way to the train station. I didn’t stop running at any point. The station was mostly empty now, only a few more trains would be arriving tonight. There was one pony working the ticket booth. I walked over and demanded a ticket for Ponyville. The worker got nervous when he looked up and saw me.
“Oh, sir, it appears we are sold out of tickets for Ponyville. Terribly sorry.” That got me mad.
“It’s empty here. You can’t tell me you’re full on that train. I demand a ticket.”
“I’m sorry, but there are no more tickets.”
“Do you know who I am? I am here on royal business.” He licked his lips, sweating lightly.
“Sir, there are no more tickets. Please go.” He reached for a button to close the window.
“You can’t get rid of me that easily! I want a damn ticket!” The few ponies in the station started looking at me. I must have been quite the show.
“I’m sorry.” He closed the window. I threw my hoof at it in anger. The window did not break or even crack; that made my anger worse. I settled in a seat near the Ponyville track, I was going to get on that train.

It took nearly an hour for the train to arrive. Ponies began to line up for the train, getting tickets punched and entering. I walked the length of it, looking for an unguarded door. I found one at the end, I quickly jumped in and found a seat. Soon enough the train was on its way. I noticed the many seats empty on the train. I would reach Ponyville within the hour. I couldn’t stop looking at the note in the book. It didn’t make any sense, she had seemed to happy when I was there up until I left. Was she happy that I was leaving? I had to ask her, it was the only way to know.

I arrived at the station ready to find some answers. It wouldn’t take me long to get home, but it wouldn’t be soon enough. It was near ten when I arrived at the library. I knocked on the door, hoping Twilight was there this time. I could hear footsteps near the door, the door opened. I saw Twilight’s face; I couldn’t read its emotions.
“Twilight, what happened?” I asked her.
“What do you mean?” She said blankly.
“The note you gave me. You said we were through.” She looked taken aback.
“I don’t remember a note like that. What are you talking about?”
“You said you couldn’t make it work anymore. What happened between us?” She didn’t say anything for what seemed like hours.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Richard. Are you ok? Is Celestia getting too much for you?”
“Everything is fine. So you’re not leaving me?” She shook her head.
“Of course not, silly. I love you.” She came up to me and kissed me, smiling as she pulled back her head. “Richard, is that the reason you came here? Do you want to stay the night or do you have to head back?” I sighed heavily.
“I’ve got to head back, Twilight. I can’t stay, I’m so sorry.” She nodded, understanding somepony who liked working.

The train ride back was uneventful; it wasn’t until I got back to the Canterlot station that things heated up. I immediately headed to the ticket booth; the same pony was working it.
“Excuse me; I’d like to know why you didn’t have any tickets.” He let out an audible squeak when he saw me again.
“Sir, the train was full. I couldn’t get any more ponies in.” I put my hoof to my chin.
“Hmm, is that so? Well I was on that train and it was awfully empty. I think you need to look over your books better.”
“H-how did you get on the train?”
“Well, you know me. I just kind of show up to things.” I told him. He was shaking terribly. He must be getting in huge trouble for this. “I’d like to know why I wasn’t allowed on the train.”
“I was told you weren’t to board the trains. Somepony told me that.” Who wouldn’t want me on the trains… there could be only one answer, Mad Max. He was scared I would find him, and now I would. I left that station, taking a long walk back to the castle. It was hard for me to not go after Max even now. It should wait until morning, when I would have all the energy I needed.
One of the servants saw me walking through the halls of the castle to my room.
“Would you like a nightcap before bed, sir? There is wine in your room.” That was just what I needed to get to sleep. The ups and downs I had within the last few hours had shaken me greatly.
The wine appeared to be Celestia’s favorite. It appeared as though this drink was never going away. Nevertheless I poured myself a glass and drank it. The bitter aftertaste was much less defined this time, maybe I was getting used to it. I had a second glass; the taste was nearly gone now. I decided that that should mean it was time for bed. I took off my hat and laid in bed. The day’s events flashed by my head as I slowly drifted into sleep.
 
Chapter X
I awoke to an uncommon scenario; I was once again human. This was getting stranger and stranger by the day. I got out of bed and headed down towards the dining hall, determined to find Max today. Celestia was waiting for me at the table as always.
“I heard you left in quite the rush last night, Richard. Where were you off to?” She asked me as I sat down. She passed me a glass of wine.
“I found a note in my book from Twilight; it said she was leaving me.” Celestia showed a big frown and hugged me.
“It’s ok, Richard. Something’s aren’t meant to be.” Celestia said sorrowfully.
“You didn’t let me finish. I took a train down to Ponyville and it turns out she didn’t write that note at all.” Celestia’s face turned into confusion. “Can you believe that? Even the ticket master didn’t want to give me a ticket so I had to sneak onto the train. I think Max is trying to keep me away from him.”
“Yes, that must be true.” Celestia said, sorrow wiped from her voice. “Onto much brighter news, Richard, the vineyard sent new wine and it has arrived. We can try it tonight.” I gave her a strange look.
“Actually I think I may have this cased wrapped up before then, I will probably be heading home today.” She dropped her glass on the floor, it shattered.
“Oh, yes. Well good luck to you, Richard.” She stood up and walked out of the room. Servants began to clean up the glass and wipe away the wine. It was then that I took my leave; it was time to deal with Mad Max. It wouldn’t take me long to get to the train depot. I was pretty sure that it was right behind the station.

I arrived at the station a little before noon. It took a longer time to get here because of the days shoppers. As I approached the station’s door a set of guards stopped me.
“You are not allowed to enter.” One said to me. The two guards held spears which they gripped tightly.
“Why not?” I asked him.
“You have shown criminal behavior and may not enter the train station.” His demeanor was always controlled.
“I need to get in there. I don’t even want to board a train.”
He said, unrelenting, “You are not allowed in the station. Do not make us force you away.” The other guard raised his spear and I backed off, not wanting trouble. I would have to talk with Celestia about this.

My hands rapped on her door. The servants told me she would be in her room.
“Just a minute.” I heard from a voice inside. It was Celestia’s, but more like she was singing. I knocked harder, hoping for some haste. Again her voice echoed through the door, asking for just one moment. Her voice helped to calm me, slightly. I could hear the lock sliding back on the door; I readied myself to ask her a question until I saw what waited behind the door. Celestia was completely naked.
I averted my eyes immediately. Seeing that made it hard to think about why I came in the first place. I tried to ask my question.
“I, uh, came here to ask you… something.” She grabbed my hand.
“Here. Come in and sit down.” She led me to and sat me down on her bed. She sat right next to me; she was practically in my lap. “Now what was it you wanted?”
I began to mumble something out, “I, uh, came here, err, for…” The words lost themselves as she placed her hand on my thigh. Her warm touch wiped thoughts from my head. “I needed…” With her other hand she turned my head to face her. She slowly placed herself on me for a passionate kiss. With that all but one thought was rushed from my head. A tiny little sparkle… of Twilight.
The thought of Twilight caused clarity to come to me. I pushed Celestia away, realizing what was going on for the first time. I jumped off the bed and turned to face her.
“I-I can’t do this!” I shouted. Celestia covered herself with her blanket.
“Richard, what’s the matter? Are you ok?” Celestia tried to grab my hand but I pulled it away.
“Celestia, you know I’m married.” She stood up too, her body looking magnificent in the sunlight of her room. I could feel myself getting lost in the thoughts of her body; I snapped myself out of it. I kept my eyes to hers.
“Richard…”
“Celestia, they won’t let me in the train station. I have to get in there.” She walked next to me, embracing me.
“Why, Richard? Why do you have to get in there?” Harder and harder to concentrate; I had to keep thinking of Twilight.
“I’ve got to find Max and the crown.” She held me yet closer.
“I’ll have guards get the crown, Richard. You stay here with me; you’ve done enough. Don’t you think?” With every word the temptation grew stronger.
“Celestia, I-” She pushed my head into her shoulder so I couldn’t speak. She began to sing some sort of lullaby. The dulcet tones and words caused me to lose my head. I fell into an emotional bliss.
 
Chapter XI
I was in Celestia’s bed when I woke up. She was hanging onto my body. I tried to pick her off me but to no avail, neither did she wake up. On one of her tables sat several different bottles with several wine glasses; we must have had quite the party. Finally she turned and rolled off me so I could get up. I got off the bed gingerly so she wouldn’t wake up. I put on a pair of pants that were lying on floor.
I went to the bottles on the table; all of them were empty. They appeared to be from the same maker, must be that vineyard Celestia raves about. The smell was old; they weren’t recently drank. I carefully crept outside the bedroom door. By looking at the sun I guessed it to be around noon. Walking around the castle I saw servants see me and panic. I must have done something crazy, I thought bemusedly to myself. Finally I was at the castle gates; it was time to get back to Ponyville.
Two guards stopped me at the gates. I recognized one; he was the one who had apologized for bringing me to Bastion’s torture room.
“I know you, but I don’t know your name. What is it?” I asked him. He seemed to recognize me too.
“It’s Steel, sir. Steel Arm. I’m sorry but we have orders not to let you out without Celestia.” That was a strange order.
“What do you mean without Celestia? Is she my mother now?” I started to laugh a little. The guards held stony faces.
“Celestia is your wife, sir. You are the prince of the land.” I put my hands on both of their shoulders; luckily they were standing side by side.
“Gentlemen please.” I slammed their heads together quickly; the force made them dizzy. They were out long enough for me to run out of there really fast. A few of the guards began to give chase, but their heavy armor slowed them down.
There were shouts from behind me, “Stop him!”, “Stop that man!” A few of the citizens made moves to get me, but I dodged them barely. A guard in the crowd lunged at me and threw me to the ground.
“Let me go!” I growled at him. He punched my jaw; I could nearly feel the bone break. I jabbed his abdomen. He threw another fist to my jaw, but I moved my head his fist hit the cobblestone. In pain he let go on me and I slipped out from under him. I wasn’t even able to get up before the other guards caught up with me. They surrounded me while the other guard got up.
“Why are you doing this? Let me go home, please.” They tightened the circle around me. Passers-by were looking at this spectacle.
One of the guards spoke up, “We are taking you home, sir.” Under his breath he muttered, “Senile fool.” One from behind me grabbed my arms; the rest took the cue to grab my legs. They carried the struggling me back to the castle. I saw Steel Arm as we entered the gates. Our eyes met briefly before he quickly jerked his vision away. They brought me to the dining hall where Celestia was sitting, sipping from a tea cup. Something about her appearance was diminished; her normally radiant beauty was less than that. They had me kneel on the ground in front of her.
Glaring at me she said, “Where were you, Richard? You weren’t in bed when I woke up.”
“I wanted to see home.”
“You are home, Richard. You are at home with your wife.” I looked into her eyes.
“You are not my wife… Twilight is.” She threw the teacup at me, it missed by an inch. She stood up and strode towards me. Standing in front of me she grabbed my hair, twisting my head to look at her.
“Richard, I forbade you from saying that name in this castle. Don’t you want to be a good husband?”
“I’m not your husband. I-” She slapped my face hard.
“Richard, stop this little rebellion. Don’t you love your wife?” My face stung from the impact of her hand.
“I don’t love you… I love my wife, Twilight.” Another hard slap to the face. 
“When’s the last time you had a drink, darling? Was it last night? Answer me.” I racked my brain, nothing came up.
“We didn’t drink last night. Last I remember you told me not to worry about the crown and… that’s it.” She sighed.
“You and that crown of yours. Someone get him something to drink.” A servant soon appeared with a wine glass. Celestia glared at me. “Drink it, honey.” I picked up the glass; it was full of the same wine she always drank.
“I don’t want it. I never liked this wine!” I threw the glass to the ground and shook my head free from her grasp. I stood tall. “I’m going home.” Before I could turn away she raised her arm and made a small gesture. An invisible force pushed me to the wall; the wind was knocked from my lungs. Celestia flew to me, the guards running after her. She put her hand to my throat, almost choking me.
“You listen well, Richard. You will LOVE me! Take him to the dungeons!” The guards dragged me off to a familiar cell; the same one Bastion put me on all those years ago.

It took two days until Celestia showed up at the cell. They had given me only the wine and bread to eat; I neither ate nor drank. Celestia had a look of intense disapproval when she saw the trays pushed to one corner. The second day marked the end of being a human; it was back to a pony for me; I hoped it stuck this time.
“Richard, darling, why don’t you eat or drink? You’ll get sick.” I was nearly out of energy as it was. I couldn’t last another day of this.
“I… just… want… to… go… home.” 
“Richard… you aren’t going home. Not ever.” It was the one thing I hadn’t wanted to hear; I broke down in tears.
“Why? Why can’t I go home?” She shook her head.
“I thought you would see this for what it is, Richard. I love you, and you will love me too.”
“Celestia, I can never love you like you want. I love another… Twilight! I want to see her!” Celestia’s magic blasted me to the end of the cell.
“You cannot love her, you will love me! Guards! Give him the drink.” Two guards emerged and brought with them a pitcher of wine. Celestia’s magic held me down as the guards approached. I couldn’t struggle against those bonds. “Do you know what this is, Richard? This is a love potion. I’ve been giving you small doses since you came to Canterlot.” The guards began pouring the wine mixture into my mouth, it was useless to struggle. “I don’t know how you got out of it today, but don’t be afraid. It won’t happen again.” The guards backed away, having emptied the pitcher.
With every passing second Celestia’s beauty began to increase. I couldn’t tear my eyes away. She smiled one of her radiant smiles.
“Do you love me, Richard?” I couldn’t respond fast enough.
“Yes.”
 
Chapter XII
The days pass by, if it is only days. I notice only Celestia’s immense beauty. I spend the time following her. Sometimes she asks things of me, such as writing letters, or greeting guests. I do those things gladly; I will do anything to please my love. Sometimes I think I saw Luna. There might have been others that I know. At night Celestia brings me to her bed, we make love to each other. Any chance to please her brings great effort on my part.
One day, I had a free thought. It was of a strange little town. Not in Celestia’s glorious castle. I tried to fight that thought; there was nowhere else but the castle. Even if there were… other places; why would I ever want to see them? They would lead me away from my princess. The thought of that town would not stop pestering me; it got in the way of me telling Celestia I loved her during dinner.
“My lovely Celestia, what is beyond the castle walls?” My princess’ eyes shot wide and she turned to me.
“Oh, Richard. There are no such places. You should know that; I’ve told you that a lot.” She began to fidget slightly. “Where did that idea come from?” I looked down at my plate.
“I don’t know. I had this… memory I think. A small little town.” Celestia nodded.
“I think you must have been day dreaming. Of a place for us to have a summer home of course. Here, let me get you some more wine.” I thanked her graciously. Yes, I must have been day dreaming. The wine tasted amazing as it always did. Celestia had the best taste in wine. Even now I could feel the niggling little thought disappear.

It was nirvana being only in love with Celestia. She was a wonderful pony, with a beautiful mane and tail. I would stay awake long after she had gone to bed just looking at her wonderful body. The feeling was intoxicating. A sudden whispering voice came and went, “I used to be in love with another.” I shot up in bed.
“Who’s there?” I asked. The room was dark and empty except for Celestia and I. She looked at me, awoken from my movements.
“Are you ok, honey? Is something wrong?” I laid back in bed.
“Nothing’s wrong, Celestia. I-I love you.” I nuzzled her and she purred in delight. It was hard to fall asleep after that.

“How’s the poor man doing today?” Luna was talking with Celestia. We were having an uncommon breakfast with Luna. Normally it was just Celestia and I; she told me to stay silent.
“Oh, he’s wonderful I’m sure. Being with me makes him the happiest he’s ever been. Isn’t that right, Richard?” She looked at me, expecting a resounding agreement.
“I love it like I love you. A lot.” 
She smiled. She did note the slight tune of sadness in my voice.
“Are you ok, Richard?”  Asked Celestia.
“He looks kind of pale. Do you let him out?” Asked Luna. Celestia glared at Luna.
“What do you mean out? To the ramparts?” Celestia tried to cover herself.
“Silly, Richard. Those are too dangerous for you, you might fall.” 
“But you let me up the tower to our room.” She did let me on the tower, I should have been able to see over the walls then but it always seemed to be too cloudy.
“Silence, Richard. Drink something.” I picked up my glass and took a sip; there was a hint of bitterness.

In a rare moment of freedom, Celestia let me roam the gardens alone. Not truly alone however, as I had an escort of two guards, but alone without her. 
“The gardens are beautiful aren’t they?” The guards looked at each other, not sure if they should respond. I looked at them, “Aren’t they?”
“Yes sir, they are.” Said one of them. His voice was familiar. I looked at him directly.
“Do I know you?” I asked the guard.
“I’m not sure, sir.” I chuckled.
“How can you not know? Do you know me?” He looked at his hooves.
“We aren’t supposed to talk. I’m sorry.” The guards said nothing for the rest of the excursion. I wish somepony would talk to me. It was awfully boring talking with Celestia. She never told me much, just asked me about my day and I never had anything to say.

It was late one night as we walked up to the bedroom. Celestia was telling me about what Luna and her were talking about all day. She had left me to wander the castle, with guards of course. I stopped in the patio in front of the door. 
“Richard, what are you doing? It’s time for bed.” I looked over the railing, clouds covered the tower.
“Celestia, why is the tower always covered in clouds? Nowhere else is.” Celestia walked next to me, she rested her hoof on my back.
“Richard, I can’t control the weather and the Wonderbolts are far too busy to deal with this.”
“Don’t you have other pegasi who can deal with this then?” I asked her.
“Richard, it’s late and I’m tired of these questions. Let’s just get into bed.” I put my forelegs onto the railing.
“Celestia, why won’t you ever answer my questions? Why can’t I go on my own?” Her face showed slight tinges of anger.
“Richard, not now. We’re not talking about this now.” I turned my head to her, shaking her hoof off my back.
“Then when will we discuss this?! I’m tired of this secrecy. I want to know what’s outside these walls. Let me go outside the walls!”
“You will never get out of this castle, Richard. Now come to the bedroom with me.” She would never understand me. I had to do something to show her. I hoisted myself onto the railing; it was hard to keep balance in the winds.
“Then I can grow some wings, and fly to freedom.” As Celestia turned to see what I was talking about, I jumped. Wind rushed past my head as the clouds cleared. As the pure sunlight hit my eyes I could hear Celestia yelling after me.  I could finally see past the walls. There was a huge world outside these walls, stretching in all directions. A small village caught my eye… Ponyville.
 
Chapter XIII
“Richard. Richard, wake up!” Something cold hit my face. I tried to shake it off but it stuck to me. Gingerly I opened my eyes. Celestia stood above me.
“Celestia, there’s a world outside these walls…” She nodded, tears in her eyes.
“Yes there is, Richard. I’d like you to do something for me. I’d like you to explore that world. Can you do that for me?” My heart soared. All I had wanted to do was explore that world. A singular thought came to my head.
“Can I go to Ponyville? Is that a real place?” She nodded once more.
“You can visit my apprentice, Twilight Sparkle. She’ll give you somewhere to live for now.” Tears streamed down her face.
“That sounds wonderful, Celestia. You’re the best.”




To Be Continued.

> 3. Revelations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Richard Pound
In:
Revelations
“I’m so sorry, Twilight. I don’t know if you can ever forgive me.” Celestia was talking to Twilight, my new friend. We had just arrived at Ponyville, where Celestia gave me a mission to explore the world for her; starting with this small town of course!
“Princess, I don’t know if what you did will ever be ok. I can’t guarantee anything.” Twilight was talking now. She had seemed sad since we arrived. Sometimes she would look at me when she thought I wasn’t looking; I caught her whenever she did though. I wonder why she pays so much attention to me. I hope she doesn’t think I’m taking her spot as apprentice. Celestia is my friend not my teacher.
I decided to speak up, “Twilight, I hope you’ll see me as a friend, not a competitor of Celestia.” Twilight could not hold back the tears. She held her head in her arms, sobbing loudly. Celestia shot me a silencing glance. She went to console Twilight; I hoped she wouldn’t take the news so hard. I decided that it was time for me to explore some of Ponyville, me new home.
The air was fresher, more lovable than it was at the castle. I could imagine living here one day, with Celestia. I was excited to finally leave the castle. This town was full of vibrant and exciting ponies.
“Hello there, Richard. It’s simply been far too long. How are you fairing today?” A pony was talking to me from behind, I turned to face her. She had a pale white coat with a vivid, purple mane. I raised an eyebrow.
“I’m sorry. Do I know you?” She bit her lip. Looking at me from side to side.
“Oh dear, Twilight did mention something about your memory.” She muttered under her breath. Louder, she spoke, “Well my name is Rarity. I’m a good friend of Twilights. You’ve met Twilight, right?” I nodded vigorously.
“Oh yes, I met Twilight. She seems like a very sad pony. Even when I showed up she was crying.” Rarity looked sad at that too. I’d never seen any sad ponies at the castle; it must be a country thing.
“Yes, that will happen for a time, I’m afraid,” said Rarity. “You see she just lost someone close to her and she’s still getting over it.” I nodded slowly. I felt bad for Twilight. I’d never lost anyone close to me; it must have been really tough.
“That’s really sad, Rarity,” I told her, “I hope she gets better with time. I don’t really know what it’s like to lose someone; I’ve only ever had Celestia.” Rarity frowned; she must not be close with anyone.
“Hey Richard, why don’t I show you around to some more of Twilight and my friends? Would you like to do that?”
“I’d love to! I’m researching all about places like this. It would probably do me some good to meet some ponies.” She nodded, biting her lip. She motioned for me to follow her, saying something about going to the local bake shop.
The bake shop wasn’t all that far away. It was called the Sugarcube Corner; it looked to be made of desserts and such; an interesting design. The first pony to greet us on the inside was a light blue pony with a swirly, pink mane.
“Hello there Rarity, who is your friend there?” She asked, motioning to me.
Rarity responded, “Hello, Mrs. Cake. This is Richard, Twilight’s new protégé friend. Is Pinkie here?” Pinkie Pie? The name came with a twinge of familiarity, I brushed it off. I knew next to no pony here. I crash came from inside the kitchen, followed by a sigh from Mrs. Cake.
Yes, she’s here.” Mrs. Cake turned around and went inside the kitchen, a few seconds later a pink pony with frilly, pink hair came out. She didn’t walk so much as bounce.
With an exuberant expression she said, “Hello Rarity! This must be Richard. We’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Hello, Pinkie Pie. Are you a baker here?” She rolled her eyes.
“Well, duh! I’m the greatest baker in all of Ponyville, also the greatest party thrower!”
“What kind of things do you bake? Just desserts and such?” I asked.
“As if there was anything else to bake.” Pinkie responded. She started telling me about her life. Where she lived, what she did. It was quite the lengthy list. Rarity interrupted her ten minutes in.
“I’m so sorry, Pinkie, but I’ve got to get Richard introduced to everyone by tonight, and-” Rarity was saying until Pinkie interrupted her.
“Don’t worry, Rarebear, I’ll take care of it.” Pinkie ran outside the shop.
Rarity turned to me and said, “Oh dear.” 
“What’s the matter, Rarity?” She seemed slightly off put.
“It’s nothing, Richard. Come on, let’s go see Rainbow Dash.” She led my by the hoof outside the shop and to the outskirts of Ponyville. What I saw next was shocking.
 
Chapter II
In the sky was a grand sky castle. Waterfalls of rainbows flowed freely from the tower. I wondered how we could possibly get up there. I turned to Rarity to ask her a question, but she silenced me with a hoof.
“Rainbow Dash should be down in a second, Richard. I told her we were coming earlier.” I nodded slowly. From up above I could hear the castle doors open. A blur erupted from the house, arching across the sky until it made a sharp turn; racing towards us. I started to back away; Rarity made no motions to get away. With only a few feet to spare, the blur stopped and I could finally make out what it was. It was a light blue pony with a rainbow mane and tail. The cutie mark showed a lightning bolt, also rainbow colored.
She spoke up, “Hello there, Rarity. You must be Richard. I’m Rainbow Dash, fastest flier in all of Equestria!” She landed, sticking her hoof out to me; I ignored it. Celestia told me not to act as nobly as I had in Canterlot. Normally I would have kissed such an outstretched hoof, but no longer.
I asked, “Hello, Rainbow Dash. How are you?” She gave an apprehended look, taking back the hoof.
Briefly looking at Rarity, she said, “I’m doing great, Richard. Just practicing some tricks that will surely get me noticed by the Wonderbolts. How are you?” 
I thought briefly before responding. “I’m doing well too, Rainbow. I’m really enjoying learning everything about Ponyville.” Rarity suddenly cut in.
“Hey Dash, would you care to accompany us to see Applejack and Fluttershy?” She had a strange inflection in her voice. She’s getting at something went a voice in my head. I shook my head, hoping for the thought to fall out; it was rude to think someone lying. Rarity and Rainbow caught the shake, exchanging glances. 
Dash spoke first, “You ok there, Richard?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I told her.
Rarity asked, “Why don’t we get going? We want to get Richard back to the house before night.” She nudged me gently and started to walk away, continuing to walk the outskirts of Ponyville. I followed as Rainbow Dash took the sky.

As we met Applejack, the sun was setting, casting the world in an orange glow. Her farm was a beautiful place, a rich orchard of apple trees. We all sat in her kitchen. Rainbow Dash and Applejack had gotten into a fight over who was superior. Rarity looked slightly bored, clearly not interested. Something Applejack did made me take notice. I could tell that she was embellishing her story.
“Applejack, that can’t be true.” Both she and Dash turned to me.
Turning back to Applejack, Dash exclaimed, “A-ha! I knew it wasn’t true.” Applejack’s face turned sour. Why did they take what I said to be true? Rarity had become excited at hearing my assessment of Applejacks tale; she bolted from her seat.
“I think it’s time we headed back to Twilight’s!” She started to push me towards the door. The other ponies nodded.
“But what about Fluttershy?” I asked her.
“She can wait until tomorrow, Richard. Now come on, let’s go.” All four of us began the walk to Twilight’s. 
The sun had nearly set by the time we were at the library. Rarity told me to go in first. I didn’t know why, but it sort of made sense. The house was dark as I opened the door; light barely passed through the window. I took a few steps inside slowly. The door closed behind me. I made a few more tentative steps.
Suddenly the lights were ignited and I could what the darkness had hidden. The room was decorated in streamers and food lined tables along the edges of the room. Ponies from all over town occupied the room, some wearing party hats, others with noise makers.	Pinkie Pie was jumping up and down in the middle. A resounding cry of, “Welcome” came from the crowd. Pinkie Pie came up to me, laughing.
“Welcome to Ponyville, Richard!” She said exuberantly.
Stunned, I said, “Thank you, Pinkie. The princess never threw parties explicitly for me.”
“Well I got to throw you two!” Two parties? I’ve only had one. I looked back to her but she was already gone. A few of Ponyville’s residents came up to me, introducing themselves. I didn’t see Celestia or Twilight for the entire party.

It wasn’t until after the party that I saw Twilight. Everyone had left and I saw sitting on the couch, drinking some punch when I saw her walk in.
“Hello, Richard. I’m sorry about earlier.”
“It’s ok, Twilight. I heard about what happened.” She looked shocked.
“Who told you?” Her tone was incriminating.
“Rarity told me you lost someone dear to you.” Her face returned to normal.
“Oh, that’s true. I won’t burden you with the details.” She started towards the stairs to the second level, stopping abruptly at the beginning. “You wouldn’t mind sleeping on the couch for tonight would you? I’ll have a second bed for you tomorrow.” I said it wasn’t a problem.

I couldn’t sleep. The things that happened today kept racing around my head. Pinkie throwing me two parties? Twilight losing someone special? Something inside me wanted them to fit in some obscure way. I had to get the truth. I decided there was one way to do it; I had to get it from Pinkie herself.
The streets of Ponyville were empty as I headed to Sugarcube Corner. Everypony must be tired from the big party. The store had a light on in the back. I knocked on the door tentatively, it opened on the touch. I head to the kitchen, the source of the light. Pinkie Pie was taking freshly baked cookies from the ovens. A few bottles in the trash caught my attention.
“Pinkie Pie, I have to ask you a question.” Pinkie Pie looked up from decorating the cookies.
“What’s up?” I cleared my throat.
“What do you mean you’ve thrown me two parties?”
“Oh, silly. This is the second welcoming party I’ve thrown you.” That made no sense, but I felt she was telling the truth.
“You’ve only thrown me one party. I moved into Ponyville today. How could you have thrown me a second party?” She looked away, thinking quickly.
Quietly she said, “Twilight was right…”
“What do you mean Twilight was right? What’s going on?” She looked back at me.
“Oh, Richard. You need to calm down.”
“How can I calm down? You’re keeping something from me. I want to know what it is. Do I have to ask Twilight?”
“No! Don’t ask Twilight.”
“Why not?”
“She’s lost someone dear to her, silly. She’s very sad right now.” I was tired of that damn answer. I wanted the truth once and for all.
“What do you mean?! Who did she lose?” Pinkie Pie said nothing for a long time.
Finally, she said, “You.”
 
Chapter III
My world was crumbling. Images and voices, thoughts and memories rushed in front of me; my vision cluttered and obscured by the rush of my life filling in.
My detective agency, Twilight, Celestia, Luna, all of my friends, the dreams, Luna’s rise for power, the torture at the hands of Bastion, Twilight and I’s magical rest, the knighting, the missing crown, the wine…
My very being trembled with rage. I was mad now, angrier than I had ever been. My life had been played with as though it were a toy. 
With knowledgeable eyes, I once again spotted the bottles in the kitchen. They were the same bottles Celestia had used on me to keep me sedated and in love. I went over and picked one up; it was empty.
“Where did you get this?” I asked her. Pinkie Pie seemed scared, she did not respond.
“Where did you get this?!” I screamed. She flinched back.
“Celestia gave it to me; she said to use it making something for you.” My heart shattered, rage died within me. I turned away from Pinkie Pie, from whatever she was about to say. I went back to the library, my old home.

Twilight wasn’t asleep when I returned.
“Where did you go, Richard? Missing Celestia?” I could tell here last question hurt to ask. I walked up the second floor, standing next to her bed.
“I had to get answers, and I got them. I’m so sorry, Twilight.”
“What are you talking about, Richard?”
“I had no idea what she was doing to me, Twilight.” Her eyes started to water.
“Richard, are you…ok?” 
“Twilight, I still love you. I love you more than I ever did. I don’t want to live a lie.” I could feel tears begin to fall down my cheeks. I embraced her tightly; never again did I want to let her go.
“Richard, I missed you so much. When I heard from Celestia, that you weren’t coming back, I-I” She said no more; there was nothing more to say. We had the only things we needed in this world, each other. That was the first night I slept happily.

We were awoken by a knocking at the door. Twilight and I descended the stairs, she using her magic to brush her mane to a presentable degree. A familiar silhouette stood at the door, Celestia.
Twilight saw my rising anger, “It’s ok, Richard. Let’s hear what she has to say.” I sat on the couch while Twilight got the door. Celestia walked in, a smile on her face when she saw me. I knew it was fake, a fake to please the me she had wanted the entire time.
“Good morning, Twilight. Good morning, Richard! How are you doing today? All happy in Ponyville.” It was a struggle to hold my tongue.
“I’m doing just fine, Celestia. Ponyville is a great town.” Twilight said. Celestia came up and nuzzled me, I looked at Twilight; she seemed a little sick.
“I hope you won’t get too attached! The castle is very sad without you.”
“Well isn’t that just great to hear.” I said sarcastically. I couldn’t stop myself from saying it. Celestia caught it; previously I would never have taken that tone.
“Richard! How dare you take that tone with your wife!?” Twilight flinched.
“Celestia, you are not my wife, Twilight is. How can you think I would ever love you?” Celestia’s face turned a mixture of anger and sadness.
“How did you find out? Who told you?” She turned to Twilight. “You traitor!” Her horn glowed and Twilight was thrown against the wall.
“Stop this, Celestia!  Leave this house at once!” Her glare turned to me. An invisible force blew me back 10 feet off the couch. I hit the ground hard. I stood up slowly.
“You think you can tell me what to do? I did this to save your little mind from destruction! I only brought you here to heal! You will love me once more, fool.” She exclaimed. She walked outside the house, guards pegasi took to her side as she launched into the air.
I walked over to Twilight. Celestia had knocked her into a bookcase, books had piled on her. I dug her out carefully. She was bruised heavily. I carefully brought her to the couch and laid her down. She had been knocked unconscious. I cried over her body.
 
Chapter IV
We were all in the library; Twilight, A.J., R.D., Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and myself. They told me had happened the day of my return. Celestia had sent Twilight a note proclaiming my return and when Twilight asked for more information, Celestia told her about the drugs. Twilight had no choice but to accept.
Twilight had made sure that someone was outside in case she couldn’t handle the emotions.
“I can’t believe that she could trick me like that.” I said.
“It’s ok, sugar cube. It wasn’t your fault.” Said Applejack.
“There’s got to be some way to get back at her.” I told them, thinking about a plan.
“There’s no way to get her off the throne. A lot of ponies are curious how she even got on it. Even more so about where she came from.” Said Twilight.
“There was one pony that had an idea to get Celestia off the throne.” I said, remembering.
“Who was that?” Asked Rainbow Dash.
“Luna. She had a clever plot to gain infinite powers.” The other ponies became shocked.
“You can’t think that, Richard. She’s better now.” Spoke Twilight.
“I need to try anything to get back at her. You can’t control someone else’s life.” None of the other ponies seemed to agree with me. 
“Richard, she’s too powerful to stop.” Fluttershy squeaked. How could none of them see the injustice?
“I will stop her myself then.” I told them. I got off the couch; Twilight tried to stop me, I shook her off. They protested slightly as I left the room; they couldn’t stop me this time, I was tired of being told what to do.

It wasn’t long at all until I found Xavier. His house was near the forest, secluded and lonely. He hadn’t been truly accepted back by everypony and he was untrusting of many; I hoped he could trust me.
I knocked three times on his door. A meek voice came out.
“Go away.” I knocked more. “I said go away.”
Knocking, I said, “I’m not going away, Xavier.” I could hear something dropping beyond the door, and then the door locks sliding free. The door opened. I saw Xavier’s still-scarred face staring at me.
“What do you want?” He asked; his voice full of sorrow and pain.
“I need your help, Xavier.” 
“Come on in.” He lead me to his living room; making sure to lock the front door after us. His house appeared quaint; simple furniture and décor. “Now what do you need help with?” he asked after we sat down.
“I need you to restart the Lunar Revolution.” He closed his eyes with a deep sigh. Taking a long time to reopen them, a weary look had replaced the old.
“Richard, I can’t do that. It was the worst thing I ever did.” I understood his point; no good had come from it.
“You don’t understand Celestia. She is a monster.”
“I don’t believe that, Richard. She’s a nice princess.” He was so naïve; they all were. He needed to understand Celestia for who she really was.
“Do you know what she did to me, Xavier?” He said no. “She ruined my life.” He gave a brief smile, thinking that I was joking. I wasn’t.
“What do you mean? How could she have ruined your life?”
“She led me to believe that she needed my help; she didn’t. She used some kind of drug to keep me sedated and in love with her.” He didn’t say anything, taking time to think about what I’d said.
Finally, he said, “Are you sure this is the only way to do it? To get back at her?” It was my turn to take my time. Was this the only way? Surely it was the most powerful way to do it.
“Yes, I’m sure.”
Nodding slowly, he spoke up, “I can’t do it on my own. We’d need Bastion.” That was bad news. Last I’d heard he was locked up in the royal dungeons; Xavier knew this too. “What are we going to do?”
“You, Xavier, are going to get ponies to follow you. I’ll take care of Bastion.”
 
Chapter V
The wind was intense. I was in a scene all too familiar; Rainbow Dash was flying me to Canterlot. I couldn’t have Twilight teleport; I didn’t want her to know that I was going back to Canterlot. We neared the walls to the great city. Rainbow Dash dropped me off past the ramparts.
“You know the plan right?” She nodded, taking off into the sky. I was on my own for now. I took a slow route to the castle; making sure that if the guards were going to be after me, they would see me outside of it. I didn’t want any surprises when I got inside the castle. No one followed me; the coast must be clear.
It was high noon by the time I reached the gates to the castle. A few guards were in position. I sauntered up to the gate; one of the ponies became alert. He came up to me; blocking my path.
“What is your business?” He asked in an uncaring voice.
“My business is my own. Let me pass.” 
“That’s not how this works. You see, you tell me why you want to come in and I tell you ‘no’. Should we skip to the no?”
“I’m here to see someone.” He mimicked me, mocking me.
“Well aren’t we all? I don’t think you can come in. The castle is pretty full right now.”
“You ignorant fool. You have no idea who you are talking to. I am a hero in all the lands of Equestria! Now let me pass.” Realization dawned on his face. He could recognize me now.
“Oh-Oh! I’m sorry. I didn’t know who you were. I’ll tell the princess immediately of your arrival.”
“No, that won’t be necessary. I just need to see someone.” Without another word he let me go. I proceeded down the walkway to the castle doors. I knew the route to the dungeons well.
The guards continued to let me by. You didn’t get this far in without a good reason. I went deep into the dungeons, as deep as the room where the torture was implemented. In the back, there was one small, decrepit pony. I stopped at his cell; he did not acknowledge me.
“Hello, Bastion.” He slowly turned his face to me, face filling with anger.
“Richard… What brings you here? Time to finish me off?” He emitted an abrupt laugh.
“No, Bastion. I need your help.”
“You need my help? Well good luck getting it in here.”
“You want to know why I need you?” I asked.
“Frankly, I don’t care. If you can get me out of here I’ll be grateful,” he said bitterly.
“At midnight, I will come for you. Ok?” He nodded slowly, unsure what to make of it.

I waited outside the castle grounds, not wanting to raise suspicion. The sun had set by the time Rainbow Dash got back. She had completed her part. Now all we had to do was wait, but not for long.
The moon was high when the silent night was pierced by a foul shriek. Dark shapes raced past the roofs and ramparts. Great torches were light on towers and walls to illuminate the sky, but nothing was revealed. I could hear scratching on the tiled roofs. Guards would scream briefly, then forever silenced. The few guards at the gates bunched together; terrified of what the night hid.
Shadows moved beyond the torchlight. The guards moved to a defensive position. It was no use; the creatures of the night were far faster than they could ever be. White and brown clashed with the silver of the guards’ armor. The guards attempted to fight, but were quickly dealt with. With a brief moment of stillness; I saw the creatures for what they were, Griffins. 
The Griffins quickly swept back up into the air, readying for more aerial strikes.  Rainbow Dash and I quickly moved to the interior of the castle. Whatever ponies remained inside the castle were too busy to deal with us. The dungeons were clear; nopony stopped us on our way to Bastion’s cell. He was surprised to see us.
“I don’t want to know how you managed this.” He said as we approached. I went to the lock, trying to pick it open.
“I don’t know about that, Bastion. It was pretty exciting.” The lock was complicated; maybe too much for the picks I had.
“The Griffins would never attack Canterlot. What have you done?” One of the tumblers released, a few more to go.
“We promised them power.” Bastion scoffed.
“Luna would never grant them power… They’re Griffins!” Another tumbler clicked.
“Well, what they don’t know won’t hurt them.” He sighed heavily as a tumbler clicked, only one more. “Almost got this, Bastion. I hope you are ready to run.”
“I am ready and able.” The last tumbler clicked and the cell opened. He stepped outside the cell. “Richard, what makes you think you can trust me?”
“I just do, I need you to work with me here.” His face remained expressionless.
“Why should I? Once we get out of this dungeon I can just teleport away.”
“I trust you to do what I need you to for once reason. If you don’t I will hunt you down. Simple as that.”
“If I knew less about you, I’d take that as a lie. But I know better. I shall await your return at your Library correct?” We started to make for the dungeon entrance.
“No, don’t go to the library. Go to Xavier’s house.” He raised an eyebrow at that.
“You brought Xavier into this? Poor boy.” I agreed that it was an awful lot of risk for him.
“Indeed, but I needed him to get followers.” We had gotten outside the dungeon. Bastion took a final look at both of us and nodded; with a great flash he was gone. It was time for Rainbow and I to get out now. I’d had her make sure there was a Griffin to carry me back. She couldn’t carry me after a whole day of flying. 
In the sky above Canterlot, great bolts of lightning arced across the sky; illuminating the city with a horrible light. Royal unicorns using terrible magic to fight the Griffins. Guards were using siege weapons to shoot giant nets at the swarming Griffins. Rainbow Dash took to the sky to call off the diversion.
I ran to the designated meeting spot for the pick-up. There was no Griffin. I was left behind.
 

Chapter VI
I was in major trouble now. I had no way out of Canterlot and I needed one, fast. Maybe the Griffin hadn’t arrived yet? No, it was far too late to be mere lateness. I feared the worst, capture or death. Above me the Griffins had already begun the retreat. I could think of two ways out of Canterlot now, either the trains or I was going to walk.
The trains would be locked down, most likely. It looked like I was going to have to walk. A two or three day journey through the forests wasn’t very appealing. I started towards the gates to the city, hoping them to be unguarded after the uproar.
I wasn’t so lucky however, as two guards blocked the entrance. I approached cautiously.
They noticed me, one shouted, “Halt citizen, we are in a state of emergency! Return to your home.” I came closer and closer.
“I need to leave the city! The Griffins took my child!” The officer didn’t know what to make of that. Cursing, he raised the gate for me to get through.
“Good luck…” he trailed off. 
I started down the road to Canterlot. I was carved into the mountainside, a grand sight. I wasn’t interested in the view now however, I had to get going. The sun was rising by the time I got to the forest’s edge. I had no other choice, I went inside.
Foraging was hard, finding the right path was harder. I had to guess where I was going. At best the sun provided light, at worst it was pitch black. At night the howls and screams of creatures in the dark was unsettling; the noises growing closer and closer. I had no time to sleep or rest. But on the second night, I found salvation.
In the middle of a moonlit clearing was a hole. The hole went straight down into a dark abyss. I dropped a rock down and a few seconds later came the echo of contact. I could hear the sounds of ravenous beasts behind me. With no other option I leapt into the hole.
The drop was maybe 15 feet. Landing hard I felt pain shoot up my entire body, letting out a cry of agony. I crawled deeper into the underground room with my remaining strength. Sleep overcame me within seconds.
The morning’s sunlight brought light to the mysterious room. The room was carved from stone and circular. I few rooms branched off at some intervals. It must have been 40 feet in diameter. I took a long time standing up, everything was sore. I needed to get to town today, before nightfall. I went back to the entryway to the room, a shaft lead to the clearing. Feeling around for anything hidden I felt a section of the wall move upon my touch. With a low rumble, the ground beneath me began to rise. 
Upon reaching the surface, the slab that raised me covered itself in grass, blending in with the ground around it. Carefully I marked the ground around it with some symbols. Judging by the sun, I could guess which way Ponyville was.

The journey took the rest of the day. The sun was nearly setting by the time I got to the outskirts of Ponyville.  My walk having declined to nearly a crawl somehow lasted me to the library. Twilight was inside when I arrived. She dropped her book when she saw me.
“Richard!” she exclaimed. With a weary grin I looked at her and collapsed on the floor. She rushed over to me. Franticly asking what was wrong.
“I took a walk. Don’t worry about it.” She ran to the kitchen to grab some water for me, seeing my dehydration. It hurt to drink at all. She used her magic to lift me to the bed. Feeling the familiar comfort put me nearly instantly to sleep.

I got up knowing what had to be done; I had to meet Xavier and Bastion. Twilight slept peacefully next to me. I got out of bed and donned my hat. My body still sore from the fall made the journey a pain, but it had to be done. 
I didn’t bother knocking on Xavier’s door, I just walked on through. They were both in the living room discussing plans of some sort. My entrance made them both surprised.
Bastion reacted first, “I thought you died, Richard.” A slight smirk crossed his face, “I was almost happy.”
Xavier shot him a dirty look, “Richard needs our help, Bastion.” Bastion grimaced.
“Then he shall have it. What must we do, oh overlord?” Bastion asked.
“What have you done while I was gone?” Xavier’s gaze turned to the floor. Bastion just sighed. “That bad, eh?”
“Well, I got maybe 20 ponies from Ponyville. It was really hard.” Said Xavier.
“We need hundreds. I’m not sure if the other groups are operating or not. I never told their locations. No matter what they… did to me.” Said Bastion.
“Can you check on that, Bastion?” He nodded. “As soon as possible please.”
“I’ll do it now. By the way, what have you been doing? Haven’t seen you in days.” He asked me.
“I had to walk through the Everfree Forest to get here. My ride was unavailable.” He turned and teleported away. I turned to Xavier.
He spoke first, “We need a place to do this. I assume Bastion has places for the other groups, but we need something here. The old place got burned up.”
“I was just about to say something about that. I found a place in the forest. It’s a few hours walking.” His expression brightened.
“That’s great. I’ll get working on getting everypony here together. If Bastion’s other groups are still okay, we should be good within the week.”
“That’s great news.” It was great news, Celestia’s days were numbered. I would finally have my revenge on her. We said out goodbyes and I left his house. I went back to the library, anxious to talk to Twilight.
 
Chapter VII
Twilight was eating breakfast when I got back. She glared at me angrily when I trotted up to her.
“It feels like you’re never home anymore.” She said.
“I’m sorry, honey. You know how it is.” She got a pained expression.
“No, I don’t, Richard. How is it?! Well?” I took a deep breath, calming myself.
“I had to break Bastion from the dungeons.” She made a few attempts at speaking.
Finally, she asked, “Richard… Are you taking this too far?” How could she not understand what was going on? That Celestia wasn’t a great ruler and had to be taken down.
“Twilight, I need to do this. She almost destroyed this marriage.” Twilight looked hurt.
“I know somepony else how might deliver the final blow.”
“What do you mean?” 
“Richard, I don’t know if I can handle you getting into all this danger. It was exciting in the beginning, but now we’re older. We missed three years, Richard! Who knows what else might happen.” I moved to her, trying to get her to feel better. She shrugged me off.
“Honey, Twilight. I promise nothing bad is going to happen to us.”
“Richard, you don’t know that. You can’t promise anything!” Those words cut me like a knife. I turned from her and walked to the door. As I turned the handle I heard, “Sometimes I feel like you don’t love me anymore…” The final blow to my heart. I went outside into the cold, unfeeling world.
A sudden realization hit me. I had no idea what had happened to Rainbow Dash. I took the shortest route I could think of to her sky home. I realized on arrival that I had no way to get up to her. Spotting a few rocks on the ground, I proceeded to throw them at her door. I made several good hits, but there was no sign of Rainbow Dash.
How could it be possible? Could it be possible? Rainbow Dash was the fastest flier around. No way could she have been by a net. If she had been struck by lightning? No, that was impossible. She must have returned with the Griffins for now.
I turned back, wondering where I could go now. I remembered Twilight’s words. She didn’t know me anymore? I was the same pony I always was. Wasn’t I?  Surely it was Twilight that had changed. Maybe she couldn’t understand what had to be done, but I did.
I decided that I could stay at Xavier’s for now. Would that be better? No, it wouldn’t; I had to patch it up with Twilight. Xavier and Bastion could last the week without me. Bastion would find me with his news; I would deal with that when it happened. I walked back to the library.

“Richard, you’re back suddenly.” Twilight said with a nasty attitude. I sauntered over to her. She was on one of the couches, reading like usual.
“Twilight, I’ve thought greatly on what you said. I’ve decided that you were right.” She put down her book. She was wearing her reading glasses. I always liked seeing her with them on. I think it made her look studious and a little sexy.
“You have? Richard, I’m surprised.”
“Indeed, I’m sorry I was so brash earlier.” She seemed taken aback my apology.
“Richard, well, thank you.” She went back to reading her book, happy to have won me to her side. I hated having to lie to Twilight, but it would only be for a week or so. Would it be so bad?

It was that bad. We were at Rarity’s having tea. It had only been five days since I patched things with Twilight. Bastion still hadn’t gotten back to me. Rarity and Twilight were discussing some small talk; Fluttershy was here too, but she was being quiet. She was keeping her gaze from me; for what reason I had no idea.
“I was thinking about taking a trip to Canterlot soon, would you like to come with us, Rarity?”  Twilight was saying. This snapped me from my thoughts. I hadn’t heard anything about us going to Canterlot.
“Twilight, I’d be simply delighted to go to Canterlot! When are you going?” Canterlot might be dangerous for me to go to. Could I tell Twilight that? She had no idea what had happened at Canterlot.
“We are going tomorrow.” Twilight said.
“What brought this up?” I asked. Twilight gave me an exasperated look.
“You know the princess invited us for a day trip.” I must have missed that fact. I felt it was a trap, but I couldn’t say anything; for now at least.
 
Chapter VIII
“Richard, wake up. We have to get going. The chariot is here.” Twilight was pushing me, nudging me closer and closer to consciousness.
“Chariot, what?” I asked tiredly. Then I remembered the trip to Canterlot. I groaned. I got out of the bed; Twilight was quickly brushing her mane. Apparently I’d taken too long for Twilight’s taste.
“Will you hurry up, Richard?” She was hurrying out the door. I followed suit.
Outside the library was a golden chariot pulled by four royal pegasi. Rarity was already on the chariot. Twilight jumped on, I did so too. With a word from Twilight the pegasi began to flap their wings and the chariot began to roll forward, picking up speed rapidly. The ground began to fall away as we rose into the air.
The air was freezing as we reached higher altitudes. Twilight told me that it would take only twenty minutes to get to Canterlot. Both Rarity and Twilight seemed unaffected by the cold winds. 
“So the princess invited us to Canterlot?” I asked Twilight.
“Yeah. I thought it was unexpected. She must want to make it up to you now that you’ve calmed down.” She said.
“How does she know I’ve calmed down?” I was nervous. Had she been stalking me? What did they know?
“Silly, I told her in one of my reports.” Twilight, even though I loved her more than anything, could get quite annoying. She may have done something terrible. Hopefully Celestia believed her. I don’t know what Celestia could want now, though.

Canterlot was fast approaching. Throughout the city were signs of destruction and repair. The walls had burns and gashes covered the surfaces. Sections of the great city had burned down from errant casting. The pegasi were bringing us for a landing in the royal gardens. Lower and lower we approached the ground. With a huge lurch the chariot hit ground. The pegasi began a rapid deceleration. As the chariot finally stopped, Celestia could be seen walking towards us. Rarity and Twilight hopped off first, both bowing to Celestia as they disembarked. I stepped off, managing a slight bow to Celestia. A noticeable smirk crossed her face.
“I’m so glad you three could make it to the castle today. We’ve got something big planned,” remarked Celestia.
“It was no problem, Celestia. We love coming to Canterlot. Isn’t that right, Richard?” Twilight nudged me gently.
“It sure is, Twilight. I do love Canterlot,” I said, trying to mask sarcasm. Twilight beamed. 
“That’s excellent to hear, my students,” said Celestia. Celestia lead us into the grand dining room. I felt worried just being back in here again. This room had played an integral part of my former brainwashing. Four places were set up at the end of the table. I sat by Twilight, next to Celestia; Rarity sat on the side opposite from us. Waiters brought out fancy salads and placed them in front of us, using magic to fill glasses with wine. White wine.
“I hope you all like lunch. We’ve brought in a new chef,” said Celestia, motioning to start eating. I began to pick at my salad. It was much better than the food had been during my stay here.
Twilight noticed I hadn’t touched the wine. She glared at me.
“Why aren’t you drinking the wine, Richard? It’s ok now.” Twilight muttered under her breath. I looked at her franticly. She didn’t understand what it was like to even be here for me. 
“Do you not like the wine, Richard? I can get you a different type,” asked Celestia, having noticed Twilight’s words. She seemed so sincere in her words; it almost made me want to take her up on the offer. I couldn’t trust her though.
“No thanks. I’m not really thirsty.” I told her. She accepted that, not bringing it up again. Twilight didn’t seem quite so convinced. Her gaze lingering on me for a second more before returning to the conversation.
I noticed Rarity hadn’t touched any of her wine either. It seemed odd that she wouldn’t have had any. No one was touching their salads at this point and the waiters began to take them away. No second course arrived.
“I bet you all are wondering what makes today so special. Can anyone guess?” Celestia asked. Twilight immediately went into a student mode. 
“Is it because today is an anniversary of one of Starswirl the Bearded’s spells?” Celestia sighed lightly.
“No, Twilight. That isn’t why. The reas-” Before she could finish, Twilight cut in again.
“Is it because of a holiday?”
“No, Twilight. You may have noticed the city was nearly destroyed a few days ago. A great and dangerous criminal was released by the Griffins.  You may remember him; his name was Bastion. We have the head of the Griffins, the one who organized the attack which ravaged this great city.” Celestia stopped, prompting a question.
“Who was it?” Asked Rarity.
Celestia resumed, “It was someone I think you know closely.” I made sure I was able to run at a moment’s notice; this whole thing must have been a setup. “Rainbow Dash.” Shock emanated from my very core. Rarity and Twilight gasped.
“What do you mean, Rainbow Dash? She would never do thing,” said Twilight.
“I have to agree. Even though at times she may be brutish, she would never do anything like this.” Rarity chimed in.
“I’m afraid it’s true. She saw we were fighting them back and was ordering a retreat when we knocked her from the sky. She will be executed today.”
“Executed?!” I shouted. Celestia looked at me searchingly.
“Yes, Richard, executed. Unless there was someone else willing to take her place. Revealing that perhaps they were the leader of such a plot.” How could she have been captured? She was far too fast for anyone to get her.
“Can I talk to her one last time?” Celestia looked at me accusingly. “We were very close.”
“Yes, Richard. You may talk to her.” 
Chapter IX
“I’m sorry I got caught, Richard.” Rainbow Dash was in a cell. Her wings shackled to her body. The guards had brought me here and left at my request. There was no way I could get her out of here.
“Rainbow Dash… I’m sorry I got you into this.”
“It’s ok, Richard. I was a little slow. I should have seen it coming.” I smashed my hoof into the bars.
“No, it isn’t. You shouldn’t have been there. This is all my fault.” How could I have let this happen? I could feel tears welling up within me.
“Well, there’s nothing that can be done about it now.” She wiped a tear from her eye.
“No, it can’t happen. There’s got to be something I can do,” I told her. She just shook her head.
“Richard, you can’t do anything about it.” She said bleakly. Her face betrayed her resolve. She was terrified. “You should probably go now, Richard.” Sensing her tone, finality, I decided it was time to go. Celestia stood outside the dungeons with Twilight and Rarity. A group of five guards entered the dungeon behind me.
“What are they doing?” I asked.
“They are going to get the prisoner for the execution,” said Celestia. “Let’s get going.” Celestia led us to the royal gardens. Gallows had been set up. A crowd of hundreds had been gathered. Behind the gallows stood tens of Griffins with their wings bound.
Behind us came the group of guards accompanying Rainbow Dash. They lead her up to the platform. A singular noose hung.
“As princess of the realm of Equestria. I, princess Celestia, hereby declare you to die for crimes against the crown.” One of the guards slipped the noose around Dash’s neck and tightened it. The crowd was cheering.
“Do you have any last words before you die?” Asked Celestia. I couldn’t let this happen. There was no way.
“I can only say that I’m sorry. I didn’t want anyone to get hurt.” Dash said solemnly. 
A viewer spoke up, “Tell that to my wife!” He hurled a rock, hitting Dash in the flank. The crowd cheered at the impact.
Celestia motioned for silence. “Then, I Hereby,” She was going to go through with it. “Declare that,” I had to stop it. “Rainbow Dash shall be,” Who was I to let her die?
“Wait!” The crowd looked at me.
“Hold! My fair knight wishes to say something.” Celestia peered down at me, presumptuous. Twilight and Rarity were both crying on each other’s shoulders.
“Rainbow Dash was not the one who organized the attack.” The crowd gasped; Murmuring and whispering.
“Richard, are you saying you know the true culprit here?” asked Celestia.
“Yes, I do.” My body was shaking. “I caused the attack on Canterlot. It was me.” The crowd erupted in uproar, unsure of how to take the news.
“Guards take this fool to the gallows. I mean, why take them down?” The guards threw a lasso over my neck; I tried to buck them off, but to no avail. There were twenty around me in seconds. As I was led to the gallows, they let the noose off of Dash’s neck and dragged her off the stage.
They pushed me on to the trapdoor and slipped the noose around my neck, tightening it.
“As princess of the realm of Equestria. I, princess Celestia, hereby sentence you to die for crimes against the crown.” I could see Twilight next to Celestia. I wish she didn’t have to be here. “Do you have any last words?”
“I have one thing to say. I’m sorry, Twilight. I really am.” The crowd hissed.
“Traitor!” They cried. Celestia silenced them.
“By royal decree, hang this pony.” The guard reached for the lever, but he never touched it. A dark pillar pierced the sky. It looked to originate from Ponyville. Another, from over the mountains in the west. More and more of the darkness crawled into the sky. Everyone’s attention was on the sky. The pillar came from Canterlot itself. 
Chapter X
“Where the hell is Richard? It’s been days.” Xavier was coming down the elevator. He’d finally got the last of Ponyville’s group here.
“I’m sure he’s just busy, Bastion.”
“How could he be so busy he has no time for his plan?” Xavier was a fool. So was Richard! “We might as well get started.”
“Wait, Bastion. Are you sure everypony is ready in the other cities?”  I sighed. Xavier had no faith in me!
“Of course they are.” All of Ponyville’s ‘rebels’ sat in circles in the underground rooms Richard had found.
“Could you just check? I’ll get started here.” Xavier trotted to the center of the circle. Sitting down, he began to chant. I turned to the elevator and boarded it. It slowly rose to the surface. Xavier said misuse of magic in the room during incantations might ruin it. I knew better but decided against ruining his superstitions. I stepped off the lift.
It would be best to save Canterlot for last, lest we raise too much suspicion. With a thought and a word I felt my magic tingle across my body. Every use was incredible. That cell had blocked my magic for years. I felt myself warp through space. I arrived at the Manehattan cultist meeting room. Everyone was there, as I had suspected. They had begun first. I nodded to the leader. He was too busy in summoning to acknowledge me. I sneered at him disdainfully.
Another warp and I was at Dodge. This room was small and dusty. Only ten ponies here followed us, mostly cherry workers. They were sitting around, sipping some of the local beverage. I believe they called it sarsaparilla. 
I called to the leader. “Summer Berry, why haven’t you begun?” A light brown pony poked her head up.
“I’m sorry, Bastion. We got to talking and then we took a break.” Curse this infernal mare. I couldn’t wait to not have to deal with these idiotic ponies.
“How soon can you start?” It was so hard to handle the contempt in my voice. She thought painfully slow.
“We can start, uh, maybe an hour.” I rolled my eyes.
“Why do you need an hour? I need you to start now.” She bit her bottom lip. The other ponies were kicking their hoofs, giving awkward glances. “Oh don’t tell me.”
“Well, we kinda don’t know the ritual.” My anger was spiking.
“Do you know who insignificant this little group here is? It doesn’t even matter at all.” She took a step back. She looked hurt.
“Uh-er, you said we were all important when we joined you.” I sighed heavily.
“Listen, Summer Berry. I lied. The only important ponies are the ones who can perform. If you cannot perform then I do not need you.”
“But sir, you told me personally…” Summer started to cry.
“I told you a lot of things. Can you perform or can you not?” Panicking she roused the rest of the group into a circle. 
“Come on, guys. We can do this.” They began to chant softly. I walked outside the tiny room. The bright Dodge sun blinded me briefly. I regretted having to elect Summer Berry the leader. There had been no other choice. The previous leader had been… deceived. It was of no matter; he had been successfully replaced. On to more important matters. 
The Trottingham group was running successfully. Our second biggest group to Manehattan; it had hundreds of members among splinter groups. I had to check five other groups; all of them working just fine. It was onto the most dangerous group, Canterlot. I teleported there immediately.
The room was empty. Nopony was there.
“What the hell. Where is everypony?”
A small voice came from another room, “They are at the event, sir.” It was Herald, leader of the Canterlot group.
“What event, Herald?” He walked in meekly.
“The execution, sir.” Execution? There had never been an execution in all of Equestrian history.
“Who is being executed, Herald?”
“Rainbow Dash, sir.” Rainbow Dash! That was one of Richard’s friends. I had to see this with my own eyes. “I believe, Richard is there too.” Richard! That blasted stallion. I had to see this now. I summoned a bit of my magic and cast a simple spell. I was in Richard’s point of view. He was busy looking at some gallows. Interesting. Rainbow Dash was being led up to the noose. 
‘Uh-oh,’ I thought. I could feel Richard’s inner thoughts working. He was going to do something crazy. I turned back to the cult room.
“Herald, we have to do this. Chant with me.” Herald sprung to attention. Standing in the center of the room, we began to chant the magic words. I could feel myself join the hundreds of other who were casting as well. I joined the immersive consciousness. The power was rising to the desired levels. The magic was becoming almost too hard to contain.
It was my job to focus the combined magic of all the ponies in Equestria who were helping us. I remembered the last time I used this. The spell seemed to be only focusable on one pony, Luna. Spending time had prison had given me time to review it over and over and I knew how to change the target. I turned it to the one pony who would know how to use this… Richard.
 
Chapter XI
The dark beams blasted into the sky, seeming to coincide at one location. The entire crowd was stunned, not sure what was going on.
“What is going on?!” roared Celestia. The beams dissipated. The focal point growing larger and larger; then disappearing with a flash. A dark bolt emanated from the sky, striking me. Great things moved within me, changing me. I could feel immense power welling up within me, yearning to be free.
“Drop him!” ordered Celestia. The guard pushed the lever, unlocking the trapdoor. I fell through; the noose holding my neck. Intense agony shot through me. The power yearned for only a little thought, for me to give it something. I pictured the rope snapping. It exploded with a gigantic blast of fire. I fell to the ground beneath the stage, air once again returning to my lungs. Guards rushed to me, surrounding the gallows. The crowd screaming and running away.
“Let me go.” I said through gasping breaths. The words knocked the guards back, leaving a clear path. I got on my legs and started down it. Celestia leapt to the end.
“Stop right there, Richard. You know not what you mess with.” She was getting on my nerves for the last time. I decided it was time to take my revenge.
“No, Celestia. You have no idea.” It would only take one thought. One little thought of her getting injured, but nothing came. Whenever Celestia entered my mind, Twilight quickly leapt in, forcing me to abandon the thought.
“You don’t understand, Richard.” Celestia said, sadly. Why did she have to make everything so hard every time?
“I’m tired of you manipulating me! You can’t control me.” It was time for me to go. I couldn’t concentrate on her right now. I thought instead of the Everfree forest’s secret room. I imagined myself being there, and then I was.
“Richard! You’re back!” Xavier was speaking, excited to see me once more.
“Yes, Xavier. The spell worked. I have immense power now! It’s amazing.” A bright light erupted from behind us. Bastion had teleported in after me.
“It’s about time, Richard. I was worried about you.” He said, concerned. Looking me up and down.
“I’m fine, Bastion. The spell worked wonderfully. I think I can finally take down Celestia!” Bastion didn’t seem so impressed.
“Do you even know how to use your magic, Richard?” Truthfully, I didn’t. 
“No, I don’t. Do you?”
“Let me enter your mind, see if I can help you.” I could feel his magic coming to me. I put down my defenses. He entered deeply into my mind. With a twist, the warm strength of his magic turned into a cold pain.
“What are you doing?” I cried out.
“Taking what’s mine!” As suddenly as the power had come, it was leaving. Bastion’s magic left me.
“Why, Bastion?” He smirked.
“Did you honestly think I’d help you? I made sure you didn’t die. The power is mine now.” He began to laugh manically. 
“No, I don’t think it is.” Celestia was standing behind him, emerging from one of the side rooms.
Bastion turned around, stunned, “What are you doing here?”
“Something years in the making.” Her horn and eyes glowed bright white. Bastion’s body becoming covered in the bright light. A faint trail of the light connected Bastion’s and Celestia’s horns.  Slowly the energy covering Bastion’s body travelled through the trail into Celestia.
“What have you done?” Asked an astounded Bastion.
“I’ve taken the power from you.” Said Celestia. “It’s time for your punishment, Bastion.” With a great outpouring of light, Bastion’s body began to fade to gray. She was turning him to stone. His struggling was of no help. After the grim task, she turned to me. Still on the floor from the ordeal.
“Years in the making?” I asked, struggling for breath.
“Yes, Richard. Now I must apologize to you, and I realize that maybe this isn’t the best time,” she said, beating around the bush.
“Apologize for what? The drugs? The cults?” She shook her head.
“No Richard. For taking you from Earth.”
The End

> 4.A Love Story With A Tacked On Alien Attack
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Richard Pound
In:
The Love Story with a Tacked On Alien Attack

“Gimme ‘nother.” I mumbled. Vaguely I could hear the sound of glass sliding over wood. Through a haze of the previous glasses, I picked up the latest shot of whiskey, throwing it back. The alcohol had stopped burning awhile back. The thoughts still did. Who did Celestia think she was, she called it a choice. That was a lie. There wasn’t a home to go back to, none of it had been real she told me the second I said I would stay.
“Darling, I think you should stop.” Said a worried Applejack. What did she know? Hell, maybe if this kills me, I’ll go back. I chuckled. She looked more concerned… I think. My vision was fading. Up and down, left and right. The lines blurred. “You alright, sugar?” her words held no meaning.
“Eh, what do you know? Nothing.” I could feel myself slurring the speech. 
“Richard, it’s barely noon. What’s the matter with you?” I stood up, my legs wobbling under the sudden weight. It felt as though my body was moving in all directions at once. I raised a hoof to point at her. The shift in balance toppled me over. “Let me help you there. Does, uh, Twilight know you’re here?”  She lowered her hoof to help me up; I pushed it away. I got up slowly on shaking legs.
“What d’ you know? Huh? Ya’ know nothin’ about what this is,” I took a step towards the door. My balance incredibly shaky, if there at all. It was a challenge, even being able to put one hoof in front of the other. My breathing labored, vision blurred, hearing distorted. Applejack must have some powerful stuff here.
“Let me get Big Mac, we can help get you home.” She said, mocking me.
“I don’ need your help. I am capable of doing things myself.” I pushed on the door, it yielded easily to my weight. My hoof slammed back on the ground, barring the usual grace I gave it. Me, graceful, now there was a thought. I let out a small laugh, contemptuous. Applejack frowned, unsure if I was ok. She turned out of the kitchen, walking upstairs. I could hear the sounds of her walking on the stairs. I made only a few stumbling steps outside the house before I collapsed. My legs simply stopped responding to me.
“Get up!” I yelled. They merely twitched in the air. Useless legs, giving up when I needed them. I lay on my back, staring up at the sky. My eyelids felt heavier and heavier, drooping lower and lower as time passed. Slowly my legs stopped twitching and a comforting feeling came over me.
“You alright, Dick?” asked a slow voice. Big Mac stepped next to me. I was far too tired to answer that. He should know I wasn’t alright. None of them knew the pain.
“Come on, Big Mac. We can’t bring him to his place like this. Let’s take him upstairs.”  The two ponies started lifting me up. I tried to protest softly. I wanted to lie on the ground. It felt somehow fitting. The sound of hoof prints changed as they entered the house. It was hard to keep my eyes open. Only the shake of the two moving me kept me awake. All that changed as they placed me on a bed.

“What was he doing?” asked someone. The voice was muffled, in another room.
“Ah’ ain’t too sure. He showed up asking for a drink.” Said someone else. She seemed concerned, they both did. How strange, that they could care for me. Perhaps that’s why they had been nice to me all those years ago, when I had first shown up.
“Is he going to be ok?” asked the first voice; she sounded close to tears.
“Yeah, he asleep in my bed, in here.” The sound of hoofs and then the door opened. The light from the hallway blinded me. Pain flared in my head. I almost threw up.
“Richard, what’s the matter with you?” her voice and question echoed through my head. I raised my groggy head, seeing Twilight standing in the doorway. Applejack was at her flank.
“What…?” I moaned. Twilight walked to the side of the bed. Her face was of concern, it betrayed slight anger.
“Richard, it’s not even five and you’re drunk.” I shut my eyes. The combination of light, sound, and guilt was too much. I pushed Twilight away, leaning over the bed. I threw up into the waste basket next to the bed.
“Bleh.” Said Applejack and Twilight. I flopped back onto the bed, panting.
“You don’t understand, Twilight. My life’s a lie. Nothing matters anymore!” I spat out. She reeled back, anger on her face, hurt in her eyes.
“Nothing matters? Nothing? Not me, not what could be our kid? I see. You come by when you’re sober. We can talk it over then.” She stormed out. Applejack walked in.
“You done bad, sugar.” She said, her voice showed empathy. I laughed.
“I guess I did, didn’t I?”
She frowned, saying, “I’ll let you get back to sleeping.” She turned, closing the door. As I drifted back to a doze, the vile smell of the bile twisted my thoughts even more.

“Get up you lazy stallion.” Two strong hooves pushed me, throwing me from the bed. The world was spinning as I got on my legs. “Alright, you have to go home now, its tomorrow. Twilight’s going to be livid.” She passed me a glass of water. I drank it heartily. The last time I felt this bad was in high school.
“I’m sorry, Applejack. I didn’t want you a part of this.”
“A part of what?” she asked.
“Nothing.” I said. I put the glass on her nightstand. It was time for me to see Twilight. She was probably mad at me. Yeah, she was probably mad.
 
Chapter II
“Twilight, I’m back.” I called into the house. Twilight sat on of the couched lining the wall. Her cheeks were tear-stained.
“Who do you think you are? That you can just tell me that I don’t matter? Richard… I thought you loved me.” Her throat tightened.
“I’ll love you until the end of the world, Twilight. It’s just you don’t understand what’s going on.” I said.
“Then help me understand! We both said we’d be there for each other yet you push me away…” She trailed off, looking downtrodden.
“You want to know what’s going on? You want to know why I was sad? Well then fine. I’ll tell you. I was told that I wasn’t born in Equestria,” she looked thoughtful for a second, wondering where I could have come from, I cut her train of thought, “No, not form Equestria at all. I was born on Earth.”
“Earth? What’s that?” she asked innocently. How could these ponies know nothing of Earth? I wondered if it would show in the sky.
“It’s my place of birth. It’s where I lived, loved, and,” I paused for a second, “died. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s true.” I decided it would be best to not tell her why I died. It was a shameful fact. 
“Richard, that’s impossible. You must still be drunk-“
“I’m not drunk. Ask Celestia, she’ll back me up. She’s the reason I’m here in Equestria. It’s all her fault.” As I said this, Twilight’s face showed a mixture of disgust and confusion. Why couldn’t she understand this?
“What do you mean, ‘all her fault’? It’s all her fault we got married? All her fault that you solved those crimes?” I looked at her wearily.
“Twilight, the day we got married was the happiest day in my life. I will never regret that.  It is her fault I solved those crimes. She made them.”
“Why would she cause the crime, Richard? Only to have you solve them. That doesn’t make any sense.” She said. I agreed. It didn’t make much sense. Why had she caused the crimes? Maybe she was trying to make herself look less powerful. The great Celestia is powerless against the evils of Bastion. An interesting idea.
“I don’t know either, Twilight. All I know is that I’ve been living two lives, one here and one on Earth. At least I thought I was.”
“But I see you every day,” she exclaimed, “How could you have a second life?”
“In the one place you couldn’t follow me, my dreams.” That came out much worse than it had sounded in my head. Twilight’s mouth fell agape, she was shocked. “I didn’t mean it like that. I meant that my dreams brought me back to Earth.” The shock faded, she regained her composure.
“I see,” she said seriously, her tone lightened up, “well I’m glad we could clear that up.” I interrupted her before she could say more.
“Twilight,” I pleaded, “I love you, and that won’t ever change. You have to understand that this is hard for me. My memories have been messed up ever since I first came here. First I’m sure of this being a dream, then it’s the opposite. Now I know the truth after so long.”
“Is there anything I can do to help? I can tell you about my childhood.” That brought a slight smile to my face, eyes watering. Twilight always tried to cheer me up.
“No, thank you, honey. I need help from Celestia. She needs to explain this to me. I’m sorry about all of this. I didn’t want you involved in my troubles.” 
“Richard, I’ll always be there to help you; you know that.” I put my head on her neck. Assured comfort. “I’ll send a letter to her tonight. With a friendship report.”
“Heh, what did you learn this time?” I asked her.
“Everyone and everything has rough patches in it, but that doesn’t mean you should get rid of it.”
“That’s awfully grim.” I said. She chuckled.
“Yes, I suppose it is.” We lay there quietly after that. I felt the urge to cry fading. That was good, I never cry. It felt alright living in Ponyville. It would never be Earth, but maybe that was alright. Karen and Jimmy… I would miss them. After a few minutes, I broke the silence.
“Twilight, could you please tell me about your childhood?” she smiled, thinking briefly about it.
“Sure thing, Richard. I was born in Canterlot, and I’ve always wanted to be great at magic…” 
 
Chapter III
Celestia would be arriving later today. I was nervous. What would I say? Ask? What would she say? I was pacing through the town. Some ponies had heard about yesterday and offered to help me. Not with my true problem, but that of being an alcoholic. News travelled fast, I guess. I turned their offers down. Even Berry Punch had come up to me. She said she knew what I was going through and there are other ways to deal with sadness. I nodded, unsure of what to say.
It was heartwarming to see all of this. They barely knew me. I had shown up a stranger four years back, yet they all accepted me with open arms. This was a great world of caring ponies. Surely they would have done the same for me back on Earth, I thought. I had friends that cared. There was Barney… aaaand… no one else. I couldn’t remember anyone else. I knew their faces, but not their names. I wonder if they knew my name. Here, everypony was my friend. I could hold a conversation with anyone, and not regret talking with them.
I looked back at the sky; the sun was finally going down. There was a lump in my throat. I had never been this nervous before. I tried to swallow, it didn’t work. I had less than an hour now from what I could tell. How could I hope to know what I needed to say? I started the walk back to the library, the place that had been my home for the most of four years. Agonizingly slow step after step. What would I say? What would I ask? I wasn’t prepared. The library and time drew closer and closer.
I pushed the door open. The creak of the hinges echoed through the otherwise silent house. The streets had been quiet, but this was something else. I made no noise walking towards Twilight. She was sitting alone on the couch, eyes closed. I wondered if she was a worried as I was. I sat next to her. She looked at me, fear in her eyes. 
“It’s going to be ok.” I said, breaking the incredible silence. She put an arm around me.
“I hope so.” She said bleakly. We sat together, waiting down the final minutes. I could hear Celestia’s chariot getting closer and closer. The beat of the wings, the heavy breathing of the pegasi carrying her, it seemed deafening. Finally a stop to the noise and soft noises as the chariot landed in the grass outside. Celestia walked in, moving the door with her magic. She stood before us. I stumbled for words, but she spoke first.
“Richard, I know I can never undo the damage I have caused.” She said, and that’s all. A small apology? Who did she think she was?
“That’s it?” I asked, incredulous at this pitiful display of regret. “You are sorry? Well thank god for that!” I turned to Twilight, “Did you hear she’s sorry?”
“Richard, please…” Twilight said weakly.
“No. You are right about that, Celestia. You can’t undo anything. Who are you to rip someone from his life to do work for you?” I screamed at Celestia. She flinched.
“Richard, there are things that you do not understand. To try and tell you them would be futile. I did what I had to do, as did you.” 
“Well, why don’t you tell me why, at least? I want to know why you took me from Earth.” Celestia looked uncertain. Did she have an answer? Would the great and wonderful princess tell me her reasons?
“Richard, I needed you. I needed you to stop Bastion. He would have destroyed us all.” She said finally.
“Is that it? You needed me to stop someone who worked under you? He was in front of you! Why-“
She cut me off, “I couldn’t do that or it would have killed my sister. His magic was too strong at that point.”
“That doesn’t make sense. Luna told Bastion to cast the spell. Why would you protect her after that?”
“It was a show, Richard. Bastion needed to make a mov-“
“No, you’re telling me that even though you knew he was going to be trouble you needed him to actually make the trouble? I’m surprised you’re that honorable.”
“Richard, please understand.” She said, pleading.
“That’s not all. You then put Bastion in prison. Why not stone him then?”
“For that, I have no answer. I made an error, I’m sorry.” Celestia said. Twilight was crying softly.
“One more thing, Celestia, and this is a big one. Why did you force me to love you?” I asked. She thought for a few minutes, it felt like eternity.
With a deep breath, she said, “I thought I loved you. I knew you would never love me the same way. I had to play heavy handed. I can’t even tell why I acted as I did.” She had an answer for every question.
“Alright. Sure, I’ll buy that.” I held onto Twilight. The room stayed quiet, motionless. Then something came to me, “Both worlds exist, right? Both Earth and Equestria.” She nodded. “Ok. I have dreams. These dreams bring me back. Is it all real? Am I there? Karen… and Jimmy…” I could not hold back the tears. The thought of them, without me, it was heart-breaking. I couldn’t tear my eyes off Celestia. I wanted her to talk! Never before have I wanted her to talk as I did now. I wanted to watch her squirm as she struggled to answer.
Sadly, she didn’t squirm, or struggle, or sweat. She answered coolly.
“No. Your time on Earth ended when you first arrived.\.” That was it then. None of it had mattered. Karen and Jimmy, all in my imagination. “Anything in your dreams was just that, a dream.”
“Shut up.” I demanded.
“But, Ric-“ She spoke up.
“Shut up!” I yelled. She backed off. Twilight put her face to mine.
“It’s going to be ok.” Said Twilight. Would they? For the first time in years… I cried. This was insanity. The realization of what I had done hit me. Everyone at home, they thought me a coward. I had taken my life when life had become the hardest. Who would attend my funeral? Barney? He had been my only friend. 
“Do not cry for your past life, Richard. It is gone now. You must accept that. This is a better life.” A better life? How did she know?
“How do you know this life is better? What’s to say I wasn’t loved by all?” I asked.
“Simple, why would a happy man commit suicide? You aren’t the only one who can put two and two together.” That was true. She was smarter than I gave her credit for. I lay back on the couch. I rubbed Twilight’s back, unsure of what to do.
“So what happens now? There doesn’t seem to be much in the way of detective work in Ponyville, or Equestria for that matter.” She nodded.
“That is true. You won’t need to work, Richard. I will take care of everything.” Never have to work again? I liked that tune. No. I must steel my resolve. She had ruined my life. She was just making up for it.
“Alright then. I guess that’s it then.” I told her.
“Richard. I trust that you will see me as a friend in the future.” Not likely, I thought. She turned and left the library. As the door closed, I let loose a sigh of relief. I tried to regain my composure, to stem the flow of tears. It took a few minutes to happen. 
“How are you holding up, Richard?” asked Twilight. I looked at her.
“I’m doing fine. You?”
“The same.” She put on a small smile. “It’s going to be ok, Richard.”  She nuzzled up to my neck. 
“Thanks for being here for me.”
“I’ll always be there for you.” She was the sweetest thing I’ve ever met. Karen had never been nearly as nice as Twilight was. Deep down I knew this place was better, but I didn’t want to admit it. “Who were Karen and Jimmy?” 
“Karen was my wife… in my dreams. Jimmy was my son.”
“Do you want to tell me about him?” asked Twilight.
“Jimmy was only six when I woke up. He was smart… always picked things up fast. I thought he was destined for big things.” Remembering the details hurt. In my head I saw Jimmy and I playing. He sat on the swing set as I pushed him higher and higher. That had been during the last summer.
“Did you think he was going to become a detective like you?”
I laughed that off, “I hope not! It isn’t easy being a detective. I hoped Jimmy would do whatever he wanted. I would always be there to support him. He was so full of energy…” I trailed off. I kept thinking of him and I talking, playing, and bonding. It all seemed so real and vivid.
“Do you think of what our foal will be like?” I had completely forgotten. Twilight and I had wanted a foal of our own awhile now, but didn’t have the time. I suppose now we would.
“I wonder alright. I hope he has your smarts.” I said, nudging her gently.
“Yeah? I hope she has your common sense.” She bit my ear playfully.
“I suppose we’ll see when we see.” She nodded, “but first, we have to get down the business.”
 
Chapter IV
I woke up next to Twilight. I was more tired than usual, yet I didn’t care. It had been about a week since Twilight and I had begun trying to conceive. Everything but that was boring. I spent most of the day helping her around the library or reading. I had put the thoughts of Earth behind me. It was around dawn. The sun’s rays peaking over the mountains into the windows.
Faintly, but louder and louder came a sound. As if there was a great roaring in the sky. It lasted only seconds until there was a great explosion. The ground shook. Downstairs I could see books and lamps fall. Twilight woke with a start.
“Earthquake?” asked a crazed Twilight. I put my arm around her.
“I’m sure it’s nothing.” I didn’t know what else to say. I didn’t know much about earthquakes. I thought I could hear screaming outside. “I’ll check it out, stay here.” I got out of bed, grabbing my hat and donning it. As I got nearer to the door, the screams became louder and louder. I opened the door. Ponies were streaming past the doorway. A few of the stallion were running the opposite way. I hailed one over.
“What’s happening?” I asked.
“Something fell from the sky. It hit some houses on the other side of town. We need all the help we can get.” I nodded, rushing with him to the source of the smoke in the sky.
The houses were nearly demolished. Plumes of fire roared into the sky. A few fireponies came out; there was no one in the house.
“Did anyone see what it was?” I asked. No one saw. There was the sound of crunching timber as the fiery remains shifted. A bucket chain was formed. I raised bucket after bucket from the well, passing it to those next to me.  Again the sound of crashing timber.
“What’s going on in there?” questioned somepony. More crashing, louder than the second time. I thought I saw something moving in the fire. A firepony leapt into the blaze, trying to help the trapped pony. I saw a quick movement as the firepony approached the shape. The pony was thrown from the inferno, landing feet away from me. The dark shape came closer and closer. Two stallions picked up the firepony and bolted. It was hysteria; we were all running towards the other side of town. 
I got to the library. I didn’t see anything following us. I went to Twilight, she was lying in bed.
“What’s the matter, Richard?” She asked sleepily.
“You have to get up. We have to go.” She bolted up.
“What’s the matter? What happened?” She was stepping out of bed. I looked out the window; there wasn’t anything in the streets.
“Something fell from the sky. It isn’t safe.” I led her downstairs and out the door. All the stallions were gone. “This way.”  We ran away from the fire. From behind us came a terrible, piercing cry. It was definitely coming closer. I made sure Twilight was in front of me. Finally I saw the clearing were everyone was milling about. 
“You’re ok!” screamed Pinkie Pie. Our five friends bounded up.
“This is serious. Did any of you see it?” I asked. They all said no.
“I don’t think it was any sort of weather,” said Rainbow Dash. “Cloudsdale definitely would have told us about it.”
“There it is!” someone screamed. I ran to the front of the crowd. It was walking up the street. It stood taller, twice the height of any pony. It’s body shiny and metallic. It had long, thick arms down below its waist.  Its head was surrounded by something that obscured the details.
“Don’t let it get close!” yelled someone else. Some unicorn threw a barrel at it. The creature blocked the barrel, shattering it. Some of the crowd tried rushing at it, it knocked them away with ease. I turned to R.D. and Applejack.
“Rainbow Dash, I’m going to go in and distract it, use that time to hit it with all you’ve got from behind. Applejack, same goes to you.” They nodded.
“Richard, you’ll get killed.” Said Twilight.
“Hopefully not.” I turned to the creature, it was stumbling closer. I charged with all my might. It raised one of its lanky arms to the sky, ready to slam. I took a quick turn to the right, hoping it would miss. It didn’t. The blow knocked me ten feet to the side. I saw Rainbow Dash land a flying kick straight to the back of its head. It merely stumbled. Then Applejack bucked his legs. That brought him to the ground. It reached out, trying to grab her.
“Not so fast!” yelled R.D. as she slammed from the sky to its face. The arm fell to the ground, motionless. It was then that I looked at my own injuries. The creature had claws at the end of its arms. They had sliced my side. Blood poured to the ground.
“Richard!” screamed Twilight. She rushed over, horn glowing with potent magical energy. I felt her magic close the wounds.
“Told you… I’d be fine.” I said.
“You sure did,” she said, panting.
I turned my head back to the sky. What I saw made me afraid. There were hundreds of meteors falling down all over Equestria.
“Ah Hell.” I said. I got up on my unsteady legs. I leaned on Twilight for support. “We have to get out of here. Some of the,” I was interrupted by the roar of a meteor crashing into the center of town. Most of the ponies scrambled into the forest. Only a few stayed back.
“We have to get out of here everypony.” Said a calm Rarity.
“Yup.” Said Big Mac.
“Where can we go?” I asked. They looked at me. Another meteor hit four streets down.
“Where ever it is, we better find it soon,” said Applejack. Geography, geography! I have to think, was there anywhere in the books?
“What about the underground rooms?” asked Xavier. That was the first time I had noticed him here.
“That’s true! Those are safe as well,” chipped in Twilight. Everypony nodded. She turned to me, “can you take us there?”
“Sure.” I said. I knew the route still.
“One’s coming!” yelled Bon Bon. I ran into the forest, the rest followed me.
 
Chapter V
I was the last one down the elevator. Lyra and Bon Bon and some of the mares were looking after the foals. They corralled them into a side room. I shut the top, making sure no one else was coming. We hadn’t encountered any of the other ponies or those… things. Everyone was murmuring, no noticeable voices.
“Did you see it? It was horrifying.”, “What did it want?”, “I want to go home.”
Everyone was scared. To be honest, I was too. 
“Have you ever heard of anything like that?” I asked Twilight. She shook her head. Damn.
“Would the Princess know?” asked Rarity.
Twilight turned to her, “I’m not sure. I’ll send her a letter. Anyone have a quill and paper?” Everyone started to go through the cupboards and drawers.
“I’ve got ink,” said Applejack, holding it aloft.
“Paper here!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. No one could find a quill. Rainbow Dash, standing next to me, slumped her head.
“I’ve got a quill,” I said. Twilight looked at me.
“Where?” she asked.
I turned to Rainbow Dash, she didn’t notice, “Sorry about this.” I took on of her feathers in my mouth. With a great tug it pulled free.
“Ouch! What are you doing?” R.D. exploded in pain. I gave her an awkward smile. She frowned at me, rubbing her wing gingerly. Twilight took the feather with her magic, dipping it in the ink. She began to write a letter to Celestia. A sudden thought came to mind.
“Has anyone seen Spike?” Everyone’s gaze slowly shifted around the room, bleakly. He wasn’t here. “Damn it all!”  I slammed my hoof to the floor. “I’ll go find him. He’s probably at Derpy’s. Her house is pretty well out of the way.” 
“You’d have to go through the center of town! That’s impossible, Richard. I’ll fly you there,” offered Rainbow Dash.
“You can’t carry Spike and I. We’re too heavy for you,” I rebutted.
“I-I can help if you need me,” Fluttershy spoke up. She walked forward.
“Are you sure you want to? It’s dangerous,” I said.
She merely nodded, saying, “Nothing stops me from a helping my friends.”
“Alright, let’s get going.”

The sky was black with smoke. Ponyville looked to be in the same condition it had been in when we left. The fires had spread though. Sections of the town burned. We strafed around the town so we had a chance of not being seen. We landed in front of Derpy’s house, it was untouched. We barged in.
“Derpy? Spike! Are you here?”
“Yes, I’m here!” came the feminine voice of Derpy. She hopped up, along with her daughter, Dinky. 
“Where’s Spike?”  She wrinkled her snout in concentration.
“I think he went to the market to get jewels.” She said.
“Well damn. You tw-“
“And muffins!” she interrupted.
I resumed, “You two need to get out of here.” I turned back to R.D. and Fluttershy, “You guys take them out of here. I’ll get Spike.”
“No way I’m letting you go alone!” said R.D. “Derpy can fly and Fluttershy can carry Dinky.” She turned to Fluttershy, “Right?” Fluttershy nodded.
“What’s going on?” asked Derpy. Dinky looked sad.
“Twilight will tell you. Come on, Dinky, let’s get on Fluttershy.” Dinky hopped on Fluttershy’s back.
“Where are we going?” Derpy asked.
“Trust me, Derpy. Just follow Fluttershy,” I turned to Dinky. She was playing with Fluttershy’s mane. “Can you do me a favor Dinky? The place is a secret, so you’re going to have to close your eyes ok?” She nodded, smiling at the prospect of a secret place. I turned to Fluttershy and Derpy.
“Make sure you stick close, it’s pretty smoky up there,” said Fluttershy to Derpy. Derpy nodded, she was scared. 
“It’s going to be ok.” I nodded to Fluttershy, she gently took into the air. Derpy took after her.
“You ready to go into town, Richard?” asked R.D.
“Yeah. Let’s go.”
The walk to town was as uneventful as I could hope for. A few meteors crashed into the Everfree forest. Rainbow and I kept silent as we walked through the town. We saw nothing moving, no birds, no animals, nothing. The market was empty. Some of the carts had been trampled during the stampede.
“Spike,” I called out, “where are you?” There wasn’t a response. Rainbow Dash pointed me to the jewelers.  The door was unlocked. I pushed it open. The store was dark and quiet.  “Spike, are you in here?” I asked. I heard a rustling upstairs. Rainbow Dash stood at the windows as I went upstairs. In the bedroom I thought I saw something moving. “Spike, is that you? It’s Richard.” A small hoof appeared over the sheets. I walked over behind the bed. A small colt lay cowering on the floor. I went over to him.
His small, brown coat battled with his black mane. He had two small wings on his back.
“Hey, don’t be afraid. I’m here to help you.” He looked up at me, tears running down his cheeks.
“Have you seen mommy?” he asked.
“Yes, she’s with us,” I lied. “Come with me downstairs; let’s get you out of here.” I picked him up and placed him on my back.
“One’s in the courtyard,” hissed Rainbow Dash. I froze. Would it come in here? We couldn’t fight it with this colt here.
“Come upstairs.” I told her. She came up, looking at the colt in confusion. “Take him out the window. Fly him back to everyone.”
“What about you, Richard? What are you going to do?” she asked as she picked up the foal. 
“I don’t know. I’ll figure something out.”
“Keep safe, Richard.” She turned to the foal, “hold on tight, little buddy.” I opened the window, Rainbow Dash leapt out, the colt holding tight. Great, I was alone in a town with monsters in it. I walked down the stairs slowly, careful not to make any noise. Rainbow has said there was one outside. Hopefully it had left. The courtyard looked clear from my point. I moved closer to the window, keeping my head low. I looked all around. It was clear.
Now to the important task at hand. Where was Spike? What did I know? He had gone here to get jewels and muffins. He wasn’t here. Was he here when the trouble began? Something caught my eye. A clawed hand smashed through the window, throwing shards everywhere. I ducked down, dodging its grasp. It slammed into a table, turning back to grab me. I leapt to the left, near the door. I ran through it. The beast stood aside from the window, turning to face me. It let out a roar.
I turned, running down one of the side streets. It lurched after me. It’s giant gait having no trouble matching my speed. I leapt over garbage cans and refuse. I heard the clang and cracks as the creature tossed the obstacles to the side. I took a quick turn to the right down an alleyway, then a left at the end. After a few more turns I stopped to breathe. I couldn’t hear it following anymore. I must have lost it.
Now where was I? The street looked familiar, but not very. I started to walk towards the end. Nothing stood out, all houses, no businesses. At the end of the street, a familiar landmark appeared, Lyra’s house. I was close to the library.
“Alright, Dick. Just get to the library and you’re home free.” But Spike… Where was he? Maybe he was at the library. He might have gone there in terror.
The library was untouched. So was the interior. I checked upstairs, maybe he had taken a position as the foal had. Sadly he had not. I turned to walk back down the stairs. Horror struck me. Outside the door I saw the metallic legs of the beast. It was bending to get through the door. I turned to the window. Time to be like Rainbow Dash. I took a running leap through the pane of glass, rolling as I hit the ground. I got up quickly; I had to get out of there. I had never run so fast in my entire life.
 
Chapter VI
“Richard, you’re back!” Twilight exclaimed, giving me a kiss on the cheek. She pulled back, “where’s Spike?” I looked her in the eye.
“I couldn’t find him. It’s dangerous in town. Damn things chased me throughout.” There were few gasps. I pulled closer to Twilight, “did the foal find his parents?”
“No.” she murmured. Poor thing. I went to the room where the foals were being watched. Lyra was sitting with him, playing. I trotted over.
“Hey there, little guy. I’m Richard. I didn’t quite get your name.” He looked up at me.
“I’m Sunny Days.” He spoke softly. I sat down next to him.
“How old are you, Sunny?” 
“Three.”
“Three? Wow.” I saw Twilight watching me from the doorway, she was smiling. “I don’t mean to ask so many questions, but did you see a purple, little dragon?” His face showed concentration.
“No, I’m sorry. I was upstairs taking a nap.” He was taking a nap when this happened?
“Hey, do you mind if I talk to Lyra for a second, Sunny?” He shook his head. Twilight flagged him over to her. He walked happily. Once he was out of earshot I whispered to Lyra, “Did he tell you about his parents?”
“No, I’m worried about that, Richard.”
“Me too. They didn’t even go upstairs, they just ran. What the Hell was wrong with them?” It was terrible. They left their kid alone. What was wrong with them?
“He seems to have gotten his mind of it. I told him they were with another group,” said Lyra.
“Alright. I’ve got to think of a way to get the letter to Celestia.” She agreed. I got up, moving to the main room. Twilight was rolling around with Sunny Days. I called Rarity and Rainbow Dash over.
“You both know the situation here. It’s not good,” I said in hushed tones. “We have to get this letter out to Celestia. I need ideas.”
“Could we get it to her by magic?” asked Rarity.
“I’m not sure. I was thinking about flying it over,” I turned to Rainbow Dash. “Can you take it?”
She was interrupted by Derpy, “I’ll take it!”
“I’m sorry, Derpy, but we need this to get there as soon as possible.” To be honest, I wasn’t even sure that she could get it there. I didn’t think it personally, but many said she was a bit dull. She frowned. Dinky pulled at her mane, trying to get her attention.
“Yeah, I can do it, Richard,” said Rainbow Dash.
“Are you sure? Do you need company?” I asked.
“I’ll go with her!” said Derpy.
“Alright, fine. You can come, but we are going to go fast. Make sure you keep up,” Rainbow Dash said to Derpy. She nodded her head vigorously.
“What about me, mommy?” asked Dinky.
“It’s fine, Dinky. I’ll be back soon enough.” She gave the small unicorn a kiss. I passed the letter to Rainbow Dash.
“Make sure she gets this,” I told her.
“Got it! Let’s get going.” She and Derpy took the elevator to the surface. What do I do now? Wait for them to get back? I went to Twilight, she was watching Sunny play.
“How are you doing?” I asked her.
“Fine.” She said. 
“You like him don’t you?” she gave small laugh and a sigh.
“Yeah, I love him.”
“Me too,” I said. “His parents abandoned him.” She finally took her eyes off him; she looked at me, sadness in her eyes.
“Are you kidding me?” I shook my head. She looked back at him sadly. “That’s terrible. Does anyone know the family?”
“I’m not sure. I’m going to spread the word tonight.” I assured her. Carrot Top came up to me.
“Are there any provisions here, Richard?” she asked me. I got up.
“Yeah, they are down this hallway, let me show you.”

Twilight prodded me awake, “Richard. Richard, wake up.” I opened my eyes. 
“What’s the matter?” I asked. She pointed at Sunny. He was sleeping in the corner. His little body shivered in the cold. All the other kids had bunched up or were sleeping with the adults. He had secluded himself, I imagine, perhaps for his parents to find. “Oh.” I said.
“Let’s bring him over here.” She whispered.
“How?” Her horn glowed with a slight light. Sunny’s body slowly levitated into the air, drawing closer and closer. She landed him right in front of her. She gave me a wink. She curled her body around his. He stopped shaking. Twilight rustled his short mane with her snout. It was adorable. I looked around for Dinky, her mother was gone and her father… who knew? She was sitting near the elevator, looking at the platform which was at the top.
I nudged Twilight, pointing at Dinky. She saw and frowned as well. She looked at me with puppy dog eyes. How could I say no? I got up tenderly careful not to nudge anypony. I stood next to Dinky.
“What’s the matter, Dinky?” She looked up at me, the light reflected off her tiny face. A small pool of tears had collected beneath her. “Hey, it’s ok. Come on.” I pulled her over.
“I miss mommy.” She murmured. I put my arm around her.
“It’s ok, Dinky. She’ll be back tomorrow.”
“Do you promise?”
“Yeah, I promise.” With that she buried her head into my chest. She shook with sobs for a few minutes before falling into a calmer sleep. Twilight gave me another smile.
 
Chapter VII
Someone was whispering. Too low to make it out. It didn’t sound like anypony I knew. I opened my eyes. The room was dark, the lights having been turned off so everypony could sleep. From what I could see, no one else was awake. The whispering happened again. Where was it coming from? The only light came from a small candle in the corner. 
I heard something else, steps. No one was moving… inside. I looked up. The shaft was still closed. Could it be Rainbow Dash and Derpy? No, they would have just come down. Surely it couldn’t be those creatures. Maybe it was the other ponies from town. Maybe they finally found their way. I strained my ears to see if I could hear more of the noises, but there was none. They must have moved on.
Dinky stirred in her sleep. When would Rainbow Dash be back? It was nerve-wracking waiting on news. Dinky yawned, turning over. She blinked at me.
“Morning,” she said.
“Morning, Dinky.” She looked around.
“Did mommy come back?”
“I’m sorry, she’s not back yet.”
She frowned, “But you promised.”
“I know, Dinky. I was wrong. We just have to wait.” She gave a pout. The other ponies began to wake up. Yawning and stretching. I got up, stretching my back. I walked to Twilight; she looked on endearingly as Sunny walked around. “They aren’t back yet. We might have to act.” I told her quietly, I didn’t want to start a panic.
“What could we do?” She asked.
“I’m not sure. We need to get everypony together and informed.” She agreed. We took the foals out of the room.

“I’m sure you’re wondering what’s going on,” there were a few ‘yays’. “We sent out a letter to Celestia. The couriers didn’t return yet. In case they don’t we need a plan.”
“Why do we need a plan? Why can’t we stay here?” asked someone from the crowd.
“We don’t have enough resources here to get past another day. This wasn’t made to live in. We’d need to go elsewhere.”
“But those things are outside!” yelled some mare.
“Yes, that is why we are in here. But we can’t stay in here. We need to get out by tomorrow.
“Where can we go?”
I sighed, “That’s the problem. I don’t know. Canterlot seems the safest, but it’s a three day walk through the forest. I’m not we can take the foals on that.” There were perhaps ten foals.
“The pegasi could carry them.” Someone offered. The crowd murmured.
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea. The first two haven’t even come back ye-“ There was a slam against the elevator. It activated, lowering the platform. On it was a bruised Derpy. Everyone rushed over. There were resounding cries wondering what happened.
“Give her room.” Said nurse Redheart. She pushed her way through. She gave Derpy a thorough look over.
“City… in ruins,” blurted Derpy. Gasps ricocheted through the room. She started crying, curling into the fetal position. I walked over; I got low next to her.
“Derpy, what happened?” I asked.
“Rainbow and I got to Canterlot, but the city was in ruins. The citizens had crowded into the castle which still held. We gave the letter to Celestia.”
“What did she say?”
“She said they couldn’t spare anyone to help. Rainbow Dash stayed to try and convince her otherwise. I hurried back as fast as I could.” That meant we were alone out here.
“Did you notice anything, Derpy? Were they close to here?”
“They aren’t even close. They aren’t even interested in here. They seem to be going to Canterlot.” Why would they go to Canterlot? Where they after something? I got Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie together.
“Ok you three. I need you three to do something. I need you to see if Ponyville is empty of those things.” They nodded. “If it’s not, then just come back. Don’t try and fight them.”
“We’ll try and bring back some food too, Richard,” said Applejack. They went to the elevator, taking it to the surface. I sidled up next to Redheart.
“Is she going to be ok?”
“Yes, she’ll be fine with a bit of rest.”
“I’ll get Dinky.” I said. Derpy’s ears perked up at the mention of Dinky.
“Let me see her please!” she pleaded.
“Sure thing. Just a second.” I turned going into the room where the foals were. “Dinky, your mommy’s back.” She shot up, running past me through the door. I turned back out. She and Derpy were snuggling together. Sunny came up next to me, he leaned his head against me. What were we going to do? Canterlot couldn’t hold against these things, there was no way. We could stay in Ponyville if it was safe, but then what? They would finish Canterlot and then come back for us, for everyone.
We would have to help Canterlot.
 
Chapter VIII
Ponyville was safe. We evacuated the shelter and moved everypony back into town. We only had twenty adults and ten foals. Everypony was able to stay in a concentrated area. I called the strongest ponies I knew into the library. It mostly consisted of our four friends and Big Mac. The rest were a little on the weak side.
“We can’t sit idly. We have to help Canterlot.” I told them.
“Dearie, what can we do to help? There are a lot of them to a little of us,” said Rarity.
“They need all the help they can get,” said Applejack.
“How would we even get there?” asked Fluttershy.
“We could use Twilight’s magic to get us to the outskirts of the town,” I responded. They all seemed somewhat convinced. Yet there was still the air of uncertainty. “This is the only way, guys. Trust me.” With begrudging attitudes, they all accepted. I looked to Twilight. “Are you sure you can do this?”
“Yes, it’s not that hard.” Her horn glowed bright purple as she concentrated. I felt the magic envelop my body. A bead of sweat appeared on her brow. With a great deal of pressure the magic took hold. The feeling of being in two places at once in unnerving. You never get used to it. The magic broke, leaving us beyond the great walls of Canterlot.
“Come on, guys. Let’s get inside.”

Buildings were destroyed; bricks, glass, and timber lay in the streets. Fires roared into the sky, belching great streams of smoke into the sky. It wasn’t until we got into one of the markets that we saw a creature. It wasn’t moving, just standing in the center, fixated on the castle. I motioned to Big Mac, he nodded. Taking a position behind it, I gave a mighty kick with me legs. The creature dropped to the ground. Big Mac landed on its back. It screamed in agony. It threw one of its arms to the side, knocking Big Mac away. It tried to get up unsteadily. 
“Nope,” I said as I gave another kick. I connect with its knees. I could hear them crack from the blow. It fell to the floor, clutching its tattered legs. It made a whimpering sound, as though it were crying. Blood poured from between its claws. It turned its expressionless face towards me. I could feel hatred in its glance. “Welcome to Equestria.” I let loose a kick to its face. It lay back on the cold cobblestone. It didn’t rise or stir.
“Richard, it couldn’t fight back. Why did you kill it?” asked Twilight.
“That was simply barbaric, Richard,” said Rarity. I pushed what they said aside. These things were dangerous and not to be taken lightly.
“We’ve got to keep going. We can’t stay here.” I told them. They reluctantly agreed. How could they wonder why I had to kill that thing? What if it had hurt somepony? It wasn’t what I wanted to do; it was what I had to do. The streets to the castle were strangely clear. Fire burned and debris fell, but no more creatures stood in the streets. 
The great castle gates were shut. Ponies on the ramparts watched us approach.
“Halt, who approaches?” questioned one.
“We come to assist. Please let us in.” I cried back.
“Who are you?”
“Richard Pound and friends. We came from Ponyville to help.” I answered. He signaled to somepony else. With the sound of great chains pulling the doors and metal scraping against wood, the doors moved apart, allowing us entry. We hurried in. The guards wasted no time in sealing the door. What must have been the captain approached us.
“What did you see out there?” he asked me.
“We only saw one of the creatures. It was just standing there. We took care of it.” I responded.
“You took care of it? You killed it? Why?”
“What do you mean, why? Those things are dangerous!” He didn’t seem satisfied. He told us to go to the princess. The gardens were deserted. There were clear signs that it had been occupied by hundreds of ponies, but no longer. The princess was waiting for us in the main hall.
“Richard, why have you come?” she asked.
“We came to assist. We heard the city was in ruins.” She scoffed.
“That is far from accurate, Richard,” she said. “The city sustained damage yes, but we pushed them back. They are retreating.”
“You held them off? Then where is everypony?” I asked.
“They went with the guards to dispatch the rest of the creatures.” How did she turn ordinary citizens into soldiers? The others asked questions, but I was too busy to listen. Celestia had led the city incredibly. Perhaps there was another side to her.
Someone nudged into me, “Richard, are you there?”
“Huh?”
“I wanted to thank you from coming to assist the city, it means a lot.” Celestia was thanking me?
“Sure, no problem.”
“I’m sorry I was unable to send help. Things were chaotic here. Luckily we found their weakness, and just in time too.” She was acting really nice. 
“That’s good to hear. What were they?” asked Twilight. “I’ve never read about such a thing.”
“Neither have I. They are a complete mystery.” I thought I could hear the faintest amount regret. I couldn’t be sure.
“How many ponies were hurt?” I asked.
“Not many at all actually. No deaths either. Was anyone hurt in Ponyville?”
“We aren’t sure. A large group of the town ran into the forests. We haven’t seen them since.” I said.
“That’s terrible to hear. Once the ponies come back, we will organize relief efforts for all of Equestria.” 
“That’s great to hear, princess.” Said Rarity. It was great to hear. Perhaps the princess had changed. 
A guard burst through the doors. “The militia has returned, princess,” he said.
“If you all will excuse me, I must welcome the heroes.” She walked off with the guard to the gates.
 
Chapter IX
The relief efforts were underway. Construction was in all over Ponyville, and I’m sure all over Equestria. The princess had sent crews over even before Canterlot was repaired. She must have felt bad after leaving us to die.
For a few days some ponies returned from the forests, mostly everyone from town was back. The jewelers did not return.
“Mayor, what are you going to do?” I asked the mayor. Sunny Days had been staying with a few different ponies. But that couldn’t watch him forever. They had their own things to do.
“I’m not sure, Richard. I may have to send him to the orphanage in Canterlot.” She said sorrowfully.
“You can’t do that!” blurted Twilight.
“I don’t know what else to do, Twilight. No one has come forward to take him in,” she responded. 
“We could take him in!” Twilight exclaimed. Both mine and the mayor’s jaws dropped.
“Are you sure, Twilight?” asked the astounded mayor.
“I am, if Richard’s fine with it too.” She turned to me. She bit her lower lip.
“Are you sure, Twilight?” She nodded. “Then I’m fine with it too.”
The mayor shrugged, “Alright then, just fill out the paperwork and you’ve got yourself a little foal of your own.” She grabbed some papers from her desk, sliding them onto the desktop, “just sign here.” Twilight signed eagerly. Mine took an amount of trepidation. The mayor took back the papers, “I guess you can go pick him up now. I’m not really sure what to do here.” We headed to Sugarcube Corner where Sunny was staying for today. Pinkie was looking after him.

“Hey, Richard, Twilight,” said Pinkie was we entered. She was standing behind the corner while Sunny ate a cupcake at one of the tables. We waved to Pinkie while we walked to Sunny. We sat at the table.
“Hey, Sunny, how are you doing?” I asked. He looked up. He had a tuft of frosting on his snout. Twilight giggled.
“I’m fine. Pinkie’s letting me have all the cupcakes I can eat!” he said exuberantly. Pinkie suddenly found herself needed in the kitchen and hurried out.
“That’s sweet of her,” said Twilight. “We just thought you’d like to know that you’ll be staying with us next.” He looked confused.
“But I thought-” he started to speak, then went silent. “Why do I have to stay at different ponies houses? Why can’t I go back to mine?” What do I even say to this? I can’t tell him his parents didn’t come back. How could I lie to him?
“You just have to trust us, Sunny. I’m sorry,” said Twilight. He looked down, sniffling.
“I miss mom and dad,” he whimpered. Twilight got up and ruffled his mane.
“It’s ok, Sunny. Why don’t we show you where we live?” Twilight said.
“Ok,” he said, looking up at her. He got off the chair. We led him back to the library. It was silent the entire way there.
I opened the door for Twilight and Sunny. They both walked in. Sunny gave a small gasp.
“I’ve never seen so many books before.” He said in awe.
“You can read them all,” said Twilight. He turned to her; a look of sadness covered his face.
“I-I don’t know how,” he muttered.
“You don’t know how to read?” she asked. He nodded weakly.
“I’ll teach you how,” I told him. He brightened up. I showed him one of the side rooms which had a small bed in it. It would be perfect for him.
“What do you do during the day, Twilight?” he asked.
“I’m the librarian here. I take care of all the books,” said Twilight.
“Cool! What do you do, Richard?”
“I’m a detective. I help other ponies solve things.”
“I want to be like you,” he said.
 
Chapter X
Twilight and I were reading before going to sleep. I heard something strange from Sunny’s room.
“I’m going to check on Sunny. I hear something,” I said to Twilight She nodded. I got downstairs, putting my head next to the door. I could hear crying on the inside. I went back to Twilight. “He’s crying,” I said again. She put done her book, looking concerned.
“Do you think it’s about his parents?” she asked.
“Probably,” I sat on the bed. What were we going to do?
“What do you suggest?” she asked.
“I’m not even sure what we can do. It’s not like he’s going to forget about them.” Twilight got a clever look on her face.
“Well, he might…” She trailed off.
“How?”
“We could get something that could help, maybe from Zecora.”
“Are you seriously considering that? Memory isn’t something to play with… It’s who a person is.” I was hurt that she would try this. Maybe she didn’t know what it was like to not know what memories were true.
“Richard, he’s clearly sufferin-“
I cut her off, “I’m sure he’ll forget within the week.” She didn’t look convinced.

It had been a month. It seemed like he cried regularly at night. It hurt us both to hear him this way. He never talked or asked about his parents. We were sitting around the table on a Saturday.
“Hey, Sunny. Want to go to Sugarcube corner with me?” asked Twilight. His face brightened. He loved going there, it was his favorite. The two left after breakfast. They didn’t return until night.
Sunny was the first through the door. He ran up to me, grabbing onto one of my forelegs.
“I love you, daddy.” He said, muffled into my leg. Daddy, I thought, he’s never called me that before. I looked at Twilight; she kept her eyes away from me. Something was up. All through the rest of the night until Sunny went to bed she kept up the silence. We were getting into bed when I spoke to her.
“What did you do? How could you?” she cast her eyes down.
“Richard, honey… I wanted him to see us as his parents.” I pulled myself closer to her.
“We are his parents.” She pushed me away.
“You saw how sad he was! I couldn’t take it anymore.” A tear fell down her cheek. “I just wanted him to love us…”
“Honey, baby, he does love us,” I pulled myself closer once more. She didn’t push me away. “He just needed time… that’s it.”
She started sobbing, “I’m sorry, Richard. I couldn’t wait.” She curled up on the bed. I put myself around her, trying to calm her.
“Will it go away? The effects?” I was hopeful. Maybe he would become normal once more. Not the lie he was now.
“No, it won’t.”

> 0. You Only Live Twice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Richard Pound
In:
You Only Live Twice
Written by: Green Draft
It was raining; no one could see my tears. That is if anyone was around to see. No one cared for her anymore; that was painfully obvious. I felt for a pulse, it was faint… weak. I had called for the ambulance, it would be coming soon. I closed my eyes, thinking back on the times I’d had with her.

The first night we had met, it was… magical. I had been sitting at the bar, Barney’s. Slowly sipping whiskey, I saw her walk in. She was seductive, yet not overly so. My kind of woman. She saw me giving her an eye, she smiled and walked over. We talked, it had felt like hours and then we went back to my place. 

Sadly, it didn’t look like that would be happening now, maybe ever if that ambulance didn’t come faster. She lay there on the ground, breathing weakly. Someone had hit her over the head as she was getting into her car. There wasn’t anything I could have done.

I’d found her there walking home from the bar i frequented. It’d been a good day, solved an important case, and made a lot of money. Three rounds for the bar had been enough for my wallet and I. The rain had started as I walked through the parking lot, she'd hated the rain. That’s when I saw her, and here I was. I kneeled down to her, feeling for her pulse one more time.
It was stable, I think.

“Where did you come from?” I muttered. I knew she wouldn’t respond. Her hair lay limply to her side. It had been so radiant that first time, and all the times afterwards. Now, it made me sick. Sick to see it lie on the dirty pavement. I held back the tears; they blurred my vision, making it hard to see. I thought I saw something her hand. I picked it up, turning to see the wrist. There was some sort of stamp. She must have been at a club. I heard the sirens of the ambulance screaming down the street. The red glow of the lights flaring up and down the buildings. I took one last look at the stamp, putting it to memory. It was time to take my leave.

It was going to be a long night.


“How ya’ doing, Dick?” asked Barney. He owned the pub, the Irish bastard. I crossed my arms on the countertop. He stood behind the bar; wiping the glasses he always seemed to be cleaning. I wanted to tell him that it was no use, the glasses were never clean.

“I’m doing well, Barn’. It’s Karen whose not doing too hot.” He raised his eyebrows. I hadn’t talked to him about Karen in a long time, at least not while sober. He put down the glass.

“Sorry ta’ hear that, Dick,” he said. “What happened?” I told him what I thought.

“Now, where do you think I can find a club that uses that kind of mark?” I asked. He looked away, scratching his head. He was a balding man in his thirties. He stood tall, perhaps 6’5”, no one messed around in his bar, not unless they wanted their head knocked around.

“I think I might know a place, but it’s not walking distance to that parking lot.”

“Maybe she got a ride. Where's the place, Barney?” He told me. It was twenty miles from the parking lot. Why go so far away in someone else’s car, I wondered. “Thanks, Barney.” I turned to go, but he stopped me.

“Dick, I know what you two went through. It’s okay to ask for help in this.” His face was sympathetic, yet his voice felt forced. I only nodded. I had to hit the clubs.


The streetlights passed by, each illuminating the car briefly. The rain still pounded on the windshield, making it hard to see. The wipers could do only so much.

What Barney had said, it brought up painful memories. No, I snapped my attention back to driving, it was hard enough while thinking about it, and I couldn’t just drift off. Yet the happier times called me. The time we had that picnic together, spring of ’53. It had been in that park, the one near her house. Neighborhood kids were still playing, the birds singing, and the bees still buzzing. We laid there on the cloth, holding the other’s hands, looking into the other’s eyes.

A horn blared, bringing me back to driving. I put more on the gas, speeding up. These people were still going twenty over, even in this monsoon. That word brought me back. Summer of ‘55, things were going peachy. Karen and I were as happy as we ever were, at least I was. We both lay on the couch, staring as the rain poured down the windows, covering all of L.A. in water. She was resting her head on my shoulder, her wonderful hair falling to my belt. 

Another horn, I quickly jerked the wheel. Too fast I guess. My car slammed into the car in the next lane. I bounced back, the front grinding into the concrete divider. I felt strange, weightless. The car was flipping over the barrier. I tried to cover my face, my head. I didn’t want this, this couldn’t be happening. The ground rose up to meet me, but not from the right side. The last thing I heard was the crushing of the roof. The last thing I felt was pain, lots of it too.
 
Chapter Two
“How far the rabbit hole goes…”
It was bright, far brighter than L.A. had ever been. That was the first thing I noticed. I tried to cover my eyes, but my hands… they didn’t work the way they had been. My head wracked with pain. I felt like I was getting run over. I tried to stay calm, find my surroundings.

I was lying on some grass, in a forest. That sure was helpful. The sky was sunny, not a cloud in sight. Looking around, I tried to get up. I fell over onto my back. I noticed something wrong.

I wasn’t any sort of human. I had hooves, a light brown coat. I was a horse I suppose.

“Gotta stay calm, Dick. This is clearly a dream,” I said out loud. What did I remember? I remembered rain. Sheets of rain pouring from the sky, I was driving fast too. Then, I blacked out. I tried getting up again, settling myself on my new appendages.

“This sure is… strange,” I mumbled. I looked around. All I could see were trees, trees for miles. Perhaps I could climb one, take a look from the top. I walked up to one, tentatively putting my fore hooves to the bark. The first branch was just out of reach for a good jump. I slammed a hoof into the tree in frustration. It shook, I was stronger now.

“Is anyone out here?!” I yelled to the general vicinity. A squirrel ran up a tree. A few birds dislodged and flew away. I hate this place already. I missed home, everything here was, what’s the word? Oh yeah, vibrant. Colors stood out much more than I had noticed. Everything was much clearer. I started walking, I don’t know which way, but it just felt right. The forest was relatively empty. No people or ponies for that matter. My subconscious must be really boring.

A small, white rabbit leapt through the bushes. It nearly ran into my left hoof before it stopped. It ran right under me, continuing on its way. I heard a voice from the bushes.

“Angel? Where did you go? It’s dinner time, if you want…” it trailed off meekly. That was probably the least impressive voice I’d ever heard. I heard her walking through the bushes. She stopped when she saw me. She hopped back a step and squeaked. It was another pony, yellow with a pink mane. I saw a strange bulge on her sides. Where those wings?

“Hello there. I’m Richard. Uh, where am I?” I asked her. I think she nearly fainted.

“Oh, uh, I’m Fluttershy. You’re in the forest. Didn’t you know that, uh, Richard.” She wasn’t looking at me, instead appearing to be intrigued more in the ground than anything else. She didn’t appear to be saying anything else either.

“Well, thanks Fluttershy. Do you know how I could get out of here? I’m in a lot of pain, and it sucks here to be frank.” She starting shaking, raising a hoof to point behind her. That must be where she came from. A thought struck me. “If you’re looking for that silly bunny, he ran that way.” I turned back, pointing to where it’d gone. 

/*I turned back to Fluttershy. Gone was the timid pony that’d look anywhere but at Richard. She was livid.
“Angel is not stupid! You’re stupid! Aaagh!” She leapt into the air, they were wings. She swooped at me knocking me to the ground. I was going to die here! “Take it back!” she screamed at my face.
“Ok! Ok! I take it back, I’m sorry.” I said hurriedly. She calmed down, her wings sticking back to her sides. She took a step off me.
“Sorry about that. I just love little Angel. He’s my friend.” She said, her voice back to the timid Fluttershy. Clearly, she was crazy.
“Alrighty then. I’m just going to get out of this forest. Maybe I’ll see you around.”*/ I started a trot in the direction she’d pointed me. It didn’t take long to find where she’d come from.


It was a nice town. The sign said Ponyville. It was a quaint little thing, too. Ponies were crawling all over the damn place. This dream was awful. I started my way in, needing to wake up; this was getting lame. The ponies saw me and waved. I gave little waves or nods back. Why were they so damn friendly? Some pony stood out in the crowd. A pink pony with a frizzy mane and tail stood bouncing up and down the streets. I must have made a wrong move or something, because she saw me and went crazy. She started bounding over to me.
“Oh hell no,” I said under my breath. I turned around and ran away from it. She was fast however, very fast. I felt her weight land on my back, throwing me to the ground. I let out a grunt, my body still hurting from the forest. Fluttershy hadn’t helped either.
“Hi! My name is Pinkie Pie; I don’t think I’ve met you before! Are you new?” her voice was young and full of energy.
“You could say that… Look, can you get off me please? I’m hurting kind of bad.” I said, into the dirt more than anything.
She gasped, “I’ll get my friend to help you!” She got off my back and ran off down the street. I gingerly got up on my hooves. Clearly I was going to die from these mares. I started to walk down the street once more. A few ponies were laughing at what had happened. I suppose, yeah, it was funny. It was hurting pretty bad to walk when I saw the pink pony, Pinkie Pie, bounding up once more. She had a small, purple pony in tow. The purple one was not enthused to be with Pinkie Pie. Pinkie was practically screaming as she talked to the purple one.
“I found a new friend, Twi! He said he’s hurt, can you look at him?! I can’t have a hurt pony at a party!” she bounded that last few feet to me. “Here he is!”
“Hello, I’m Twilight, I’m also sorry about Pinkie, she gets excited.” Said the purple one. She looked at Pinkie with disapproval.
“It’s ok, Twilight. I’m Richard. Where am I?” she looked at me with apprehension. She came stood in front of me, closer, giving me a look over. She started to feel around my head.
“Oh, Pinkie said you were hurt. She didn’t say you had amnesia.” She explained. “Does this hurt?” she asked while she poked around my head.
“Yeah, stop poking my head.” She got back on her four hooves. She gave me a quizzical look.
“You feel fine? You don’t remember anything.” She said flatly. I thought back. There was driving car, and then here, as a pony.
I shook my head, “Well, I just woke up in the forest. It seemed alright. Everything hurt, and I’m not sure why.” She grabbed my hoof.
“I know just the thing to help.” She led me across town, to what appeared to be a building in a tree. I walked inside. The building was lined with books. Books in stacks, books on walls, and books in the doorways, windows, EVERYWHERE!
“Dear god… the books.” I murmured. She merely turned to me.
“I know right? Isn’t it great?” She led me to her couch and had me lie down. “Now I’m going to use some magic to help you get your memory back. Ok?” Magic? Yeah, ok. Whatever you say, crazy.
I tried raising my head to speak but she put it back against the arm rest. I gave her a worried look. 
“It’s ok to be scared. Twilight’s going to take care of you.” She said sweetly. I saw the horn on her head glow slightly. I hadn’t noticed it before, that sure was something. I felt something warm cover my body. The pain slowly went away. I started smiling.
“Hey, this is working. The pain is gone.” I said. Her horn grew brighter. I felt the warmth go 
north, up to my head. Turns out the pain hadn’t gone, it only moved. I started thrashing around on the couch. It was excruciating. Like a thousand burning needles in my skull. I felt consciousness slip away. The room starting spinning. I heard screaming, was she upset? My vision started to turn black.
 
Chapter III
“Welcome to the real world, jackass.”
I felt numb. It was hard
to think. I looked around. I was in a comfy bed, not the couch. Why would I be in a couch, I thought, that was a dream. I tried to give a small chuckle, but it came out muffled. My jaw was set. I looked around frantically. My of my body was in a cast. Only one leg lay bare. It looked lonely. I must be in a hospital. If only that Twilight had brought me here. I gave a chuckle on the inside.
I felt the numbness go away, slowly. Pain replaced it. I was getting awfully tired of all this pain. I tried to call out. Next to no sound came out. One of the systems net to me started beeping. The IV that connected it to me began to fill up with a clear substance. It hit my arm. Everything started to feel pretty… goooood…

“Oh hell.” I was awake, the pain was back. Where’s the morphine? I looked around. That purple pony, Twilight, was sleeping on the floor next to the couch. She had been crying. Tears stained the floor beneath her. I was back on that couch. At least I wasn’t in a cast here.
“Hey, hey you. Twilight, wake up.” I said to her. Her ear twitched. I sat up on the couch; it felt strange, but not uncomfortable. I gave her a poke with my hoof. She was startled awake.
“Wha- Oh! Richard, you’re alright. Phew. I was worried.” She got up, stretching her back. She sat on the couch next to me. I saw her tuck her hooves under her, looked comfortable. “So, do you remember anything?”
I thought back. I remember before the crash now. “Yeah, I was trying to find Karen. No, not Karen, the guy who hit her.” Her eyes popped wide.
“Oh,” she exclaimed, her voice wavered, “Who’s Karen? Is she your very special somepony?”	“My what? No, I don’t think so. We haven’t been together in years.” She sighed. It seemed somewhat full of relief.
“Alright. I’ve never heard of a Karen in Ponyville before, it’s a strange name. Not like Twilight, Twilight Sparkle.”
“Twilight Sparkle’s a cute name,” it was, I thought, “but I’ve got to get out of this dream now.” She started blushing.
“Oh, Richard, you’re too much.” I rolled my eyes, taking care for her not to see. She must be crazy. Was she coming on to me? It was too soon to tell. “Where are you staying in Ponyville? You have a place to stay right?”
I shrugged, “nope.” She bit her lower lip. The pause was long, and awkward.
“Do you know anypony you could ask?”
Another shrug, “nope.” She just nodded her head.
“Well ok then. You can stay here for tonight, I suppose. Goodnight, Richard.” She got up, trotting to the stairs. I watched her walk up the stairs. She was awfully cute. For a pony, I corrected. She finally turned at the top, trotting out of my sight.
I turned back on the couch, lying back down. The couch wasn’t bad at all, actually very comfortable. What was wrong with this pony? Perhaps she was falling in love with me. No, this was just a dream. Clearly I must be crazy. That thought carried into sleep.

“Morning, Richard.” I awoke to Twilight standing next to me. I rubbed my eyes, trying to get them to focus right.
“Morning, Twilight,” I muttered. I turned and got off the couch. She had been awfully nice to let me stay the night; I decided to offer her something Richard Pound did best.
Cook breakfast.
“Hey, would you like me to make you breakfast?” I offered. She scuffed her hoof on the floor.
“Oh, thanks! I don’t really have anything I’m afraid. I’ve got to go shopping later. We could go out though.” That was trouble; I didn’t have my wallet with me.
“Oh, well. I don’t really have any money…” I trailed off. Her demeanor did not diminish.
“That’s ok. I’ll cover it.” I couldn’t help but let her. She was stopping my every attempt. “I know a great place, let’s go.”
Breakfast had been good, not cheap at all. We were walking alone the streets of Ponyville. We were making small talk.
“So, Richard. How’d you wind up in the forest?” she asked.
“I was in an accident, after that I was just here.”
“That’s sad, and you don’t have a place to stay?” I shook my head.
Her net thought was interrupted as an orange pony called her name. The pony had blonde hair in a ponytail. She wore a cowboy’s hat.
“’Ay Twilight, What’s goin’ on?” asked the pony. She had three apples on her flank.
“Oh, nothing Applejack. Just showing Richard around town.” The two got to talking about matters from town. Everyone here was so friendly. It was awfully strange.
“Hey, Applejack, you always need help right?”
“That’s right!” proclaimed Applejack.
“Do you think Richard could work for a place to stay?” asked Twilight. Applejack gave me a look over.
“’Ah don’t know. He doesn’t look strong.”
I butted in, “I’m strong enough. You can’t walk L.A. at night without being strong.” She shrugged. 
“Alright, Richard. Let’s get you started today. It’s apple season.”
¬¬¬	I stood in front of the tree. It looked awfully strong and thick.
“Alright, Dick. Just give it a real strong kick. That should dislodge the apples and put them in the baskets.” Applejack explained. I nodded, it was only kicking trees. I turned around, seeing her giving me an examining glance. I gave the hardest kick I could manage. Two apples fell from the tree.
“Oh come on!” I yelled.
“Now don’t get mad at the tree,” she said calmly. “Not everypony is cut out for farm work.” I knew I was cut for this work. I gave another kick, then another. I kept kicking that damn tree. Trying to make all the apples fall. Harder and harder my legs kicked. I felt a twinge in my leg, and then soreness came.
“Guh.” I burst out. Real eloquent, Dick. I fell to the ground, cradling my leg.
“Yeah, Ah’m not sure this will work. Perhaps you can carry the apple baskets with Applebloom.”
So there I was spending the day carrying buckets of apples across the farm. It was grueling. I had something to do in the barn. It didn’t get done however, as I promptly fell down in a pile of hay, quickly passing out.
 
Chapter IV
“You think this is some sort of game?”
“Mr. Pound, I see you’re awake.” A nurse stood in front of my hospital bed. I shook myself from the dreams. “It’s time to discuss your bill.” Uh-oh. “Now, six months in the hospital is not cheap I’m-“
I cut her off, “Six month!? How could it have been six months?” she was taken aback.
“You were in a coma Mr. Pound. Now, the total comes to $100,000.” The air from my lungs emptied. 100k? I didn’t make the much in a year, hell, 5 years. Damn it, what am I going to do?
My apartment was dirty. Letters piled themselves in front of the mail slot. I looked through them, they were bills. I had until the end of the month to pay off more than a year’s salary. I lay on my bed, wondering the next course of action. Perhaps I should go to Barney’s; he’d know what to do.

“How ya’ doing, Dick? It’s been awhile since I saw your ass in here. The women been asking for ya’.” Barney was the same old Barney.
“Listen ya’ Irish bastard, I got out of the hospital. I’ve got bills out the ass.” I slumped down on the bar top. “What am I going to do?”
“Don’t know, Dick. Marry a rich woman.” He laughed.
“Heh, know any?”
“Only Karen.”
“Oh, shit,” I forgot about her! “How is she?” I asked hurriedly.
He smiled, “She’s fine, Dick. She only had a concussion.” I leaned back, breathing a sigh of relief. Barney reached under the counter, bringing up an old bottle of whiskey. He got two shot glasses. Placing one in front of me, he filled it up. “Let’s get you ready for the scene tonight, Dick. Gotta get ya’ a woman.” I shot it back. They kept coming. It wasn’t long until I was passed out drunk.
“Wake up, ya’ lazy pony.” I felt a weak kick to my side. I jolted my eyes open. Applejack stood next to me a bucket of apples on her back. I was back in the barn; I hoped this wouldn’t be a common occurrence.
“What happened?” I asked, groggy from the sleep. Applejack bucked the bucket over to me. I flailed it away. The bucket crashed to the floor, apples tumbling out.
“’Ah’ll tell ya’. Ya’ll are a lazy pony. I don’t think there’s a job for ya’ here.” I groaned.
“Why do I even need a job? What’s wrong with me?” Applejack scoffed.
“This ain’t no dream, sugarcube. Perhaps Ah’ll see ya’ around town.” She walked out of the barn. Well, this sucked. I couldn’t even hold a job in my own mind! I should go see Twilight, She always seemed too happy to see me, and that felt nice. I got off of the hay bale, shaking the loose strands free from my coat.
“Hey, Twilight. I’ve got a small problem.” She looked up from her dusting. She had been cleaning the book shelves. She had cute reading glasses on. Cute? What the hell.
“Yes, Richard?” she asked.
“The whole Applejack thing didn’t pan out. I was wondering if perhaps you could give me a job or something…” I trailed off. I didn’t look at her face, too ashamed to face her. I heard the sound of her hooves as she trotted up to me. 
“Sure I do, Richard. I’ll help anypony out when they need it.”
I scuffed my hoof on the floor, “Thanks, Twilight. I appreciate it.” She put a reassuring arm on my back.
“It’s nothing really. You can sleep in one of the side rooms. You can start by dusting the shelves.” She used magic to pass me the duster. Magic! Still such a strange thing. Was I three?
I picked it up, running it along the shelves of the house. Twilight started to pick up the stacks of book, putting one or two in the shelves here and there. I turned back to the task and hand, I wasn’t about to mess up the second job in one day.

“Dick, I’m going to lunch with Rarity,” Twilight announced. I turned away from my job. Twilight stood at the door with another pony like her. A unicorn I think. She was white, with a purple mane. She left, closing the door with her magic.
“Time to relax,” I declared, sitting down on the couch. But what to do, I pondered. I spotted a book next to me, looking all innocent. I picked it up, glancing through it. It appeared to be a book on Equestria’s history. I had heard Twilight mention that name during work. It must be the country here. The book seemed awfully detailed for something I made up. The pages were well-worn from many readings. I put the book back down with a heavy thump.
The clock on the wall said it was around 1 in the afternoon. Twilight wouldn’t be back for an hour or so, with that Rarity pony. Did Twilight have any male friends? Seems odd. I lay back down on the couch. This was pretty boring. Dusting and organizing a library? It had made me tired however. I felt my eyelids grow heavy as I looked at Twilight’s ceiling. It was painted to be some sort of stylized sun. It was the last thing I saw as I slipped into a restful sleep.

“Get the fuck out, Dick.” Barney was yelling at me. Why was he yelling at me? I looked around. I was in his bar. Some chick had her hands up to her chest, shrinking away from me. What was her problem? I felt a strong pair of hands grab onto my shoulders, pulling me back.
“What the hell, Barney?” my voice was slow and garbled. I was drunk. 
“You damn drunk, I thought you were better than this!” Barney was screaming at me. I was picked up by the strong hands, and thrown from the bar. The asphalt scrapped against me as I skidded in the parking lot. Only a few glares were shot my way before the brutes closed the door to the bar. I stumbled back onto my feet.
“What the hell was that about?”  I mumbled. Barney took a step out of the bar. He had great sorrow in his eyes. He stepped up next to me.
“Dick, what the hell if wrong with ya’? She said no,” he told me calmly.
“She said no? To me? Pfft, clearly she’s drunk.” His face turned to disgust.
“Dick, you’ve changed.”
“No, you’ve changed! I don’t need this shit.” I turned from him, waving away his outstretched hand. I started the walk back home, somewhere people couldn’t judge me.

The apartment was the same as always. I grabbed a bottle of whiskey from the shelf. I hadn’t kept the stuff around here for a long time. Since Karen, she had hated the stuff. I had bought the bottle when she left me. It had sat there, tempting me. Now was as good a time as any to drink it, I thought. I downed a good 5 more shots until the floor said it was time to stop.
This wasn’t the couch, which was for sure. I was in a bed, red blanket. Back in Twilight’s library. It must have been nearing dawn. I left out a yawn, stretching my hooves. My right hoof knocked into something soft and warm. I turned around in the bed. Twilight slept softly behind me. I reeled back in my hooves, keeping real quiet. I hoped that I hadn’t woken her, but I was let down. She turned around, we were face to face.  She rubbed my nose with hers affectionately.
“Morning, Richard.” She said sweetly. What was I doing here, I asked myself, and why didn’t she care?
“Uh, morning, Twilight.” I said.
“About last night…” she trailed off. Please let her finish, I thought. “I can’t believe it’s only been two weeks since you showed up and already we’re together.” Together? Oh boy.
“Yeah, I know what you me- Two weeks?” I asked, stunned.
She nodded, “Yeah, you’ve been so sweet and romantic. I thought you seemed rough around the edges, but you turned out to be a really great stallion.” Oh god, two weeks? What the hell had happened? I rolled out of bed. “Where are you going, Richard?”
“Me? Oh, nowhere really. Just want to stretch my legs.”
“Well, don’t forget you promised to help Roseluck today,” She mentioned.
“I what?” I asked, stunned.
She gave a small sigh, “You’re awfully forgetful, Richard. Don’t you remember what your cutie-mark means?” 
“My what?” I asked, still stunned. She furrowed her eyebrows.
“Cutie-mark. Everyone’s got one.” She pointed at her flank. A picture of a few stars was there. I turned my head to look at my flank. Emblazoned on my thigh was the picture of a badge.
“Well how about that, I’m a detective. So, uh, what did Roseluck want me to do?”
“She wanted you to figure out who keeps taking her flowers during the night,” Twilight said. I nodded as Twilight got out of the bed.
“Where can I meet Roseluck?” I asked. Twilight rolled her eyes.
“You’d think someone as smart as you would know everypony by now. Do you want me to take you to her?”
“Yeah, I’d like that.” Twilight trotted over, giving me a small peck. She pulled back with a smile.
“Come on, she works at the gardens. Maybe we could get some flowers.” Twilight led the way.

“Augh! Who’s taking my flowers? You have to help me, Richard.” Roseluck was talking. She was a pretty pony. She had a two-toned red mane and a rose cutie-mark. Most of her flowers were still in the store, except for one bushel of ‘mums.
“Alright, Roseluck, it’s going to be ok. Now, do you know anybody-“ Twilight nudged into me.
“Anypony,” she said curtly.
“Yes, anypony. Do you know anypony who would want to take your flowers?” While she was deep in thought, I took a look around the store. The store wasn’t that big, two rows of flowers and a register at the back, and a door. The door handle look strangely dirty. I gave a closer look, it was awfully dirty. 
I called back to Roseluck, “do you use this door often? The handle is dirtier than the plants.”
“No, I like to keep everything clean. I clean every night.” She said. I tested the handle, it was locked.
I turned back to her, “who has keys to this door?”
“Just me and my assistant, but he left a week ago. Why?” I think I’ve pieced it all together.
“Why did he quit?” I asked, hoping for the definitive answer I needed.
“He said he wanted to open his own store up. Right here in Ponyville, can you believe that?”  Roseluck seemed out of luck, but not for long.
“I know the culprit, my dear. It was your assistant. In a fit of rage he took your flowers out of the back with the key.”
“Are you sure? It doesn’t seem like him.” Roseluck wasn’t having any of my ideas. Yet I knew who would be right in the end.
“Let me go over there and get some ‘mums. I’ll bring them back here.” I turned around and exited the store. There were only two flower stores in Ponyville; Roseluck’s and Potted’s. I had a feeling it was Potted’s. He had put up his store down the street from Roseluck, a ballsy move. He even had a similar sign as Roseluck.
The bell rang as I walked in. A pony at the back looked up from his book. His face brightened as he realized he had a customer. 
“Welcome, welcome to Potted’s. I’m Potted Plant, what can I get for you today?” He was very excited, too excited for my tastes.
“I’d like to get some ‘mums please. For my girlfriend if you don’t mind.”
His muzzle scrunched up in confusion, “your what?”
I rebounded back, “Oh, my marefriend. Whoops.” I gave an awkward smile.
“Well, alright. I just got these this morning from my garden this morning.” He passed twenty over the counter. They were beautiful.
“These look great, thanks,” I said. He glowered.
“No problem. That will be twenty bits.” I handed him the bits. He nodded, happy at the prospect of getting money. As I walked out of the store, I noted that the flowers seemed to be wilting. 

“Here are the flowers, Roseluck,” I said as I dropped the flowers. She gave them a close inspection. When she pulled her head back, she was horrified.
“There are my flowers! He took them?” I nodded. Twilight had left while I was out. “Well, I’m going to get the guards. Thank you, Richard. Keep the flowers as my thanks.” How great that I got to keep the flowers I paid for, I thought. I picked up the flowers and walked out of the store.
The town was in full bustle, ponies moving to shop and work.  A few mares gave me jealous looks as I walked back to the library. In all my wanderings, I had made one note. The town had a lot more mares than stallions. Is this natural? A voice form above made me drop my train of thought.
“Hey, Richard. Who are those flowers for?” I looked up. A pony with wings was flying along. She was light blue with rainbow mane.
“Uh, I think they’re for Twilight.” I told her, mouthful of flowers.
“Aww, you’re so cute.” She flew off. Who was that and how did she know my name? I thought back to earlier. I had been here for two weeks. I must have met her then. I was nearing the library now. I saw Twilight tidying up the stairway. She spotted me approaching. Her mouth cracked a smile and she dropped the broom. She ran over, tackling me to the ground.
“Oh, Richard. You’re so sweet.” She kept kissing me over the flowers.
In a break between I said, “It’s no problem, Twilight. Pretty flowers for you.” She gave me a big hug. 
“Aww, thank you, Richard, that was so thoughtful.” She picked herself off the ground, pulling me up with her magic. “Did everything go well with Roseluck?”
“Yeah, everything went well. It was her old assistant.” Twilight followed me into the library; she was levitating the flowers behind her. I lay down on the couch, stretching out.
After Twilight put the flowers in a vase she turned to me asking, “Let me get you something to drink.” I only mumbled in agreement. I closed my eyes, only intending to rest them.
 
Chapter V
Where was I? That was the question to answer. I felt hands grabbing me, tearing me from a bed.
“What the hell are you doing?” I screamed out, opening my eyes. A burly man, half-dressed, had his hands around my throat. I could feel my lungs calling for air as I choked and sputtered.
“You think you can have sex with someone’s wife? Do you?” The man was screaming. A woman who must have been his wife was cowering a corner, crying. I tried to throw a punch, but it landed weakly against his arm. My lungs were exploding on the inside.
“I’m going to kill you!” the husband yelled. The wife ran up, trying to push him. He dropped me to the floor, grabbing the wife. “Fuck you,” he screamed. His fist collided with her face, knocking her to the floor. I grabbed for my coat, grabbing my gun. He turned back to me.
“Who do you think you are?” he questioned. I pulled back the hammer, pointing the gun at his chest.
“I’m Dick. Who are you?” His anger turned to fear. His throat tightened, letting out a small gasp.
“What the hell, man? Don’t do that.” I got off the floor, taking precious breath. I made sure to keep the gun trained on him.
“You think you can choke a man just doing what he wants?” was that me talking? What was I doing here? “A man needs a little r-and-r.” I jabbed the gun forward, he tripped over himself, falling to the floor. Now the roles were reversed. I’d make this man pay. I pointed the gun to his head.
“Any last words?” I asked. He was shaking, he was afraid.
“I-I-, uh. Ju-just please… don’t.” I cut him off with a gunshot. His head bucked back from the impact. At least, what was left of it. Blood covered the floor. His wife screamed. I twisted the gun to her.
“What? Didn’t I do the right thing? He was a monster,” I told her. She was back to shrinking in the corner. She looked away from me, from the gore. Blood flowed from her nose and mouth, from the punch of her abusive husband. I took a step closer. Her cowering wails went to a higher pitch.
“Shut up,” I demanded, “be quiet.” She didn’t. The room got louder and louder as the cried. Someone was going to hear her! They were going to question! I pulled the hammer back one more time.
“Please, just be quiet…” I trailed off. She was blubbering, tears streamed down her face. Why couldn’t she see I saved her? I aimed the gun at her head, as I had the husband. Her gaze turned to the gun.
“Please…” she said weakly. I didn’t listen, as if I could even hear over all the noise. The room cleared with a gunshot. Finally, she was quiet. I could think!

What have I done? That was my first thought as I curled on my bed. I was hyperventilating. I could hear sirens scream through the streets. They were looking for me. Perhaps they would call me to find the murderer. Wouldn’t that be perfect? Every second I could hear the police knocking on my door. 
I hadn’t left the apartment since I’d gotten back at noon. It hurt to think of this morning. Why had I done? That wasn’t me. That was the only explanation I could think of.
“What would Twilight think?” I asked out loud. I was thinking of Twilight? Why not? I wondered. She was perfect, nice, sweet, caring. Everything I could ask for.
“I should ask her what she thinks.” I reached into my nightstand, grabbing two familiar pills. I took them both, feeling the world slip away.
“Twilight, I need your help.” Twilight looked up from her book. It must have been only an hour since I had fallen asleep on her couch.
“What’s the matter, Richard? Bad dream?” she asked, voicing concern.
“Yeah, you could say that. In my dream, I did something awful. What does that mean?”
She gave a small chuckle, “Richard, it was just a dream, it doesn’t mean anything.” Just a dream? If only. She moved closer to me, our bodies together. “Dreams aren’t real, Richard.” She gave me a kiss on the forehead.
She was right, dreams aren’t real. But, what is the dream? I got off the couch. Twilight pouted.
“I’ve got plans for dinner tonight, for us. I’ll be back at six, be ready.” I told her.
“Ooh, what are you planning?” she asked in wonder. I gave sly smile. 
“You’ll see.” I walked out of the library, I had things to do.
“Richard, this is so nice.” Twilight said. She wore a glimmering purple dress. She said Rarity had made it for her. I remembered Rarity, from the library.
“It will get better, trust me.” I told her back. The waiter came back, floating a wine glass filled with particularly special wine. I wasn’t sure if Twilight drank, but I hoped she wouldn’t mind. He placed two glasses in front of Twilight and I. Twilight reached out with magic picking up the cup and bringing it to her lips, but she stopped. With her magic she fished something out of the glass.
A ring.
“Richard, what is…?” She trailed off, shocked. I was on the ground, kneeling in front of her. The room was silent.
“Twilight, I know this may be sudden, but I’ve never been happier than when I am with you. Will you do the honor of marrying me?” I asked her, looking into her eyes. She brought her hooves to her muzzle, tearing up.
“Yes, Richard. I will.” I stood up, embracing her. The other patrons started clapping and cheering. I could feel myself tearing up from joy, joining Twilight. I don’t remember the rest of the night all that well.
Here I was, back at the apartment.  There was a note slipped under the door.
We need to talk. – Barney.
That must mean they knew. They talked to Barney. Would he sell me out? Maybe he would; the Irish bastard would crumple for a dollar. I threw the note into the trash. It was probably a trap. The cops would be waiting for me to go to him. It wasn’t safe there. Only safe in my head.
What was I doing out here? I had to make wedding plans. I sat on the edge of my bed, grabbing two more sleeping pills from the nightstand. I had more important things to do.
¬¬¬	The smell of acrid smoke awakened me. I clambered out of bed and down the stairs. Fire? Here? I ran into the kitchen, but something made me stop. Twilight stood at the stove, throwing water onto the burning pans.
“What happened?” I asked, walking to the stove and turning off the burners. The fire lessened significantly. Twilight’s water stopped the rest of the fire.
“I was making breakfast. For us,” Twilight said, blushing.
“This isn’t exactly cooking. Have you read a cookbook?” I asked.
“Haha, very funny. I sent a letter to the princess telling her about the wedding. She said she’d take care of everything.”
“That’s good news,” I said. Twilight was practically dancing.
“Oh, I’m so excited!” she said excitedly. I was excited too. This was first for me. I pushed the memories of Karen aside. I wouldn’t let her ruin this, not again.
“I know, honey. It’s going to be awesome.”
She giggled, “You say awesome like Rainbow Dash.” Thankfully I had been able to meet all her friends for real. I now know who she was talking about.
“Well, I think I came up with it first.” I told her playfully.
“No way. That was probably the first word she learned.” She returned, equally playfully. I nibbled her ear as she squealed lightly, pushing me away. “Ok, seeing as breakfast probably isn’t happening,” she looked back at the still smoking stove, “let’s get breakfast with the gang.”
“Sounds good to me.” I told her.
“Let me go get them, you wait here.” Twilight scampered off to get her friends. I went to the atrium, sitting on the couch. I yawned, I was tired.
“No, you can’t go to sleep,” I told myself, “This is too important.” I got off the couch. No time to dream. No time to dream. That was my mantra. I paced the circular room, saying it over and over.
That’s how she found me.
Twilight walked in, all of her friends in tow; Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie.
“Eh, ya’ll ok, Dick?” asked Applejack. I snapped from my thoughts.
“What?” I asked dumbly.
“You were just pacing around!” said Pinkie Pie.
“Maybe he’s trying to stay fit,” added Rainbow Dash.
“Darling, if you need help staying fit, you should just ask me,” said Rarity.
“Girls, I was just thinking,” I explained.
“About what?” they asked.
“The wedding,” I lied. 
“Isn’t he something?” asked Twilight.
“He’s adorable, like Angel,” said Fluttershy.
“Ah think he’s more like Winona adorable,” said Applejack.
“He may be like Winona in looks, but he’s slow like Tank,” added Rainbow Dash.
“Alright, let’s just get breakfast,” I suggested. They agreed. We took to the streets; walking to a place Rarity suggested. It was a quaint little restaurant. The waiter sat us in the corner, at a circular table where we could all sit together. Twilight and I sat together. I had my arm around her shoulder. The other five kept giving us looks.
“To be honest, Twilight, I didn’t think you’d be the first to marry,” said Rarity.
“Now don’t be rude, Rarity. Ah’m sure ya’ll get a husband sometime,” said Applejack. Rarity looked away, a little bit shamed.
“So when is it?” asked Fluttershy.
“Next week, I think,” I said.
“The princess said within the next two weeks,” Twilight remarked. Within two weeks? That was no time at all really.
“Well, I would be honored if you let me make your outfits,” offered Rarity. Twilight turned to her.
“That’d be great. Richard and I can come over and get measurements,” responded Twilight. Rarity beamed.
I went through the rest of breakfast in a daze, answering and talking automatically. I was lost in thought. Wondering about my future. What was I going to do with my life?

Rarity’s shop, boutique rather, was immaculate. She decided to measure me first, so I could let the two have girl talk. She used her magic to get that tape places I’d never imagine tape would go. It took only a minute, yet it felt like hours of standing and getting violated. I left Twilight and Rarity to discuss the wedding.
Outside the boutique stood a big, red pony. He stood in front of me. I tried to step around, but he blocked me. He was huge.
“Excuse me, but I have to go around…” I tried to tell him. Something landed on my back, throwing a bag over my head. It smelled sickly sweet… chloroform! I felt dizzy as I tried to buck off the bag. It held tight. 
Everything was going slow, and numb. My bucking became weak. I felt myself fall to the ground, too tired to move. Last thing I felt was me getting picked up.
 
Chapter VI
The noon day sun shone brightly on my face. My flailing hands knocked over my bedside lamp, it crashed to the floor; shattering into a million pieces. My hands reached my chest, feeling it up and down. I was safe, in here, in my head. What happened? Who was taking me and why? I had to go back. I grabbed four more pills. I needed them to work fast.
I was in a strange room. Not too strange… no. It was the barn, Applejack’s barn. The big, red pony was throwing something in my face, tasted like whiskey. Everything was distorted. There were quite a few ponies in the room, many stallions. A few mares were in the room, dancing with the boys. No, not with. Dancing on the boys. I blinked slowly, hoping for my vision to correct itself.
“Ay… he’s… ‘p,” said the red one slowly. I tried to focus on him, it was hard. Another pony came up, he was a brown blob.
“Ho’… ‘ch… use?” he asked. His blob formed as he peered closer. Was he a doctor?
“Not much,” said Red. His voice was thick. He splashed more whiskey on my face. I coughed and sputtered, nearly retching.
“Stop it,” I said. Shapes began to clear up as the chloroform left me.
“Howdy, Richard,” said Red clearly, “M’ name’s Big Mac. Applejack’s brother. Welcome to your bachelor party.” So that was his name. The brown pony helped me up.
“Yes, Richard. Welcome! Mac and I put this little ‘shindig’ together. I’m the Doctor.” Said… the Doctor.
“The Doctor? That’s not a name,” I said. He shrugged.
“It’s what I’ve got. Now let’s get you having fun.” He waved over one of the dancers. She came over.
“What cha’ need?” she asked, eying the Doctor hungrily.
“My friend needs dance, stat.” she nodded sauntering up to me. She began a rhythmic dance against my southern states.
“I don’t think I,” I get cut off. Big Mac sticks a bottle of whiskey in my mouth, forcing me to drink.
“Come on, Richard. Have fun,” he chides me. My body’s caught in a civil war, the north thoughts fighting the pleasure of the south. The north won, throwing me deep into thought, away from the dancer. I hoped Twilight never found out. But then again, didn’t everyone have a bachelor party? I saw Mr. Cake chatting to some other men, sipping what looked to be like beer. He was here, happy. Mrs. Cake must be ok with this.
Twilight was different, or was she? Did I really know her to make the judgment? Probably not. The mare had gotten up and moved on. Big Mac was edging me towards the refreshment table. He passed a beer to me, popping off the cap. It fell with a heavy thud to the floor, he didn’t seem to notice. I tasted the beer, it was bitter.
I saw them all dancing, having a good time. Why can’t I have a good time? Perhaps I should let loose, let my guard down. What did I have to keep pure? Another one of the mares sidled up to me, rubbing cutie-marks. She gave me a look of curiosity.
“Hey there, big boy. I heard you’re getting married. How about letting loose?” she asked.
“I’m not sure about that. Never been good at letting loose.” She gave a small chuckle. She brought her head close, giving me a small peck on the lips. She pulled back slowly.
“Did that help?” she asked.
“No,” I said, pushing her away. I had to get out of here. She seemed hurt, but only a little until another stallion took her away. Where did they even find these girls? I walked outside of the barn, feeling the cold night’s breeze. The moon was high and bright. It illuminated the apple farm. The trees moved softly with the wind.
“I have to get back to Twilight,” I said to the wind. The Doctor stood next to me; I hadn’t even heard him move.
“You should have fun, Richard. Come on.” He said.
“Why? What would Twilight think?” I asked.
He laughed, “We asked Twilight if she minded. She was fine with it.”
I turned to him, “What? Really?” He nodded.
“She told me to make sure you didn’t sleep through it though. That was her one condition. Oh, also make sure he doesn’t get with any tramps. Sorry about that one.” Twilight said it was ok? Well then, I guess it couldn’t hurt too much. He handed me a beer. I took it.
“That was intense,” I say as I wake up. I look to my left and then to my right, nothing. Back at the apartment. My stomach roars with hunger, I ignore it. I had just gotten home to Twilight and was telling her about what happened. I grabbed pills.
“That was intense,” I say to Twilight who’s sitting on the chair. She’s reading a book while having orange juice in the morning. She smiles.
“Not too intense, right?” she asks coyly.  I smile too.
“Not as intense as you,” I say, giving her a big kiss.
“Well, I’m glad you had fun,” she said. “The bed’s warm if you still want to sleep.”
“I’d rather lie here with you,” I said, curling up to her on the couch.
The days to the wedding passed uneventfully. Just hours of planning and readying. It was Friday when we left for Canterlot. Celestia had given us rooms in the castle for the occasion. It was the first time I’d seen her. She was majestic. She stood higher than even Big Mac and a flowing mane of radiant colors. Her voice seemed to be able calm anyone.
“Welcome, Richard. I’ve heard a lot about you,” she said as she saw us, “and hello to you as well, my apprentice.” Twilight blushed.
“Thank you for doing this, princess. It means a lot to us,” said Twilight. I agreed.
“Twilight, this is a big day for you. Of course I’d help you two,” Celestia said. She signaled for stewards to show us to our room. We had one at the top of a spire. The view was amazing; I thought I could have seen Ponyville from it. Twilight as I had a few hours to kill and we killed them together.
“The wedding’s tomorrow. I can’t risk being sent back here,” I said, pacing the room.
“Should I take more pills?”
“No, you take too many, we will run out.”
“We’ll just get more. Why wouldn’t that work?”
“The need of pills is the problem.” I clutched my stomach, it roared in hunger. I walked into the bathroom, looking at the mirror. I looked like shit.
My skin was pale; my eyes look sunk-in. I must smell, I haven’t showered in days. I threw water into my face, it still looked bad. I had a coughing fit, blood splattered into the sink. I spit the rest out.
“What the hell, I can’t be sick now! I’ve got bigger things planned.” I went back to the bed. Taking four more of the magic pills, and then four again. This was going to be good.
I was roused awake by Twilight; she had my suit laid out on the bed.
“What?” I mumbled.
“Marriage time, hurry up,” she said, floating the clothes onto me. She gave me a look over. “You look good; now send in Rarity so I can get dressed too.” I walked out the door. Everypony stood outside, at least our five friends did.
“She wants to see you, Rarity,” I said. Rarity bustled by me, going inside. “What now?” I asked.
“Come with us,” said Pinkie Pie. The four of them lead me downstairs into the grand ballroom. It was magnificent. Grand tapestries hung from the ceiling. Grand ice sculpture lined the tables. Hundreds of chairs were set up.
“Do I know this many ponies?” I asked.
“The princess is bringing in everypony,” said Rainbow Dash, “it’s a royal affair.” Oh boy, I thought, this was going to be weird. Big Mac walked next to me.
“Ah hope ya’ don’t mind, but ya’ needed a best stallion and Big Mac obliged. That alright with ya’?” asked Applejack.
“Yeah, that’s fine,” I said.
“Wedding time,” Celestia’s voice boomed. Ponies began to stream in, taking chairs left and right. My four friends stood next to the pulpit. I guessed they must be best mares. Big Mac led me to just outside the door.
“Alright, just do what the priest says and you should be good,” he said. I nodded, feeling out of body. This felt so strange. Big Mac was looking at the stage, he nudged me. “It’s go time,” he said. He started to walk down the aisle. I took after him, overtaking him slightly. I took my spot on the stage, to the left of the pulpit. The girls looked at me, dreamy eyes. Music started playing on the pipe organ. A somber yet happy tone.
That’s when I saw her, at the end of the aisle. She was beautiful. An elegant dress inlaid with gems. It really matched her last name. Flanked with her mother and Rarity she strode down the aisle elegantly. Taking her spot to the right of the pulpit.
What happened next I will always remember.
“Oh, Richard,” moaned Twilight, rolling onto her side of the bed. She was breathing heavily, as was I. I gave her a big kiss.
“I love you,” I whispered softly into her ear. I don’t remember how long we had been at it, but that didn’t matter. I was loved and in love. She fell asleep between my hooves. I tried to stay awake, to be with her longer. But I couldn’t; I was exhausted.
“No!” I screamed at the room. I had woken up alone, again. I grabbed my hair, screaming as I wrenched it out in anger. 
“Why can’t I have love? WHY!” I screamed. I didn’t care who heard.
“I need… to stay… with her…” I said… mumbling… delirious. I grabbed the gun in my night stand. Guns and pills? Not the best combination. I made sure it was loaded, I turned off the safety.
It felt wrong, yet so right in my hands. It was the answer. It was the cure for all my problems. 
“This is the dream,” I told myself as I put the gun to my chin.
“Why can’t I be happy?” I asked. I asked God, I asked Celestia. No one responded.
“Why can’t I just live there?” The same response, nothing. The barrel felt cold.
“Please…” I pleaded. I pulled the trigger.
“Richard, honey. Are you alright?” asked Twilight.
“What?” I asked.
“You were thrashing around. Is everything ok?” she asked again.
“Yeah, just a bad dream,” I said. “It’s over now that you’re here.” 

> 5.Dick Another Day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Richard Pound
In:
Dick Another Day
By: Green Draft

Two years is a long time. Time for forgive; time to forget. I had forgiven Twilight for taking Sunny’s memories. It had been for the best. She’d had only the best intentions. Ponyville stayed the same as it always had. The… creatures from space are all but forgotten. No one knows why they attacked, and no one cares anymore.
Twilight was making dinner. I was trying to find a book that Sunny would like. He didn’t like reading, and I think Rainbow Dash was a fault there.
“How about some science fiction?” I asked him. He pouted.
“No way, Dad. That’s for eggheads,” he proclaimed. I sighed; this was going to be tough.
“Come on. Read a damn book,” I said.
“Richard!” called Twilight from the kitchen.
“Sorry,” I called back. I turned back to Sunny. He was turning into a strapping young pegasi. He could fly, but not very well. Perhaps lessons with Fluttershy would be better, more his level.
“Dad, I don’t like reading. It’s boring,” he said.
“It’s not boring,” I told him. “Your mother is the librarian. It’s reading that gives us the nice tree house.”
“Also the money from the princess,” he said all-knowingly. How did he know these things? Darn kids.
I lowered my voice, “reading made me the way I am today, smart. Now I’m going to get into trouble unless you read a book, which means you get in trouble too. So pick one out.” He sighed. Turning to the book case. After a minute he picked one out. I took a look. Daring Doo, huh. 
“This looks interesting. It’s got a pretty mare on the cover,” he said. Oh god, he’s thinking about mares. That’s Twilight job, I decided.
I nudged him to the couch, “well ok then. You just get reading that and I’ll get you when it’s time for dinner.” He took a short leap to the couch, gliding down with his wings. I trotted to the kitchen, feeling slightly jealous of the wings.
“Got him to read,” I declared successfully. 
“Good for you,” said Twilight, hovering a steaming pot to the table. “I think maybe we should have a talk with Rainbow Dash.”
“The egghead thing?” I asked.
“Yes, the egghead thing. You know, reading would do her good too.” I had slight doubts that she could read, but that was mean. She could probably read.
I took a seat at the table, leaning back. “Man, things have been really boring.” 
“I know, Dick. But there isn’t much crime in Equestria anymore,” she said. I knew that, and that was good. Crime was bad when you’re raising a son.
“His birthday is coming up you know,” I said. This had been a sticky spot for us. We didn’t exactly know his birthday, so we made it the day we had adopted him. We guessed him to be around six now. He would attend Cheerilee’s class next year. That would be something.
“I know,” she said.
“I asked Pinkie to throw a party. Seven’s a big number.” She merely nodded.

 

Chapter II

“Happy birthday, Sunny!” cried the assembled room. Everypony was here. Pinkie pie had thrown a solid party again this year. She had made his favorite cake, chocolate. He had assembled a moderate stack of presents.
Sunny ran up to Twilight and I, hugging both of us. “Thank you, mom and dad,” he said.
“Who wants to play pin the tail on the pony?” asked Pinkie Pie. Sunny ran off excitedly.
“Hey, Richard, uh, I was wondering if I could give Sunny a pet. I’ve got a really nice kitten, if you don’t mind,” said Fluttershy. Sunny having a pet? That wouldn’t be so bad. We could use a cat around here too.
“Sure thing, Fluttershy. You want me to bring him around after?” I asked.
“Oh, sure. That’d be wonderful.” She smiled, fluttering off to get a glass of punch.
“Fluttershy wants to give Sunny a cat?” asked Twilight. “That’s a big responsibility.” I gave her a quick nuzzle.
“It’ll be fine. Cats are no trouble at all,” I assured her.
“Whatever you say, smartypants.” She walked off. Rainbow Dash came up to me next. How many ponies was I going to be talking to?
“Hey, Dick. I’ve been watching Sunny’s flying,” she said.
“Yeah, he’s doing well isn’t he?” I asked. Her mouth gave a strange slant.
“Not so much. He might not be ready for the flight test,” she said.
“What? That’s not for years. I’m sure you can teach him well. Like Scootaloo right?” I asked.
“Oh yeah, I can teach him well.” She hurried off, a trait they all seemed to have gotten today.
Seven years old… at least that’s what we thought. How could we not know? We didn’t even know his damn age. We were his parents. We are now at least. It saddened me, saddened me to think that he had been abandoned at such an age. Why would they do that? He was a perfect child, next to no trouble now.
Now that he didn’t remember. That thought hurt me too. I hadn’t brought it up in over a year, and never in front of Sunny. It would devastate him, crush him. The jewelers had been cleaned out and auctioned off to someponies from out of town. They ran a grocery store in there now. We had bought from there once or twice. We didn’t risk bringing him back, in case his memories rush back.
I looked at him now, trying to pin a fake tinsel tail on the back of a pony on the wall. He was blindfolded. Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo tried to tell him the directions. He was having none of it. He was destined to be a free spirit, like his dad. I didn’t want that. He should try and be something better than me, better than I could ever be. What I had become, a hero, a knight, was nothing compared to what I had done, what had happened.
“Hey, Dick. What’s up?” I awoke from thought. Next to me stood Roseluck. I remembered her, from the very first case in Ponyville.
“Hey, Roseluck. Nothing much,” I said dismissively. Normally I liked talking to her, but not today, at least now. She had flowers in her mouth.  She put them in a vase on the nearest table. They clashed slightly current display. It should be happy, yet I wasn’t.
Twilight had been right. There wasn’t crime in Equestria anymore. There was nothing to do anymore. My life had become boring, stagnant. Things weren’t the same, and I wished they had been. Nothing could compare to the days when my life had been in danger. Twilight would never see it that way. She wanted me home safe and sound. I took a step outside, standing away from the music and festivities.
I spotted a strange pony walking alone through the streets. Hugh Jelly, I thought, what a freak. He always gave me the chills, nopony was that strange. I tried to keep Sunny away from him, fearful of what contact might bring.
The night was cloudy… no, it wasn’t. A large cluster of clouds hung in the middle of the sky over Canterlot. It dwarfed Canterlot. Something didn’t feel right about it. I yelled for Rainbow Dash, surely she’d know more. She came outside as fast as she could.
“What’s the matter, Richard?” she asked. She looked at the huge cloud too.
“That rubs me the wrong way. Know anything?” I asked. She shook her head.
“Last I heard the sky was supposed to be clear,” she said. “Must be something wrong in Canterlot.” That gave me the slightest tingle of hope. That could mean something to do. “I’m sure it’s nothing though.” She glanced inside. “Oh, they’re cutting the cake, come on.” 

Sunny dozed sweetly amongst the wrapping paper. No one had the heart to wake him up. The last of the guests had left as Twilight levitated him to his bed. I sat on the edge of the bed, gazing through the window towards Canterlot. My attention rapt on the cloud. Glowing lights shimmered across the surface. The cloud seemed to disperse, revealing gray shapes arranged in inexplicable ways. It wasn’t natural, that’s for sure. 
“What are you?” I asked slowly, uselessly. What appeared to be the underbelly opened up, revealing a cylinder. The cylinder descended pointing into the heart of Canterlot.
With a flash of light, Canterlot was gone.
 

Chapter III

“No!” I screamed, leaping from the bed and down the stairs. I nearly collided into Twilight as she tried to ascend them.
“Dick, what’s the matter?” she asked. I didn’t have time to explain.
“Get me to Canterlot, take Sunny somewhere safe. Hurry!” I said frantically.
“Dick, it’s late,” she said.
“There’s no time! You have to trust me, please.” She was worried, unsure of my sanity. I was too. Was that true? I didn’t have long to think. Twilight horn glowed with potent magical energies. I felt the bonds of reality slip away; I was in two places at once for just a fraction of a second, and then there was fire. Lot of fire.

Canterlot was on fire. There were no signs of life. I looked up into the sky. The strange ship was still there. Buildings were destroyed, even more than the meteors. I looked to the castle, it looked unscathed. I ran there, hoping to find a sign of life.
Upon closer inspection the castle was surrounded in a magical shield. I passed through with ease. I thought that it probably did more to deflect the ships weapons. There were no guards at the gates, that wasn’t a good sign. Perhaps the shield had done nothing against the monstrous power. I hurried into the castle. It was there I found life. Hundreds of ponies sat in the castle, many with hooves over their heads, shaking from fear. The princesses would be in the throne room.
They were, but Celestia was deep in concentration, her horn glowing wickedly. I trotted up to Luna.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“Richard, you’re always here when trouble starts. I’m starting to think you cause it,” she said, a tone of sorrow.
“I don’t cause, I just stop it,” I said nonchalantly. She huffed.
“We think it was aliens from years ago. They came back with force,” she said. “Celestia’s doing her best to keep up the shield before a second attack. We have to fight back.”
“But how?”
“We are sending all the pegasi we can muster. I know I can’t stop you from joining them. Hurry to the gardens, they are grouping there.”

“Ok mares and stallions. We don’t know what we are fighting,” said the general. He stood at the front of maybe a hundred pegasi. Only half of them were guards. Stewards were bringing out chariots with siege weapons mounted on the back. “Teams one and two are tasked with getting in.” I guess I knew which team I was going to go with. “The rest will take the chariots and fight whatever they bring out. Any questions?” I walked up to him as he stood off the box he used as a stage.
“I need to get in there,” I said. He laughed.
“You don’t have wings. You ain’t going in there.”
“I’ll use the chariot, I’ll take care of it from there,” I assured him. He laughed again.
“Whatever. You know, yeah, that’s fine,” he said. He found a weak looking pegasi, “here, go with Breeze here. He’ll be taking a ballista chariot.” He addressed the crowd fully, “Line up for flight!” The pegasi scrambled to get into lines and harnesses for the chariots. I took my spot in the chariot behind Breeze. He gave me a weak nod. He had a running nose.
The chariot had a ballista mounted in the front, with several racks of bolts under it. It looked easy enough to operate. Just point and click right? The cart jolted, the pegasi were taking off. I closed the back, hoping I wouldn’t fall out until the right time. 
The pegasi tore off into the sky, staying in loose formations. The raiding parties consisted of all the guards. The civilians were left to the outside. The guards started flying to the open bay around the belly of the strange ship. Why hadn’t they used meteors like last time? A strange rumbling from the ship bought my attention. Smaller ships, like planes burst out, flying to intercept the guards. Our team flew to intercept the planes. I loaded up a rack of bolts and pulled back the piston. I took aim at the closest plane.
Phchunk!
The bolt missed by ten feet. I pulled back the piston again, but the plane had moved on. Cracking noises came from the planes. They were shooting back. I saw one of the chariots incinerate from the laser blasts.
I yelled to Breeze, “Don’t get in front of those things!” I think he nodded. Another plane was banking next to us. I took another shot. It cracked the glass near the cockpit. It veered off course, fearing a second shot. A chariot pulled up next to us.
“Shoot for the glass,” the mare at the weapon yelled. I tried to thank her, but she was gone a second later. Her chariot hit by one of the planes.
“Take us closer to the ship!” I screamed at Breeze. Our course changed, pointing towards the ship. I turned the weapon around spotting the ship that had shot our neighbors. It was charging for another shot.
“Take this you son of a bitch!” I screamed. I fired a shot through the glass. The glass shattered, revealing one of the creatures. This one was different from the ones before. It had a bolt in its head. The ship was losing altitude, crashing violently into the city below. Breeze was flying around the cylinder, up into the belly. I wondered how many guards had made it.
 

Chapter IV

The bay we landed in looked deserted; no sign of the creatures or ponies. It made me feel sad.
“Breeze, do you want to come with me?” I asked him. He shook his head. He stomped a hoof on the ground. I guess he couldn’t talk.
“Fair enough. I’ll be back as soon as I stop this,” I told him. I looked around, finding a door leading to a long empty hallway. It was a cold, gray like the rest of the ship. I could hear the blaring sirens down farther in the ship. I hoped everypony was safe, but I couldn’t hope for the impossible. The hallway was lined with doors every twenty or so feet. The end of the hallway was a t-junction.
I heard the sound of footsteps clacking as one of the doors slides open. Thinking quickly I duck into the room opposite the gun bay. The room is dark, I feel around for a light source. With a click the lights turn on, revealing crates. I can still hear the creatures walking by. There must be tens of them. I hear the door of the gun bay slide open. They’ve found Breeze! I hear the ballista fire once, and then a cacophony of laser fire.
Breeze was gone, I knew that to true. The sound of the creatures walking faded away. They must have moved on. I decided it would be best to check inside one of the crates. To see what they’ve been transporting. It opens with the press of a button. Inside if a bunch of vials containing different liquids. Strange markings label them, Fu, Io, Ag, and many others. What the hell were these?
No time for that. I had to get to the bottom of this. Something must be driving this ship. Something must be responsible for all those deaths. I closed the crate and left the small room. Back in the hallway, there were two ways to go, left and right. The creatures had gone left. That meant I was going right. Running into those things here would be disastrous. It took three of us to take them out years ago, and I bet they had gotten stronger.
The hallway was bleak, uniform doors passed beside me. Buzzing lights illuminated the small, cramped hallways. It felt weird, walking so far above the ground. Perhaps we were a thousand feet up. I’d never been so high up in my life.
The floor shook, throwing me off my feet. The report of an explosion rocks the ship. Sirens begin to scream, closer this time. I get back up; there is work to be done. I walked up to stranger doors, double doors. They open to an elevator, I step inside. The interface for choosing a floor locked me out, sending me to the bridge as I apply my hoof to the panel.
“This can’t be good,” I mutter. The elevator stops after what seems like ten minutes. The doors slide open and I’m greeted by the barrels of two laser rifles. A third creature grabs me by my middle and carries me to the captain’s chair.
The captain is different. He isn’t silver and iron all over. He is white, tan; a short mane, no, hair covers his head. I recognize this for what he is. He’s human.
“Well, well, well,” he says, trying not to laugh as he looks at me. “Look what we’ve got here. A pony!” the assembled crew laughs, forcedly. “What do you think you’re doing here little thing? You should be under our big guns.” He speaks in my language.
“Well, you know how it is. Gotta stop bastard humans from having all the fun,” he drops the smile.
“You know what I am?” he asks.
“Obviously. You know, I’d think I’d prefer Los Angeles to this shitty ship you got here. I’d rather get mugged too.” The crew is stunned. How would a foreigner know of L.A.?
“Where are you from?” asks the captain. Perhaps he is scared of us, or maybe just me.
“I’m from L.A. 1954. You know, the atom bomb, Soviet Union, all the good stuff. But I said, Hell, why not change scenery? So here I am, living life.”
“Well then, we got a fellow Earthling here guys. He may look cute, but he’s got quite the edge,” joked the captain. “Now perhaps you can help us, fellow man. Help up clear out the ponies so we can gut this forsaken planet.”
“Gut it? Why? Fucked up Earth too bad? I left it a goddamned utopia.”
“A lot has changed since 1954, uh, pony-man. Originally I was going to have them kill you, but now that I see you used to be one of us, let’s share formalities. I’m Captain Johnson. You are?”
“Richard,” I told him.
“Alright, Dick. Now the Earth isn’t too pretty, overpopulation and all that took a toll on Mother Earth. We need to expand. This looked like a nice place, too many ponies however. They have to go.” The ponies had to go? This was their land, their world. If anything the humans should go.
“Why should you get it? You ruined the planet you had!” I screamed at him. 
“Maybe you don’t understand, Dick, but might makes us right. So maybe you should go too,” he said. He turned to one of the silver humans. “Take him to the brig.” A silver one picked me up, taking me to the elevator.
 

Chapter V

The creature stood alone in the elevator, left arm around my middle, right arm hanging uselessly. It really was easier with four legs, always something to do with them. The elevator started to descend; the brig was at the bottom of the ship, near the gun bay. I couldn’t let the humans do this! I started shifting my weight, forcing the human to wobble.
“Stop it,” he garbled through his mask. He leaned back enough so that he was close to the back wall. I gave it a strong kick, throwing us against the front of the elevator. His head cracked against the door, leaving a small splatter of blood. His arm had been enough to hold me back from a similar fate. I picked his hand up, using it to touch the elevators panel, stopping out descent. I had to stop the ship somehow. I read the different floors the elevator stopped at.
Medical, Weaponry, Bridge, Engineering, Dormitories, Brig…  
“I think engineering should work, that might be the engines,” I said foolishly. How am I going to shut this thing down? A tall order. No, I have to free the guards first before I can take this thing out. I pushed his finger against the button for the Brig, feeling the elevator begin to shift again.

The brig was nearly empty. The only defining feature was the cell in the back, but the cell was devoid of pony life. A solitary human sat at the back, he looked haggard and dirty, like Bastion had been. I approached the cell.
“What are you in for?” I asked. He looked up, surprised to see me.
“You… you’re one of those things; those ponies,” he muttered.
“Yes, I am. Why are you in here? Shouldn’t you be destroying this perfect world?” He gave a small laugh.
“No, that’s their thing. They wanted to do it. I was thrown in here for insubordination. You can probably guess why.”
“Where are all the pegasi?” I asked.
“They wouldn’t throw them in here. Why bother? Just shoot at them and they disappear. Less trouble that way.” He finally looked me in the eye. “They called you wild beasts, but I didn’t believe that. I saw the structures, the lives!” He fell into a fit of coughing.
“You see, my little friend. When we came years ago, it was to scout for resources. This planet, this land, is thick with gems and wood and oil. Everything our dying civilization need.”
“The humans are dying?” I asked, shocked. He nodded slowly.
“The captain won’t admit. Many others won’t either. The human race left Earth a long time ago. It was nearly destroyed by us, nuclear war and all that.”
“That’s awful,” I said coldly. I no longer felt connection to these people.
“Not really. We needed it; we had to get out of there. We were stagnating, not just as people, but as a civilization. We took to the stars, to find new homes.” He looked to the side, remembering his history. “No one let us in,” a long pause, “we had been watched for a long time. Other creatures saw us a threat, not only to them, but to ourselves.”
“Why here though? We are peaceful! We don’t want to fight,” I told him. He shrugged it off.
“Yeah, but neither do we. That’s why we came here. Slash and burn, take all of the good things. Perhaps we even start a colony here. It’s just what we do.”
“But you didn’t want this?” I asked.
“Nope. Call me whatever you want, but I think humanity’s time is up.”
“Will you help me stop them? Get them from Equestria?” I asked frantically. He smiled briefly.
“Sorry, kid.” He raised his arm, wrapped around it was three sticks of dynamite. “But I can’t leave the room.”
“Must have been some crime,” I muttered.
“The worst,” he explained, “heresy.” I brought my face closer to the bars.
“What can I do? To shut them down?” He thought deeply.
“You can turn off the engines, overload them, maybe.”
“Are they on the engineering level? I asked.
“Where else would they be?” he said.
 

Chapter VI

So there I was, shooting lasers at a control panel. The room was filled with billowing smoke and the sound of sirens. Panels melted under the heat of laser fire. An explosion filled the room with violent light and sound. An automatic voice cried over the P.A. system
Engine Failure. 0 vertical lift. Time to impact surface… 4 minutes.
4 minutes wasn’t long at all. I had to get back to the elevator. The body of the guard was still there, blood had scabbed over the floor and door. I used him to press the button for the gun bay.

The approaching ground reminded me of one thing. That I was stuck up here. I looked to the chariot that had brought Breeze and I here. The poor stallion had died. Died because I felt it was my job to stop this, again. I had stopped it, at least I hoped I had. Breeze, I knew nothing about him but his name. Who was he? What did he do daily? Did he struggle with alcoholism? Was he kind to all the mares? I had gotten him killed.
Time to impact… 1 minute.
1 minute. That was all I had left now. The ground sped by, plenty of forests. I hoped Twilight would understand. Understand that this was who I am. I can’t sit idly when somepony’s getting repressed. What would she think?  I wondered. 
30 seconds.
Time was slowing down. My life flashed before my eyes. My first time in Ponyville. Oh god, what a fool I had been to think this a dream. It had been a dream in one way, that it was perfect. Meeting Pinkie Pie that first day. She had been so kind to a total stranger. Twilight letting me stay for free. That I failed at even the simplest jobs that Applejack had.
20 seconds.
The Lunar Revolution. All those things. The molotovs. I had brought them into Equestria; thankfully they had died that day. Xavier, he had been tricked into serving Bastion, and I had burned him, scarring him for life.
10 seconds.
The ground was so close now. The Princess tricking me… what did that even amount to anymore? My life had become better by leagues since her treachery. I had a wife and a son. 
5 seconds.
Poor Sunny, I thought. It brought a song to mind. Whenever I thought of him. When we had first brought him home, he had been so sad.
“ You Are My Sunshine -My only sunshine. -You make me happy
4
When skies are grey.
3
You'll never know, dear,
2
How much I love you.
1
Please don't take my sunshine away.”