//------------------------------// // Part 9: The Invitation // Story: Fool's Gold // by Cardinal Dan Productions //------------------------------// After the skirmish in Amethyst’s quarters, Gem stormed away. She didn't know where she wanted to go or what she wanted to do. All she knew is that she needed to get as far away from the ponies as possible. Stomping down the palace steps in a huff, she found herself in a secluded courtyard and stopped in front of a large tree in the center of the garden. Gem glared at the tree with disgust before throwing her hoof into the stubborn, wooden colossus. She was angry. She was furious at… everything, and she needed to vent. Letting out a sadistic cry, she tore her helmet from her head and tossed it at the tree, creating a loud crash and ripping some of the bark away. Piece by piece, Gem ripped her armor off and threw it in a heap at the base of the tree. Now wearing nothing but her fur, she kicked her helmet, sending the protective headgear flying across the courtyard. Having nothing left to rip from her body, Gem fell on her rear, huffing and puffing as she struggled to regain her breath. After yelling for so long without taking so much as a single breath, she felt light-headed and dizzy. Her vision was disorientated, and things around her seemed to blend together and pulse. At last, she fell on her back, looking straight up through the branches of the tall tree. The sun’s rays shined through the shaking leaves above, creating a stunning effect that could only be described as ‘beautiful’. As the minutes passed, Gem’s breathing slowed, and the rising and falling if her chest became more shallow. The silence was welcomed by the changeling outcast, and for a brief moment, she felt a sense of peace she had never felt before. Her vision had cleared, and Gem sat up. No pony was around to see her, so she decided there was no harm in losing her pony form. Gem vanished in a bright blaze of green fire, and in her place, Cicada rested on her back. With her hooves behind her head, she looked up at the blue sky through the branches of the tree as they swayed in a gentle breeze. Everything around her contrasted immensely to the dark cave she had grown used to for so long. All her life, since the moment she had hatched, Cicada had been taught that the ponies were selfish and ruthless conquerors that drove the changelings from the surface world in order to govern it themselves. That was the history lesson all changelings were told, and she believed it. The ponies looked down on everything that wasn't equine, and in doing so, they created a world where two national powers, Equestria and the Crystal Empire, ruled most of the continent. Even the dragons, with all of their might, were too afraid to challenge the power of the ponies. Here she was, a changeling masquerading as a Royal Guard. What an incredible sight… She let out a long sigh, completely oblivious to the armored mare approaching her from behind. “Cicada?” Amethyst cleared her throat, startling the changeling. “Cicada, you there?” At hearing her true name, she spun around and quickly resumed her pony form, Gem. Her eyes glanced around the courtyard, making sure that no other ponies had seen her acting so carelessly. When Gem realized she was alone with Amethyst, her eyes narrowed at the guard. “You again… I came here to get away from you freaks!” Amethyst’s gaze fell, and she removed her helmet, gently placing it on the ground next to her hooves. “Did you want me to kick your ass again, or are you here because you can only feel good by showing off your authority?” The captain walked forward until she was standing right in front of Gem. She took a deep breath before looking up and meeting her former adversary's gaze again. “I'm here to apologize, Cic… I mean… Gem.” That took Gem by surprise, and for a moment, she lost her razor-sharp edge. “You're right about… everything. I don't know what's going on, and I don't know why Queen Chrysalis hasn't made a move, but someday soon, she will, and I need to be prepared to do whatever it takes to protect my friends.” Amethyst reached out with her hoof, taking Gem’s in her own. “You asked me once why I did it, why I blew myself up in the Frozen North…” Gem’s eyes shifted towards the prosthetic leg and the scars that made up the right side of the pony’s body. “I did it because I love my friends, and I love my daughter, and I'll give my life if it means they get to see Celestia’s sun rise again.” Their eyes met again, and under the large tree, a warm wind swept through the garden, blowing their manes. Gem shook her mane away and retracted her hoof. “Why are you telling me this?” Amethyst took another step closer, shortening the gap between them. “I'm telling you this, because Princess Cadence and Prince Armor have tasked me with a very important assignment, and I want my closest friends by my side.” *Friends…* The word echoed in Gem’s mind, and she glared at Amethyst. “We… are not friends, pony…” Amethyst shot her a sly grin. “Is that right?” She pointed her hoof towards the pile of assorted pieces of armor by the tree. “You're a Royal Guard, Gem. You watch over Pyrite for me when I'm not around. I’ve even seen you talk and laugh with Mantis and Amber in the commissary. Even Onyx is warming up to you.” Amethyst’s grin widened. “Face it, Cicada, you like being a pony. You're practically family, now.” Gem scowled at her. “You're delusional, Amethyst…” This earned an obvious eye-roll from the captain. “What is his ‘assignment’ you so desperately need me for?” Amethyst’s smile faded as she took a step back. “Canterlot is holding the Grand Galloping Gala, and I am going to attend alongside Shining and Cadence as their personal guard and guest, but in my current condition…” She raised her prosthetic leg for Gem to see. “I don't believe that's something I can do alone.” Gem looked at the ground, like she was deep in thought. “Canterlot is a long way from the safety of the Crystal Empire… If Queen Chrysalis is going to strike, she will surely do it there.” She nodded her head slowly. “Alright, pony, I'll go with you, but only because I want to make that bitch pay for what she did to me…” Gem turned around to begin reassembling her armor. “Don't think this is because I like you or your friends…” Amethyst couldn't stop herself from smiling as she picked her helmet back up and put it over her head. “Whatever you say, Gem. We leave by train in the morning.” *** They walked back into the palace together. Side by side, they made their way into the barracks and the commissary inside. Amethyst could see Emerald and Amber inside, sitting at a table while talking to Onyx. They laughed and cheered in each other's company. Pyrite was with them, looking lost and very much not apart of their conversation. She looked towards Amethyst and Gem as they stood under the archway leading into the dining area and waved. Amethyst beamed at her and waved back. She began to walk in but noticed Gem was standing still. “Are you coming? You're welcome to join us, you know.” Gem shook her head. “No… You've given me a lot to think about, Amethyst.” She turned her head, looking away from the pony’s gaze. “I want to be alone while I… get my head straight.” The purple mare gave her a kind smile. “Alright, but I want you to join us for dinner, later tonight. We’re meeting at a little place on the Palisades Strip.” Gem managed a weary smile. “I thought that place was only for the wealthiest of the Crystal Empire.” Amethyst pointed to the grand plume extending from her helmet. “Hey, when you're a captain of the empire's Royal Guards, you can pull a few strings.” After a few moments of silence, Gem agreed, nodding her head. “Yes… Yes, fine…” Amethyst’s extended her hoof, and when Gem took it, expecting a shake, the pony quickly pulled her into an embrace, shocking her. The disguised changeling couldn't bring herself to say anything as the pony held her tight. “I've forgiven you… It's time you forgave yourself…” Then, Amethyst pulled away and turned around, walking into the commissary and leaving Gem alone under the archway. Gem’s heart pounded in her chest as she watched the pony retreat to the table with her friends. It felt like nothing she had ever experienced before. She had grown numb to the feeling to stealing love from a victim, but never before had she been given love willingly. Her heart raced involuntarily, filling her body with the desire for more, the desire for love. Gem quickly shook her head of the thought and bolted down the corridor as quickly as her legs could carry her. She ran until she finally came to a stop outside of the mares’ wash room, and she pushed the door open, rushing inside. The guard made a dash for the sink and pulled her helmet off before turning the faucet on ‘high’. She splashed the cold, refreshing water on her face again and again in an attempt to numb the feeling that was shaking her to her very core. “Is something wrong, Cicada?” Gem froze. The air around her dropped drastically in temperature. She looked up, into the mirror, as a thin layer of frost began to cover the glass. She turned around just in time to see Queen Chrysalis emerge from the shadows. Like a monster from an inescapable nightmare, the queen towered above her, looking down at her with green fire in her eyes. “You look… confused…” Gem bit her lower lip as her eyes met the queen’s. “No, your majesty… I'm just… nervous…” Chrysalis’ horn glowed, and the wash room door locked. “There is no need for such fear, my child.” She raised a hoof towards Gem’s cheek, caressing her softly. “If anything at all, we should rejoice.” Gem swallowed hard and flinched at the queen’s touch. “You have played your part excellently. Not only does Captain Amethyst trust you, I believe she has come to… love you…” Chrysalis reared her head back and roared with laughter. “This will most certainly give you an advantage when the time comes to kill her. Wouldn't you agree, my loyal servant?” Gem’s eyes fell, and she nodded her head slowly. “Y-Y-Yes… Of course, your majesty…” Then, she looked up with malice and hatred burning in her eyes as she met the queen's gaze. “Amethyst will never reach Canterlot or the Grand Galloping Gala alive.” *** Being a ‘spy’ is never easy for a changeling. There's the threat of being found out and captured looming over them at all times. At any moment, a pair of guards could break down the door to Cicada’s quarters and arrest her on charges of treason. Needless to say, tension and stress levels were high, but that wasn't even the worst of it, not by a long shot. No, the position she was in was far worse than that of a normal spy. She was an agent, serving her queen and her nest, the very same nest Amethyst destroyed, but she wasn't just any agent. Cicada was a double agent. Working alongside Amethyst and the other ponies to foil Queen Chrysalis’’ sinister plot was only a performance, and Cicada considered herself to be quite the actor. She dressed herself, looking in the bathroom mirror that showed her who she really was, a black beast with a jagged horn, riddled with holes. Cicada closed her eyes and concentrated, thinking about her pony form, the form of Gem. She had been masquerading around as a pony for so long that it hardly took any effort for her to change. In the blink of an eye, the changeling had been replaced by a beautiful mare. Tilting her head from side to side, she observed her face, even raising a hoof to brush her messy mane out of her eyes. Gem leaned into the mirror, staring into her own eyes. She got so close to the point where each hot breath left a cloud of steam on the reflective surface. Satisfied with her look, she took up a brush and attacked her mane, combing the thick bristles through the tangled forest behind her horn. It took some effort, but Gem knew she needed to look her best. Earlier, she had been invited by Amethyst herself to accompany her and her friends to the Palisades Strip, the ‘flashiest’ place in the entirety of the empire. Having never been there herself, Gem wasn't sure of what to expect. Silly ‘pony’ things came to mind, though. By the way Amber talked about it, she could foresee shopping in her near future. Being a changeling from the Frozen North, Gem internally felt she was above such things, but Amethyst personally requested that she go with them. Then, there was that hug… As Gem stumbled out of the bathroom and towards her bed, she replayed the moment in her head again and again. Each time, her heart ached in her chest. Before she and Amethyst departed, the mare had hugged her and told her she had been forgiven. That was the moment Gem felt something she had never once felt before, and that was self-doubt. The true affection shown to her by Amethyst made the changeling doubt in her ability to carry out her mission. She had never had this kind of trouble, not once. Time and time again, she had done what needed to be done. She had lied, cheated, stolen, and killed to serve her hive, her queen, and herself. “What has she done to me…” Cicada held a hoof to her head as she began to sway. Her thoughts shifted to her mission, to her duty, but they always seemed to return to Amethyst and the hug they shared. She remembered pushing the mare away and storming off in a frenzy of conflicting emotions. Even Queen Chrysalis was beginning to suspect the truth. If the queen ever came to the conclusion that she had formed an attachment to a pony, she'd be cast out of the hive, just like Mantis. “Amethyst, you wretched mare… I am not in love…” Then again, Mantis was doing quite well for himself. He seemed to have everything going his way and more. “I… I'm not…” Cicada fell on her bed, looking up at the ceiling. Her eyes became fixed on the dim light glowing above her. “I'm not… in love…” A soft breath escaped her lips as she sank further into the sheets. Cicada kept her eyes glued to the light, repeating herself over and over again like a mad mare. “I’m not in love… I'm not in love… I'm not in love…” A loud knock on the door alarmed her, causing the mare to jump out of the bed. Quickly clambering to her hooves, she looked towards the door. “Gem? Gem, are you in there?” It was Onyx. Relaxing slightly, she approached the door, and using her magic, she turned the handle, opening it for the stallion. “Y-Y-Yes?” She brushed her fallen mane out of her eyes as they met the sergeant’s. “Is there something I can help you with?” Onyx gave her a concerned look. His eyes rose from hers and shifted around her room before coming back to meet hers again. “I… just came by to remind you about our evening plans. Amethyst wanted me to make sure you'd be ready in time.” Gem glanced over her shoulder at a clock on the nightstand by her bed. “Time? What time?” The clock read fifteen past eight. By now, the Palisades Strip would surely be teeming with activity. She quickly turned back to face Onyx, her cheeks turning red as she realized how quickly time had escaped her grasp. “Yes, of course… I was just getting ready.” Silently, Gem wondered if he had heard her rambling. She already felt like her grip was slipping. The last thing she needed was other ponies thinking the same thing. Onyx expected more of a response, but after several seconds of awkward silence between them, he came to the conclusion that it would be best for him to wait with the others. He nodded his head, taking a step back. “Right… I'll leave you to it, then.” He turned to leave before stopping with his back turned. “We’re leaving in ten minutes. Amethyst is having us meet by the steps just outside the palace.” Then, he began to walk down the corridor, the clopping of his hooves on the floor growing softer with each step. Gem bit her lower lip as she watched him leave. Then, she raised a hoof and called out after him. “Onyx, wait!” The stallion spun around, half expecting some kind of danger to jump out at him, but no such thing came. Instead, Gem approached him. Her head was low, and her eyes kept to her own hooves. “Onyx, I… I'm sorry for the way I acted earlier today… Attacking you and Amethyst like that was wrong of me.” *I’ve forgiven you…* Amethyst’s words echoed in Gem’s mind as her gaze rose to meet the stallion’s eyes. *It’s time you forgave yourself…* For a brief moment, Gem wasn't even sure why or how she was doing this. It was as though her mind was no longer controlling her movements. She screamed internally. Gem wanted to run back into her room and slam the door shut. She wanted to run far away to the cold and desolate wasteland she knew so well. She wanted things to be the way they used to be, when life as a changeling was simple, before she discovered love. Frozen in place by her conflicting emotions, she was unable to resist as Onyx placed a firm hoof on her shoulder. “Hey, it's alright, Gem.” Then, everything stopped. All of the shouting voices in her mind ceased at once, and everything was quiet. She felt still and at ease, all except for the thundering in her chest, her beating heart. “You were just testing Amethyst, making sure she was ready for a surprise attack.” He retracted his hoof, raising it and rubbing the back of his head. “I mean… You did break the door down and ruin the wall, but it's not like anypony got seriously hurt.” Gem blinked, cocking her head to the side. “I… I knocked you unconscious… How can you be so quick to forgive me?” Onyx managed a weak smile. “It was just a bump on the head… Besides, you've done worse to me before.” That made Gem laugh. She couldn't stop herself from bursting into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. In a way, she knew he was right. She had done worse, and she found his simplistic way of viewing things to be hysterical. Gem had forgotten everything she was supposed to do, regarding her mission. All she could think about was her new friends and the joy they caused her. She had never laughed so hard in her entire existence. “Right…” Onyx was backing away now, smiling politely as he turned to leave once again. “Well, don't forget that we're leaving very soon. We'd hate to miss you.” Gem nodded her head quickly as she began to recover. “Yes, yes…” She waved her hoof dismissively as she fought to suppress the ‘snickers’ that were slipping through her lips. “I'll be there.” Then, she turned and bolted down the corridor, back towards her room, not to get away from the ponies, though. She needed to find her fatigues, the ones Amethyst gave her. As Royal Guards on a night out, they'd be wearing what they called ‘soft armor’. The most decorated guards had their fatigues covered in badges and medals. It was essentially a way to show off in public when off duty. Gem threw the clothes on, stepping into the coat, which boasted a royal ‘purple’ color. The finishing piece was a beret of the same color. Using her horn and the magic within, she carefully placed the cap on her head, just behind the base of her horn. Looking into the mirror on top of the dresser, Gem smiled, baring her teeth. Then, her eyes fell, and she found herself looking not at herself, but at a small vial just to the left of the mirror. It was filled with a clear liquid and topped with a black cap. Like a distant memory, Queen Chrysalis’’ instructions came trickling back. *You are to give her this…* Cicada looked at the vial, then back up at the queen. *Will this… kill her?* Chrysalis shook her head. *Not immediately, my child. This will weaken Amethyst and drain her life slowly to the point where she will pose no threat. Her death will be agonizing slow, and by the time she realizes something is wrong, it will be too late.* She grinned maliciously, causing Cicada to back up against the stall. *No pony will be able to stop it, and Amethyst will pay for what she did to us with her life.* The mares’ restroom seemed to grow much colder as Cicada took the vial. *And Cicada... If this vial is not empty by the night’s end, I will personally hold you responsible...* *Of course, my queen…* Gem stared at the vial. She raised a hoof, reaching for the poison, but her hoof stopped short. “No…” Her eyes narrowed and her hoof lowered. “Not this time, my queen…” Gem checked herself in the mirror one last time before storming out the door, slamming it shut behind her. *** When the guards saw Gem running towards them, they grew delighted looks. Like her, they all wore their off-duty fatigues. Amber and Onyx, the two sergeants, both had a considerable amount of shining badges and medals decorating their uniform. Amethyst, being the captain of the Royal Guards, nearly blinded Gem as she got closer. She was out of breath as she came to a stop in front of the officers. “I… I'm here…” Gem took a moment to gather herself. “Are we leaving?” Amethyst grinned at her, nodding her head. “Yeah… We’re just waiting on Shining.” Gem looked around them, searching for the prince, but he was nowhere in sight. “I wasn't aware Prince Armor would be joining us.” Amethyst realized she had been misunderstood, and quickly shook her head. “Oh, no, Shining isn't coming with us. He's promised to look after Pyrite for the night. I suggested to him that he let my baby and his own daughter have a… ‘play date’.” She smiled at the memory of that particular conversation. “He didn't exactly jump at the idea, but Princess Cadence was all for it.” Gem noticed too that the little trickster was among the group. Pyrite, who was hiding behind Amethyst’s legs, came out and stood in her favorite place, the center of everypony’s attention. “Ma!” She seemed determined to let everypony know how much fun she'd get to have that evening. “Mama! Fwury Ha!” Onyx smiled down at her. “Yes, I know, sweetie. You've told me many times.” Gem pursed her lips and frowned slightly. “You aren't at all worried? A queen her age can have great influence on other foals around her, even though she may not mean to. That's why Chrysalis was so desperate to…” She stopped herself, not wanting to remind everypony of her checkered past. Amethyst placed a gentle hoof on her daughter’s back and rubbed her affectionately. “I know what you mean, Gem, but Princess Cadence promised me she'd watch them the whole night. I trust her completely.” Gem nodded carefully as her eyes fell on Pyrite, and Pyrite looked back at her with wide eyes. The ponies said nothing as they waited for Shining. Luckily, they didn't have to wait long. Moments later, Shining appeared with Emerald by his side. Emerald took his place by Amber, and Pyrite, enthusiastic as ever at the promise of a play date, ran after the prince as he began walking back towards the palace. Ready to get their night underway, the guards left the palace behind them and headed into the city. *** Gem had never seen the Palisades Strip at night, and the beauty of the culture-saturated district dazzled her. Lights flashed wherever she looked. Mantis looked equally impressed. Amber had to drag him by his hoof, because he'd stop every few steps to stare at whatever captivated his attention like a moth drawn to light. Everywhere they went, ponies smiled and waved, some even approaching them directly to thank them for their service. After a while, the smiling began to hurt. Gem felt like her lips were glued into position, and she couldn't feel her cheeks. Pony after pony came up to her just to shake her hoof or wish her a good night. She felt unworthy to receive such praise, after all she had done in an attempt to topple their empire. She wasn't a guard. She was a liar. “Gem? Gem, are you alright?” Emerald shook her shoulder to get her attention, and Gem realized she had been glaring. She still showed her teeth like she was smiling, but it looked more like a snarl. “Is something wrong?” Gem shook her head, quickly correction her outer appearance. “No… I'm fine. It's just…” Then, she realized just how much her cheeks hurt, her jaw too. Emerald wrapped a hoof around her as they continued to walk. “Hey, it's alright… We're here to enjoy ourselves. Let's have a little fun with our friends without thinking about the past.” Gem scoffed at him. “They may be your friends, Mantis, but to them, I'm just an asset.” Emerald shrugged his shoulders. “That's not what Amethyst told me. She seems to think the two of you are great friends.” Gem shook her head, trying to keep her voice low. “No… Friends care for each other. I don't care for her.” Emerald retracted his hoof. “Mmm Hmm…” She shot him a weird look. “What?” He shook his head as a smile came across his lips. Gem kicked his hoof with her own. “What? I demand you tell me.” Emerald didn't say anything. He just laughed as he left her behind to join Amber up ahead. Gem felt very annoyed, but she kept walking. Eventually, the guards got hungry and found a place to settle down. It was an outdoor salad bar at the farthest end of the strip. A large patio rose from the ground. Tables and chairs covered the platform, and the bar itself resided towards the back. As the guards stepped onto the patio, a server immediately greeted them and lead them to a large, round table. “Thank you for joining us tonight.” The server, a pretty mare, bowed graciously. “It’s a rare privilege to serve our Royal Guards. I'll return soon to take your orders, but may I start you with anything to drink?” Amethyst and Onyx shared a quick glance, both thinking the same thing. “We have a big day tomorrow… We’ll both just have water.” Mantis threw his hooves in the air. “Not me. Give me something with a buzz, please!” The server chuckled and nodded her head as she jotted down the request. “Of course, sir… For you, miss?” Amber nodded towards Amethyst. “I'm with them. I'll just take a water, please.” The other guards were talking amongst themselves now as the server circled the table, coming to a stop behind Gem. Not waiting for her to ask, she gave her order anyway, hoping the server would thank her for being decisive and not difficult. “I'll have a water as well.” The server didn't write down her request like she did with the others. Instead, she reached into the pocket of her apron and revealed something small. “Actually…” The server leaned in close, almost breathing down Gem’s neck. “I have just the thing you might need for a fun night out…” Gem wasn't interested in anything special. She only wanted water. “Thank you, but I think I'll just stick with…” Her voice trailed away until it faded completely. It was the vial, the one she had left behind. “It'll make any night one to remember…” Gem looked up at the server and saw a fleeting glimpse of ‘green’ shimmering in her eyes. At a loss for words, she could only hold her breath as the server placed the vial in front of her. “If Amethyst doesn't drink this, you will pay the price, Cicada… Do not fail me again, or I will kill you and her myself.” Gem quickly hid the vial in her uniform, but when she turned around to spot the server, the pony had vanished. No pony else seemed to notice. Her heart pounded against her chest. She could hear it thundering in her ears, drowning out everything that was happening around her. “Gem?” Her night had completely turned around. What was supposed to be a carefree night with the other guards turned into a nightmare. “Hey, Gem?” She didn't want to do it, but she had to. It was her duty. Her queen demanded it, and she had to obey. A gentle hoof shook her shoulder. It was Amber’s. “Gem, what's wrong? You're sweating.” It dawned on her that Amethyst was trying to talk to her. Snapping back to the reality around her, she grabbed her napkin and wiped her forehead. “I'm… I’m sorry. I'm just a bit nervous about tomorrow…” It was a lazy and unbelievable excuse to explain her problem, but it was the only one Gem could pull out of thin air. Amethyst cracked a silly grin. “What… Are you talking about the gala? Come on, Gem, it'll be fun. We’ll dance, sing, and eat the best food Canterlot has to offer, all while protecting Shining and Cadence, of course.” Gem put on a fake smile. “Right… I shouldn't be nervous about something so trivial…” Onyx joined in. “Exactly. It's a huge responsibility, but it's also a great privilege. Amethyst had three guards to choose, and she chose you.” Her fake smile began to waver. *I wish you hadn't…* The thought of hurting Amethyst brought pain to her chest. She could feel her heart sinking lower and lower. Amethyst reached across the table, placing her hoof on Gem’s. “The gala isn't until the day after tomorrow, but it will be a day to remember, that's for certain.” She looked at the vial tucked away in her coat. *If Amethyst must drink this tonight, then that's what she'll do…* Another server came with the drinks. Being the closest, they came by Gem first. Amethyst tried to reach for a glass that she assumed to be hers, but Gem stopped her. “Wait, Amethyst…” Thinking on her hooves, Gem took the first glass, which was hidden from the other ponies’ sight by a dessert menu. “I think mine is the one without ice…” Everypony gave her a strange look, but she brushed them off. “Wh-What? I don't like ice…” Amethyst waited patiently for her to finish, and after just a moment, Gem passed her glass along. The captain accepted it graciously. “Thank you, Gem.” Gem couldn't even bring herself to smile back at the pony. “You're welcome…” The vial was now empty in the inside pocket of her uniform. Her job had been done. *Amethyst, forgive me…* Amethyst raised her glass into the air, followed quickly by the other guards. “Tonight, we celebrate our companionship. This one is to the Crystal Empire.” Everypony murmured in agreement before turning the glasses towards their mouths and letting the drinks fall. ***Up Next: The Sinister Plot***