//------------------------------//
// Prison Life 
// Story: Redemption Does Not Come Easily 
// by Ashen Heart 
//------------------------------//

“Because that’s what friends do,” says Twilight. Those words ring through my head as if on repeat. I sit up in my prison cell and take in the bleak atmosphere around me. Grey concrete slabs line the walls, a mirror hanging off one of them with a sink below. The toilet being a simple hole in the ground. Not the best surroundings, but I’ve had far worse. I go over to the sink to fix my mane, but I get caught up in the reflection. Though prison doesn’t allow much for exercise I have managed to keep some of my athletic frame. The fuchsia fur hiding much of the bruises and scars from prior incidents. I look up and see my broken horn nullified by the suppressor. Has it really been 6 months? The door to my cell opens, interrupting me from my thoughts. A guard walks in standing at attention. 
“Prisoner T1893, come with me,” he states in a want to be authoritative voice.
‘Odd,’ I think to myself. Usually they just throw my supposed food in the door and call it a day. Seeing as I had no other choice, and admittedly my curiosity got the best of me, I followed. As we walked on in silence, I made sure to take mental notes of the facility. Although the prison was expansive it seemed to be empty except a handful of cells. Looks like I wouldn’t be getting much of a distraction for the guards if I tried to escape. Even so I might be able to sneak out, but I needed to find the exits first.
“We’re here,” the guard grunted. Buck, I was only able to find 2 exits, not enough if something goes astray in my escape. The guard steps aside opening the door, ushering me through. The bright shine of Celestia’s sun blinds me for a moment as I try to adjust to the light. Slowly the silhouette in front of me takes shape of Princess Twilight Sparkle herself.
“Hello, Tempest,” she says calmly.
“Princess,” I respond distantly.
“I’m sure you are wondering why the sudden appearance. Well it is because I have managed to negotiate a new sentencing for you with my fellow princesses,” she said a small smile forming on her face.
“And this new sentence being…?” I trailed off waiting for her answer.
“For your bravery and selfless act saving my friends and I, by killing the Storm King, you are hereby released from the remaining prison sentence,” she stated.
“What’s the catch? I doubt the princess would agree to my full release and freedom.” I state melancholy.
“You are to stay under my watch and to be reformed. You are not to leave the castle alone and you are only allowed to bring one of the bearers of the Elements of Harmony with you.”
“Predictable. So when does this reformation process begin?” I ask.
“Next week.” As she says this she nods to the guard as he walks over and leads me back to my cell. I head over to the mirror again, finishing up with my brushing. So after 3 years they finally decided to let me out. This should be interesting.