Iron Colt

by Demon Eyes Laharl


Chapter 1

A few hours ago. . .

Lights dimmed. A small click was heard as a projector opened up. Everypony in their tables murmured in surprise as a video began to play, first showing the Ponytech logo, which consisted of a symbolic globe with a horseshoe inside . Gear Match, a unicorn with dull grey body with off-white mane and a cutie mark consisting of an intricate design of joined gears, heard soft gasps as the film that appeared before their eyes was crystal clear and the sound was amazing to hear.

Moving pictures with sound was not a relatively new concept. It dated back ages, before the First Equestrian War. It began with multiple drawn cartoons, cycled in quick succession to animate them, then evolved with live ponies captured on film. The entertainment industry began to slowly blossom.

Most of the time though, these shows, or cinema as it was now being called, was muddled up and the sound was somewhat scratchy. Thanks to R&D, cameras and recorders grew more sophisticated, films were cleaner and the new speakers gave more robust sounds. He could even hear some ponies wondering if the new Daring Do film, following the first one, would look as good as this.

“Technology.”

The logo changed to a light bulb lighting up.

“It is the bright future offered to everypony out there. It is the improvement of living that everypony deserves.”

Images of little fillies smiling; Gear Match loved that, always a classic.

“We at Ponytech Industries strive everyday to increase awareness of an underestimated part of pony life. And with each year, Ponytech has discovered or improved varying aspects of tools or infrastructures, from the more stable electro-magic system of big cities like Manehattan and Fillydelphia. . .”

An edited image showing Princess Celestia’s sun sinking quickly while Princess Luna’s night sky formed and the city slowly began to glow in artificial light.

“. . . To better medicines, improved light systems, to more advanced concepts like automated transportation.”

Everypony seemed to look at awe as a concept automated land and air chariots moving without the influence of any Pegasus or earth ponies.

“Every year, applications of Ponytech technology keeps up the average profit margins, using mass scale productions to keep products affordable”

Yeah, this was the part that Gear Match didn’t fully agree on. It had too many big words that were new, and rarely used by ponies. But at least the image of a Ponytech factory at work, an assembly line filled with different ponies each doing different jobs in creating a product, seemed to have been attracting attention. And at the center, a huge circular container, inside, magical energy spinning fast forming a blue and yellow blur powered the factory and the city.

It was Ponytech’s proudest and most advanced inventions: the Artificial Magic Reactor, which was now slowly replacing the outdated steam engines that provided electro-magic in the big cities.

“It is Ponytech’s vision that in the future, technology will be affordable for everyone. And we are proud to be part of making that happen.”

And it ended with the Ponytech logo once more.

Still, it seemed the film did its job to impress. He heard a lot of ponies stamping the carpeted floor with a warm applause. Even Princess Celestia, the guest of honor for this meeting, gave modest and dignified stomps.

Gear Match looked towards his left, and sighed.

Prince Blueblood had advised that he may or may not be present depending on circumstance, and with the Princess’ presence, Gear Match knew the Prince was not going to make an appearance.

He stood up, and waved at a few ponies, and gave them a warm smile. He slowly cantered towards the stage, and positioned himself near the microphone. The stamping gave way, but he waited until everyone stopped before he spoke.

“Everypony, welcome to Ponytech Industries annual show. . .”

-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-

Gear Match gave a nod as he greeted each of his guests out. Some promised more bits to invest, some wondering how long it will take for Ponytech to create the new marvels of transportation. Some were a bit more hostile, asking what the pegasi would do if those automated chariots were created. He had given a small anecdote of trains that were usually pulled by Earth Pony stallions, yet are now running with the steam engines. All in all, though, the reception of new concept technology seemed to go over well with the others.

“I must say, Gear Match, your presentation is quite impressive.”

Gear Match bowed as none other than Princess Celestia approached. Her multicolored mane flowed with unseen and unfelt winds, and her golden crown shone unblemished. She graced him a small smile.

“Princess Celestia,” Gear Match replied. “You honor me with your presence. I hope the show was to your liking.”

Celestia nodded. “It was a spectacular show. And I am excited to see new discoveries Ponytech has made. Why, I never imagined how advanced the company would continue to be! I’d have thought after the AMR Ponytech would take the chance to relax a little. Now I’m hearing that a machine that thinks for itself is being developed!”

Gear Match’s eyes went wide. He lowered his head, and whispered, “Princess, have you been talking to Prince Blueblood regarding Ponytech projects?”

“He occasionally mutters things when he thinks he’s alone. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but honestly, speaking to oneself in the halls of a castle invites such opportunities.”

“Ah. I’ll give Prince Blueblood a warning. As for the thinking machine, I’m sorry to disappoint you, Princess Celestia, but the ‘computer’ project is still years away from production. We haven’t had much breakthrough.”

“I see,” Celestia gave him a nod. “ Well, I’d love to see this ‘computer’ of yours once it pushes through. Speaking of my nephew, I was under the impression that he would be here today, to host this event,” Celestia’s eyes roamed around, trying to spot the blonde maned unicorn. “Where is Prince Blueblood?”

“Ah, well, Princess. . .”

-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-

“And there we . . . go!” Blueblood declared as he magically threw the two dice he had telekinetically held towards the green felt table. When the results came up, he gave the crowd a smile as they whooped. “And there it is, ponies! Come on, give me another shot!”

The dealer shook his head, smiling as he pushed a few credit bits to Blueblood’s direction, along with a new pair of dice.

The Prince winked at one of the mares, maroon with a silver four-pointed star cutie mark, situated on his left as he levitated the pair of dice. She was an exotic creature, definitely had some Neighpon ancestry with her canted eyes. She had a nice flank, and well combed coat, mane and tail. She was the perfect companion for the tabloids and newspapers to marvel at.

He could practically see the headlines tomorrow. ‘Prince Blueblood’s new conquest?’

“Now, my lady, would you be so kind?” he asked as he magically floated the dice nearby. The mare giggled, her dark pink mane flowed beautifully as she shifted her head. She blew the dices slightly, and with that, Blueblood threw them towards the table, only to be surprised when they stopped mid-air, and began to float away.

“What in Equestria,” Blueblood huffed as he looked around. “Who dares interfere with my. . .” and he spotted Princess Celestia followed by Gear Match in tow. For a moment, a victorious expression washed over his face before being replaced to a glaringly fake smile. “Princess Celestia. What a very pleasant surprise. What brings you here?”

The surrounding ponies paused at first, momentarily in shock. When it finally caught up with them, most murmured their greetings and bowed towards their beloved leader. Celestia spared a smile for most of them, but when her face turned to Prince Blueblood, her expression turned cold.

“Prince Blueblood, come with me please.”

Blueblood swallowed. “Oh, um, Princess Celestia, I would like to--”

“Now.”

The Prince nodded, and slowly approached the Princess. A few moments later, he felt the familiar tingle of magic as everything around him mashed into a sea of colors, fading into grey, and finally turning green as Blueblood found himself in the Royal Gardens in Canterlot.

His aunt’s magic always impressed him. From Manehattan to Canterlot in seconds; it always reminded him to tread carefully around her. As benevolent as she was, she had a temper that once stoked, cows everyone, even Princess Luna, the feared Princess of the Night.

Celestia sighed as she shook her head, and moved slightly away from Blueblood. Her odd steps informed the Prince she was trying to calm herself down. He kept quiet, and allowed her to do her work.

After a minute, she finally looked at Blueblood. “Nephew.”

Blueblood took a moment before realizing that Celestia was waiting for a response. “Yes Auntie?”

“When you first advised me of your momentous investment years ago to build up your own company and business, I was happy. I was especially proud when they told me that you proved to be an excellent leader by your own right and was able to steer Ponytech Industries in the right direction on their projects. My day was specifically brightened when I heard you were assigned to host the annual event. I was even told that you’d be honored if I was to attend. I was hoping that after what had happened in the Grand Galloping Gala, you were willing to show me that you were taking steps on the right direction.”

Blueblood swallowed. “Well, Auntie, I am honored. . .”

“Yet not honored enough to show up?” Celestia sighed. “Nephew, why do you do this to me?”

“Auntie, with all due respect, you told me to keep myself hidden.”

“From public view, Blueblood!” Celestia almost used her own Canterlot Royal Voice. Almost. “Instead of hosting the show, you were off gambling. Oh yes, that’s keeping yourself hidden.”

“I could host it next year--”

“Like how you will behave properly next time on the next Grand Galloping Gala?” Celestia asked. “Humiliating a pony hero? The holder of the Element of Generosity? Was that what were you trying to do today? Humiliate me?”

“Of course not, Auntie! And if I had known she was an important figure, Auntie, I wouldn’t have behaved like that!”

“The point is, Nephew, you shouldn’t have behaved like that at all!” Celestia sighed. She straightened up. “Prince Blueblood, I am very disappointed in you. I had hoped that after everything, you would have at least tried to improve your standing, if not with everypony, at least with your family.”

Blueblood looked at her. “I am sorry Auntie.”

“That’s the problem, Nephew. You are not.”

Blueblood felt a familiar tug and found himself once more in Manehattan, near the craps tables he had been playing. Ponies looked at the Prince carefully, half-worried, probably wondering if they should be running from a wrathful alicorn soon. He just gave them a smile.

“I must apologize, my good ponies, but it seems Princess Celestia has a need for me to run an errand for the good of Canterlot. I would stay as I have very much enjoyed the evening and the company,” and he gave a wink to the mare who had been beside him the whole night. “But alas, I must go. Fare thee well, everypony!”

The mare looked at him and whispered, barely audible, as he pushed past her ‘I’ll see you soon’ before she faded from view.

He hadn’t gone a few steps when he spotted Gear Match in a hurry to his direction. Blueblood gave him a slight wave before motioning towards the exit. His unicorn companion nodded, and made his way while Blueblood waved merrily at the ponies of Manehattan, slowly exiting the Stars and Stones casino.

Outside, Blueblood saw a carriage pulled by two pegasi and Gear Match waiting for him. Boarding the vehicle, the pegasi took a run before they were slowly lifted to the air. Only when the city was nothing but specks of light, and the cold night air reached its coldest did the Prince relax.

The pegasi pulling the chariot in the air breathed steady as they finally normalized their pace as their wings beat over in a rhythm. They were slowly travelling over the worrying expansion of the Everfree Forest. Blueblood hoped they’d be able to reach Fillydelphia in the next hour.

“So, Prince Blueblood, who was that mare?” Gear Match asked.

Blueblood blinked, and his mind recalled the maroon unicorn that blew at his dice. While she did whisper that she’d want to meet with him soon, he had no idea when that would be. Hay’s Straws, he didn’t even get her name.

“No idea,” he replied. “And really, Gear Match? Dodging the real question on your mind, hmm?”

Gear Match gave a frown, and shook his head. “I don’t like these games, Prince Blueblood. It gives me the willies.”

“I assure you, Gear Match, Princess Celestia is far too composed to lash out at you,” Blueblood said.

“Even if that is true, I do not like being part of whatever schemes you cook up to get to Princess Celestia! I know you’ve got your reasons, but deceiving her highness is not something I would like to do! Please, at least tell me you have succeeded?”

“No, Gear Match, she hasn’t disowned me yet,” Blueblood sighed. “Auntie’s been harder and harder to read these past few weeks. I had thought after what happened to the Gala would speed things up. She even sent me a letter.”

“Letter?”

“She, uh, eloquently expressed her dissatisfaction regarding my behavior at the Gala,” the Prince replied.

Gear Match blinked. “And that is a good thing?”

“She started with a ‘Dear Idiot Nephew’, so yes, I’m quite happy with it. She never usually stoops to insults, no matter how badly I misbehave, but I seemed to have pushed a few of her buttons when I ‘mishandled’ the Element of Generosity. Even accused me of stealing Aunt Luna some looks.”

“You’ve been. . . to Princess Luna?” Gear Match sounded somewhat disturbed.

The white stallion scoffed. “Don’t be a foal, Gear Match. Aunt Luna has a beautiful mane. That’s all. Auntie Celestia was just misinterpreting things. Or both of them are.”

“Then maybe you can use that as your advantage. . . if you can stomach the thought.”

Blueblood’s eyes widened and his mouth opened in horror. “Wha- . . . are you suggesting I act like I’m actually interested in Aunt Luna? Give the hints that I want to be her stallion?”

“Well, it could push a few buttons. . .”

“Are you mad? I want to get disowned, Gear Match, not banished to the moon! Not to mention that Aunt Luna scares me even more than my dear Auntie--”

Blueblood was cut off when his whole world exploded in a flash of white. Air rocked around him, and he could hear pounding in his ears. For a moment, he wondered what had happened, and where he was. Seconds felt like minutes, giving to hours as his eyes finally recovered from their temporary blindness. He could finally see the beautiful velvet night sky. blemished only by a dark cloud.

He then felt the air suddenly hitting his body as he felt sinking in the pit of his stomach. The whooshing of air transformed to whistling which sounded odd with the coldness of the air. The night sky was obstructed before he felt a painful impact on his back as his body flipped. He saw the ground just a second before he hit it.

Pain lit his body on fire. Blueblood felt tiredness he had never felt in all his life, even after spending sleepless nights working or in bed with a discreet mare. His front and forelegs felt stiff as he could hear more thunder over the air, with light flashing overhead.

He then heard voices.

“Hurry up. The gryphons won’t keep the Prince’s escorts delayed for long.”

“I think he landed here.”

“I think I can see that unicorn companion of his.”

Gear Match. Blueblood felt himself stand up as his brain cleared of indecisiveness. He was under attack, and they had his escorts pinned. It didn’t take long before he knew what direction the whole situation would turn unless he moved.

He groaned in pain as he forced himself up, and looked around. The forest grounds were not too thick, and with the lightning bolts up ahead he could see enough. Lanterns of low red fires burned around him, and he spotted Gear Match in a clearing up ahead. He checked his surroundings, wondering if there was some Dragonfire Crystal, parchment and quills so he could send out a message.

No such luck.

He took a breather. Contacting his Auntie was out. Next best step was to get to Gear Match, and hope he’s aware or at least awake. With their unicorn magic, they could at least hold off the ambushers until his escorts cleared up the skies. He even prayed that Aunt Luna was up there, watching, and would notice their predicament.

He ran as fast as he could, ignoring the sharp pain in his hooves.

“Where you going, Prince Charmless?”

The air whistled as Blueblood noticed a glint of metal coming at him fast. His horn glowed as a metallic four pointed star half his size came at him, hitting his magic barrier. He felt himself grunt as the force forced him back a few steps as more four pointed star projectiles came after him, smaller in size, but in quicker succession. He tried to form another barrier, but the projectiles came at him from everywhere, some going around his barrier, slashing shallowly at his sides.

The sharp pain took a toll in his concentration. His magic wavered as a louder whistle came at him. Then he felt unimaginable pain cut through him. He felt his magic fade, almost disappearing completely as he fell on the ground.

He looked up and saw an enormous four pointed star on the ground. And his horn.

“Silver Star, I said no damage!”

“It’s just his horn. It’ll make it easier if he can’t use magic.”

Blueblood whinnied as he tried to stand. This couldn’t be happening, he thought. This couldn’t be happening.

“I need his mind sharp for this! I’m calling a healer. Knock him out, and we’ll see if we can salvage this.”

Blueblood felt a hoof roughly shoving his side. He looked up, and saw the maroon mare with the four-pointed metallic star on her flank. She was giving him a slight smile.

“Told you I’d see you soon.”

Last thing he saw before the darkness came was her hoof slamming down on his face.

-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-

Blueblood felt his whole body twitch as sharp pain from his head gave off electrical jolts all over his body. He didn’t exactly remember if he was screaming or moaning, or how long he was under. All he could see were swirls of colors. All he could hear were inaudible words. All he could feel were sharp prickling pains that lasted seconds that felt like hours.

Then . . . darkness.

-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-

He woke up with a start. His eyes opened wide, his mouth giving a silent gasp as the first thing he felt was soreness on his muscles with a dull throbbing pain on his head. For three whole minutes, that was all in his head. The throbbing pain. Slowly, his mind began to recall other details.

“STAGE DIVE!”

The smell of apples and sugar.

“. . . in fact, the ONLY THING ROYAL about YOU is that you ARE a ROYAL PAIN!”

An angry mare unicorn. Somehow, the memory tickled his side. He remembered his line. He remembered to make it as arrogant as he could. In return, the unicorn shook off the icing off her face, aiming her hardest to hit him with it.

Dear Idiot Nephew. . .

Victorious. He felt a victory unlike any other. He didn’t even feel this way when he led the team that invented the AMR.

And then finally. . . pain. A white light flashing as he remembered his tumble back to earth. He remembered the whispering voices, the dark red lanterns. He remembered the mare that bucked him in the face.

“AGH!!” Blueblood grunted as he forced himself up. The pain on his muscles magnified as he felt his strength vanish and his mouth drying.

“Prince Blueblood!”

The white stallion blinked as he recognized Gear Match coming to his side. He was levitating a simple ceramic bowl of clear liquid to him, and with a little urging, gave him a drink. Blueblood gave a silent sigh as he felt the cool water pouring down his through as he drunk it hungrily.

He felt slightly stronger. The pain in his muscles faded, but even when he emptied the bowl, he still felt thirst. Not for water this time. It was for something else. For a moment, he was confused, only to remember another thing.

“No. . . No it cannot be,” he muttered as he moved in his makeshift bed made of hay, elevated slightly from the ground. His forelegs rubbed over his neck, and slowly, gingerly moved his hooves upwards. He felt the base of his horn, bandaged. He kept going upward until a quarter of the way up, where it gave way and he twitched as he felt a tinge of electrical pulse travel from his head to his body.

He stopped. For a moment, he felt his world had gone dark. He recognized the symptoms of his thirst, and even if he wanted to deny it as much as he could, reality wasn’t something that would give leeway to spare a pony’s feelings. He learned that lesson well from a young age when he last saw his father taken away by his mother’s Guard. And ever since, he would always be given more reminders.

This was the icing on the cake.

“I’m sorry, Prince Blueblood. I’m sorry,” was all Gear Match said.

The Prince felt his eyes water as he gave a silent sob. Gear Match just stood nearby but was hushed. There weren’t really any words he could give.

It took a moment before Blueblood calmed himself down. He wiped his tears away and tried to concentrate, to clear his head, to think of anything. He couldn’t. The feeling of thirst came back at him in full force, leaving him somewhat dull-minded.

Magic Thirst. All symptoms pointed it back to that particular sickness. Unicorns have been blessed with the constant magic flowing through them. Their horn would absorb the trace amounts in the air and spread it around the pony’s body constantly, and as the unicorn grew, their aptitude of their magic increases. It was not strange to hear a unicorn being well-read or versed, or have the ability to learn anything quickly. And while they would never be as hardy as an Earth Pony, they could spend sleepless nights when necessary.

That all came from their magic.

It was simple to treat. Most of the time, the condition was present when a unicorn exhausted his magic, and all he needed was a transfusion of magic from a trusted unicorn, or a concocted drink that would release a fixed amount of magic from within. Without his horn, though, any type of magic he would obtain would slowly dissipate, leaving him back where he started.

Focus on that later, Blueblood thought. Right now, asses your current situation. He looked around and they were surrounded by stone walls. They didn’t look pony-made, so maybe they could be in a cavern of sorts. There were some artificial lights but with the simple wiring could mean that. . .

Blueblood found himself feeling the dreaded cold as his mind went blank, his feeling of thirst multiplying.

“Gear Match, talk to me. . .” Blueblood muttered. “Magic Thirst is affecting my thoughts. I need something to focus on. Where are we?”

“I. . . I don’t know, Prince Blueblood. There’s really nothing descriptive of a cave. Artificial lights, some basic wiring. Could mean they have unicorns taking turns powering the whole place, or a small electro-magical generator is present. There’s an anti-magic field placed around us, probably to stop any complex spells like teleportation. It took me a good chunk of energy to do simple levitation.”

Blueblood looked around him, and spotted the dark purple coloration of the surrounding walls, forming a small square. If Gear Match could still use magic, they must not have been set at maximum, but still enough to prevent any heavy use of magic to escape. He looked back at Gear Match. “Were you awake when they transported us here?”

“Partly, but they had put a bag over me,” Gear Match replied.

“How about those that captured us?” Blueblood asked impatiently.

“Well--”

The lights dimmed as Blueblood heard the sound of the anti-magic field slowly powering down, but not completely shutting off. There was a snap of metal, and a slight screech as a large metallic door opened revealing a group. Front and center was a muscled pegasus, on his left was the maroon mare (still had that stupid smile) that had knocked him out. At her side was a female gryphon. On the left of the unicorn was a mysterious figure cloaked from head to hoof. The only thing describable about the figure was its eerily striking green orbs that could have been his or her eyes.

When they shut the door, the lights resumed its brightness.

The pegasus stepped towards Blueblood, and gave him a mock bow. “Prince Blueblood of Equestria. I bid you welcome to my humble home. I am Maelstrom. You know my lieutenant, Silver Star. That lovely gryphon is Gwendolyn.” He looked towards the cloaked figure, somewhat a little lost before he said “And. . . uh, you may call him Alternate.”

Blueblood contemplated in standing up on all fours, but with how his body was acting now, he didn’t want to chance on looking even weaker than he was.

“You introduce yourself as if you are some noble gentlecolt,” Blueblood scoffed. “Well, you sir are about the farthest thing. You know who I am, you also know my family. Release me this instant, and I may spare you from my Auntie’s wrath!”

The gryphon, Gwendolyn was it, stifled out her laughter, while Silver Star’s grin turned even bigger. Maelstrom gave a short guffaw, while the cloaked Alternate didn’t seem to move.

“You are quite far Princess Celestia’s sphere of influence, I assure you, Prince Blueblood. Besides, I have a proposition for you.”

“Whatever you have planned, I will not be a part of it!” Blueblood said.

“Don’t decide prematurely, Prince,” Maelstrom smiled. “After all, I am offering you to complete a project you had been part of. A project that your dear aunt, Princess Celestia, had deemed too dangerous for you to continue.”

Blueblood’s eyes narrowed as Silver Star’s horn glowed, floating a large roll of . . . parchment? No, it was too smooth and less thick to be regular parchment. Tied to it was a ribbon with Celestia’s Royal seal. His thoughts suddenly became bewildered as the memory of long ago came back to him.

But it was impossible. His Auntie sealed those plans, never to be brought in her light again.

He slowly undid the seal, and unrolled the piece of paper, his gasp evident as he saw the plans of a weapon system unlike anything Equestria has seen. Three large phallic weapons of untold destruction, standing by what looked like an enlarged photo tripod with wheels; these plans held details, measurement, and even notes on a prototype propulsion system. It even stated the name of the weapon.

JERICHO

Blueblood looked at the smiling Maelstrom. His brain may have been addled but he knew what direction the pegasus was thinking. He tried to throw the plans back at the pony, but without much of his strength, it, very comically, landed a bit short of its intended target.

Blueblood blanched slightly but put up a stronger expression as Maelstrom looked just a bit tad amused by the display. He stood up as straight as he could, and stared at him right in the eyes and said, “I am disinclined to acquiesce to your request.”

Maelstrom’s smile never changed, but confusion was evident on his face. Blueblood almost laughed.

“That means no,” the Prince clarified.

Maelstrom scowled, and motioned Silver Star to step forward. She grinned as if Hearth’s Warming Eve came early.

“Prince Blueblood, I think you misunderstood,” the pegasus said in a low, very threatening, voice. “It wasn’t a request. Silver Star.”

She moved like lightning, and hit like thunder. Those were the words Blueblood could use to describe her. Even when he was expecting an attack, he found knocked out of breath and into the cold unforgiving rock floor, with the mare on top of him before he knew it.

“Get off me this instant!” Blueblood growled as he tried to use his four legs to kick her off.

The mare grunted as some of his hoofs found their marks, but she quickly closed her eyes as her horn glowed. Before Blueblood could say anything else, he felt magic suddenly forcing itself through his broken horn.

Magic Sharing was not an unusual feeling for Blueblood. He had experienced it quite a few times. It was usually a gentle rolling of emotions, the shared pleasure with a partner and the warmth of magic. But Silver Star wasn’t gentle. Her magic came in hard, rough, and too fast.

At first, his wits came back at him, but it only multiplied the pain of her actions. Soon, he found himself screaming as his muscle spasm were uncontrollable, as if his nerves were washed with ice and fire in succession, cycling over and over again.

“Stop.”

Pain. The feeling of thirst faded, but never the pain. Blueblood’s thoughts were finally marshalling down as he found himself drooling on the ground. He saw Gear Match pinned down by the female gryphon. He must have tried to help Blueblood but was caught.

A hoof came to view. Blueblood felt a prod on his face, forcing him to look up to Maelstrom, his smile getting wider. “Now, Prince Blueblood, what you felt was just five seconds. And I believe she was going easy on you. Now imagine being under that for at least a minute. Silver Star has told me that the longest any pony would survive that would be five minutes.”

“Four and a half,” the sadistic mare replied. Blueblood could only see her smile, the wrinkling in her canted eyes.

She was enjoying this.

This mare was enjoying this!

“Ah, yes, four and a half,” the pegasus said. “Now, Prince Blueblood. You will suffer five more seconds, and we will hear your answer. And if it’s not satisfactory, I shall have Silver Star make it last ten seconds.”

Blueblood coughed, trying to unscramble his tongue. But whatever he wanted to say was lost as he felt the pain come once more. And this time, she wasn’t holding back.

Lost in his screams, Blueblood tried to force himself to ignore the pain. But it was everywhere, it was overwhelming. Five seconds? How long has it been? He couldn’t count the time. He couldn’t help but think. . .

Father, help me!

Images flashed in his mind. His dad, his auntie . . . and then, the Ponytech logo. Before the darkness came to embrace him, he saw the AMR, its blue and yellow lights circling slower and slower, until everything was gone.