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// Meeting his Maker 
// Story: Twilight's Kingdom of Steam 
// by Darthvalgaav 
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It was several days later and Twilight was stepping out of her carriage, pulled by twin auto-ponies, before heading back into the castle. She had just returned from Three Strings Penitentiary, a truly revolting place if ever there was one. It lay underground far beneath the rusting towers and pipe stacks of the city, however Twilight didn’t know if it had been built that way or if they had just converted a pre-existing structure to serve as the new jail. Some parts looked ancient, made of chiseled stone only to be suddenly replaced in some areas with steel flooring. If Twilight had to guess the reason why, it would be that having it underground made it harder for those staying there to escape.


Whatever the case may have been, the place lacked any comforts of an Equestrian prison. She had walked down the dank, dark spiraling walkway with the wall to her right side. On her left was something of a pit that, if she didn’t have any wings, would have certainly been a fatal fall if she slipped. To her right were the circular cells that were so small that even a minor wing flap would have caused a thestral to bang his or her head against the ceiling. There were no doors, instead thick bars sunk into the ground whenever one of the guards inserted a key into a device next to the cell and pulled a connected lever. Speaking of the guards, they wore similar attire as the members of the military but in green instead of red. They moved up and down the pit, most of the time flying, while keeping their billy club on hoof for anypony causing trouble.


The first group of criminals she had passed had the most life to them. Those convicted of minor crimes acted like wild animals as she passed them by. They hooted, howled, jeered, and made comments that would have caused Shining Armor to break all of their teeth with his bare hooves had he been there. A few even tried to push their hooves between the bars of their cells in the hopes of touching her flank. However, due to the bars being close together it was rendered impossible. It took all of Twilight’s will power to ignore them as she continued to walk at the same pace and not break out in a trot with her wings covering her face.


The only cell that she did slow down at was the one belonging to Rainbow Dash. News had quickly spread across the city and perhaps to the rest of the country about what had happened as well as the punishment Rainbow had been given. While Twilight had not heard anything directly, Spike had managed to overhear several of the guards and maids talking about it. Naturally there were those who thought that Twilight had gone too easy on her friend but there were those who were quick to point out that Twilight could have easily given her friend a free pass. Some had even mentioned that their friends who were guards at the prison insisted that Rainbow was not being given any special treatment during her stay. From the tone in Spike’s voice it seemed like more and more thestrals were approving on how she dealt with this situation. There were even a few members of the military who were inquiring to Count Raven about the flying group that would be set up in the future.


After passing her speedy friend, who was doing wing-ups in order to keep in shape, security became tighter. The spiraling path vanished, forcing Twilight to fly along with the other guards. The cells were the same shape, but metal surrounded them instead of stone in order to make digging impossible. For added measure these inmates had weights strapped to their legs that made flight impossible. The purple alicorn was sure that should any of these criminals try to escape when the guards opened their cells to bring them food, they would simply fall to their deaths. The looks on these ponies told her that this was a fact they knew all too well. She also noted that these ponies were not given beds to sleep on, but straw bedding with only stained blankets for cover.


Then, at the very bottom, was where the worst of the worst were held. Those who had committed murder, rape, or treasonous actions to Thunder Valley. Their cells were not in the walls, but in the floors. There they were weighted down and chained like animals, food dropped down to them through the bars of their cells. No warmth or other comfort was given to these bound ponies. And in one of these cells was Arms Dealer.


Prison had not changed Arms Dealer much. He sat there, glaring at Twilight with a smirk on his ugly face. She spoke quickly, informing him that his trial would begin on the following night. That his only chance for leniency would be to admit his wrongdoing before the court for all to hear. But that would only get him the shortest sentence allowed by law: twenty-five years with no chance of an early parole. If he wished to defend his actions and was still found guilty he would be looking at spending the rest of his life in this cells.


“Sorry nasty pretty,” chuckled Arms Dealer darkly when Twilight finished talking. “Don’t think any of that will be happening.” To that Twilight didn’t say anything more, only turning around to leave. Words would most likely be wasted.


Now she was back in the castle, walking through the halls back to her office with Overkill right behind her. As those around her bowed in respect, Twilight’s mind was elsewhere. Everything looked like it was ready. At least as far as she could tell according to the mental checklist she was going over. She had spoken to the District Attorney several times now to go over everything they had. Twilight would be one of the witnesses taking the stand along with Moon Chime. Not only that, but there were several other mares coming forward who all claimed to have been raped by Arms Dealer during that period of quiet. Most of them had shockingly similar stories of being shocked and beaten before they were taken. And they all ended with the threat that, if they told, the Copper Heads would be paying them a visit.


Hopefully, this would be enough. Twilight wished she could bring out more victims from before the time of Princess Alabaster to establish a behavioral pattern. Not to mention making sure that those whom had been denied justice before were granted it now. Twilight had talked to the DA about this, however due to the letter of the law it was impossible. King Cobalt had pardoned Arms Dealer of those former crimes making them unable to testify before court. Meaning Twilight would have to work with what she had.


“Your Grace,” said a voice in front of her, snapping Twilight out of her thoughts. Instantly, Twilight found herself a few feet from her office with Count Raven standing before it. The good Count had been running around the castle nearly every night, seeing to everything that Twilight had pushed to the side to make sure this court case would go through as best it could. Never once had he complained nor lost his temper, for he knew how important this would be. But now his voice sounded more than a little irritated a scowl on his tired muzzle.


“Count Raven, is everything alright?” asked Twilight.


The stallion looked at her with surprise before realizing how he must have looked at that moment. “Forgive me, Your Grace,” he said as he took a breath, slowly looking a little calmer as he did so. But not enough to completely hide the look like he had stepped in something awful and vile to the nose. “I know that Your Grace has been very busy these last several nights and would prefer to get as much rest as possible. Something to which it would be my pleasure to provide. However, while Your Grace was away a guest has come seeking an audience. Arms Maker.”


The sound of that name caused the fur on the back of Twilight’s neck to raise slightly, her eyes narrowing at the same time. He was finally here. Later than she had expected.


In all actuality, Twilight had been hoping that this meeting would never happen. She and the rest of her friends had combed through so many files and papers seeking a means as to prevent Arms Maker from canceling his contract with them. Their efforts, sadly, resulted in some bitter truth. Arms Maker was fully within his legal, if not moral, rights to cut off ties at a moment’s notice as was written in his contract. There were no laws to prevent something like this over personal reasons. The case files were of little help as well. Each case dealing with a contract had always had clauses to prevent such an event from happening, thus the reason they went to court in the first place. The only reason this was happening right now was because Arms Maker had taken advantage of his friendship with King Cobalt. If only the contract would come up for renewal a bit sooner.


So, Twilight could not force him to continue doing business with her. This left her with the hope that he would not interfere this time. Hadn't Arms Maker stayed away when in the past he would have raced to his son’s defense? Hadn’t he remembered King Cobalt’s words in the past, that this was the last time the government would allow his son to do as he pleased? As far as she had heard thus far, Arms Dealer was working with a public defender with no assistance from his father. With each moonrise it seemed more and more likely that Arms Maker would be staying out of this one. To allow the courts to decide his fate.


Perhaps she had been a bit too hopeful.


It was the snort from Overkill that broke the silence of the moment. “Daft fool took his sweet time. Permission to kick his sorry flank into the river Princess?”


Twilight turned to look at Overkill with a frown on her face. “Permission denied,” she said firmly, causing her guard to look like she had been denied Hearts Warming gifts. The purple alicorn then turned to look at the Count while doing her best to remain composed. “I suppose it would be best if we spoke to him. Where is he currently?”


“In Your Grace’s office,” came the reply as Count Raven gestured with his wing to the nearby door. As his wing returned to his side he added, “I felt it best to keep him out of sight from the rest of the staff.”


Twilight merely nodded before walking past the Count. With each step, her heart began to beat just a little faster. As her horn lit up to turn the doorknob she could feel her level of anxiety rising. In her office right now was the stallion who had raised Arms Dealer. What kind of stallion could have done something like that and defend such actions…she had no idea. How much of the father had rubbed off onto the son? Would he be a cruel, cold heart stallion of business like she had read about in many books and seen in plays? Would he look down at her because she was a mare?


Perhaps she should have Overkill standing next to her. While what she had never heard that the stallion was violent that might change if he came here to demand his son’s release and she, naturally, refused him. If such a thing were to occur she would need somepony to defend her. Somepony trained in combat that might be able to spot a hostile act before it happened. Of course, knowing Overkill, she might respond by pulling her hoofheld blunderbuss and shooting him several times as a warning. That might make the situation messier than it should be. She could always defend herself as a show of power. Twilight was aware of several spells that could immobilize him. Honestly she had no idea. Twilight had never seen Princess Celestia do something like that, always commanding the guards or Twilight and her friends when danger was nearby. Perhaps she should do the same. Again, this was all assuming that he would become violent!


As the door opened, Twilight could see the stallion inside…and could not hold back the look of utter shock and horror at what she beheld! The stallion looked like your average brown thestral (odd how she was becoming used to this after such a short time) with a white beard and muttonchops which looked finely groomed. His face was heavily lined, giving him the look of a great elder and his eyes seemed to be almost half shut. He wore a black suit with long coattails that was left open, showing off a criss-crossing shirt with red and golden hues so unlike the fashion of many thestrals. On his head was a top hat with a brass colored ring at its bottom along with three gears in the middle of its front. While nothing about him screamed horrible monster, Twilight’s source of horror came from what he was doing. For sitting in a chair next to Arms Maker was Spike, smiling pleasantly they spoke to one another.


Or at least they were speaking to each other. As soon as the door began to open the conversation they were having ended abruptly. Both stallion and dragon alike turned to look at the purple princess as she stared at the scene before her. All she could do at that moment was wondering how Count Raven could have allowed Spike to be in the same room as Arms Maker. Or could it be that Spike had come down from their suite above and bumped into him?


“Hey Twilight,” said Spike with a smile and a wave as he leapt off his seat. As he walked over, Twilight couldn’t see anything wrong with him. He certainly wasn’t limping or anything.


“Greetings Princess Twilight Sparkle from Equestria,” said Arms Maker as he did a traditional Equestrian bow.


“I taught him that,” chuckled Spike softly, pride coming from his voice.


“Yes, me and the young fierce dragon were having a pleasant chat while we waited for you,” said Arms Maker as he slowly got up. Twilight could notice him wincing as he did so, a wing shooting to touch a part of his back as he did so. But as soon as he was up again, the wing returned to its rightful place. “I was curious of a few of our new neighbor’s customs and thought I would indulge myself. It seemed like a most wholesome way to pass the time.”


Twilight stared at the stallion for a moment, wondering if this was part of some sort of game. A trick to butter her up by playing on her love of learning or something like that. Perhaps even his interest in Spike was also part of his plan. Then, mentally, Twilight shook her head as she realized now she was being more and more paranoid. She still had no real idea what he wanted so it might be best to give him the benefit of the doubt.


“I agree, learning something new is an excellent way to pass the time,” said Twilight honestly before looking over at the door. There stood both the Count and Overkill, watching the exchange. “Count Raven, would you please keep an eye on Spike please? I’m sure this is going to take a while.” Instantly the Count nodded, understanding the seemingly trivial task Twilight had given him.


“Ah,” said Spike while looking sullen. He then moved to stand before Twilight and Arms Maker with his arms crossed. “You’re going to be having a meeting right now, aren’t you? How am I supposed to act as your number one assistant if you shut me out?! Come on Twilight. There has to be something I can do. Like taking notes?”


Twilight felt herself looking a little lost as she gazed at the young dragon. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him nor did she not value his role as her assistant. It was just that she didn’t want him here in case the conversation shifted to something more…unpleasant. Oddly, help came from an unlikely source. “Perhaps another time,” said Arms Maker in a manner that reminded Twilight of her father. “You have already more than fulfilled your duty as Princess Twilight’s assistant by keeping this old stallion company. I fear that the rest of the night might be far more dull compared to what we were doing as well as taking up a considerable amount of time. Perhaps Count Raven would be kind enough to give you some other duty that would assist your princess?”


“Yes,” said Count Raven slowly as he entered the room. The old stallion made his way towards Spike before gently placing a wing on the back of the young dragon. “There are still a few things that need to be done for tomorrow. Let’s see to them together.” Spike gave only the briefest of nods before allowing himself to be lead out of the room.


When the two were out of sight, Overkill quickly closed the door while Twilight turned to look at her guest. As she looked at Arms Maker, she admitted to herself that he didn’t seem too much like his greasy-maned, foul-mouthed son. Rather, it was like seeing an old fashioned, well-to-do grandfather back in Canterlot. Even if he did become violent, she doubted that he could do anything as he was surely searched before being allowed into the castle, let alone this room. Yet the question as to if she needed Overkill needed to be answered. While Twilight did feel she could deal with things if they became ugly, it might be a good idea to have a witness there just to be on the same side. In case he tried to make some sort of claim or whatnot.


“Thank you for that,” said Twilight honestly after a moment.


“Not a problem,” said Arms Maker as Twilight and Overkill took their positions on the appropriate side of the desk. Twilight sat in her chair with Overkill standing in attention next to her, eyes fixed on Arms Maker. The old stallion continued to talk as he too made his way back to the desk. “He’s a fine young dragon it seems. Very pleasant to be in his company. Have you thought about sending him to school in the city? There are several fine institutions that are still up and running from what I’ve heard that will grant him the very best education this nation can provide.”


Twilight blinked at that. “He has been home tutored by me,” she said. “But that was back when I had more time. That might not work as well seeing how much needs my attention these days, er, nights. I am a little worried about sending him out to school as he would be the only dragon in attendance.”


“Something to look into,” said Arms Maker with a nod. He then took a deep breath before continuing. “Princess, please permit me to begin by saying how sorry I am that our first meeting is under such horrid circumstances. It had been my intention to formally greet you in pony when I was invited to the castle. I had hoped we could have used such a time to get off on the right hoof and continue the beneficial relationship the government has had with my company. Needless to say, I was unable to make it. Nor have I been able to find the time to escape the hassle of my obligations in order to see you. I am sure you can understand such things.”


Twilight said nothing at first to this. Out of the corner of her eyes she could see that Overkill was biting her lip in an effort to keep herself from saying something less…dignified. Honestly, Twilight herself was finding it difficult right now to keep her own face neutral as this could have been honesty on his part or a long winded lie/excuse he had been cooking up. She wanted to take him at face value, she really did. But at the same time Twilight couldn’t help but think he was slowly buttering her up before asking for his son to be released.


So, in the end, Twilight decided to answer him honestly. “I also wish we could have met under more favorable circumstances.”


Arms Maker eyes became a bit downcast as he nodded. “There should have been no excuse for the slight I gave you. I realized that when an emergency occurred at one of my factories that I would have to handle personally, forcing me to cancel yet another appointment with you. The last thing I wanted was for the gears that connect us to become worn. That was why I sent Dealer in my stead. There were no misgiving in my heart when I asked him to do this. I had been working with him to stop this behavior of his, seeing the progress we had made with my own eyes.” Arms Maker then paused as a lump appeared in his throat. Twilight noticed that his eyes were beginning to water slightly as he continued to speak a bit more quickly than before. “Princess, you must believe me when I say that by all accounts he had turned his life around. Dealer was laying off the drink, asking to take on more responsibility at the factory. My son was getting better! Having him come here was the chance he needed to prove to all the naysayers as well as hopefully starting up a friendship with you, princess. One which I once had with Cobalt, may the Guides watch over his soul. But…But I never in my wildest dream imagined he would return to his old ways so spontaneously! For the harm he has caused both to you and especially the poor maid I apologize for sending him here.”


Again, Twilight didn’t know what to say. She wanted to believe him, she really did. The others members of the Great Houses seemed to have believed that he had changed his ways. Perhaps had the meeting gone as expected this might not have happened the way it did. Yet, somehow, Twilight knew that whatever mask Dealer had been wearing up until that point would have been discovered sooner or later. Eventually she would have found out about Dealer’s past, she was sure of it. At the very least he was not excusing Dealer’s actions or blaming them on Moon Chime so Twilight was at least willing to believe that he was sorry for what had happened.


Twilight licked her lips. “I accept your apology,” said Twilight. “However, the main blame goes to your son. His actions were his own.”


“T-That is true,” stammered Maker as be began to collect himself. Twilight watched as he took off his hat, noticing at the same time Overkill tensing as if afraid of a hidden weapon within. Yet nothing was pulled out as the stallion took a seat and began to roll the hat between his hooves. “The…The last several days have been a nightmare for me. Nothing compared to what yourself and your maid went through I’m sure, but a nightmare nonetheless. I have tried my best to stay away, to leave my son to his fate. But it is so hard to sit there and do nothing when I still believe I can be of help to him.”


“Arms Maker-” began Twilight.


“Princess, please listen!” interrupted Arms Maker in a louder tone. “He was getting better! I was getting through to him, I know it! Please, allow me this one last chance to set him right. I swear that I can help him. Dealer doesn’t deserve to be locked in a cell for the rest of his life.”


“Trust me, he doesn’t,” said Overkill as she was unable to hold her tongue anymore. She glared at Maker with fiery hate in her eyes. “If I were to give him what he deserved then this conversation would never be happening!”


“Princess,” pleaded Arms Maker as he leaned forwards and placed both hooves on the desk. Twilight could see that his eyes were still moist, wishing that she could avert her own from their begging presence. “I am willing to do whatever it takes for this to be settled outside of the courts. If it means free ammo or donating my entire fortune to whatever it is you desire, I’ll do it. I’ll have a fort built in front of the entrance to Equestria with my own labor if I need be! Please, just allow me to take him back to my estate so I can continue to help him. He will get better, I’m sure of it!”


“…From what I’ve heard you’ve been trying to help him over and over again,” said Twilight slowly while keeping her focus on the stallion. “I don’t believe you can change him.”


“But he was doing so well for so long!” insisted Arms Maker, his voice sounding more desperate. “We were making such good progress! I’m sure I am close to getting him to stop once and for all.”


“Or he was learning to hide it better,” stated Twilight firmly, rising from her seat slightly. “Several mares have been willing to come forward and are willing to testify in court that he used his gang ties to keep them silent. If I hadn’t come along when I did then the same thing might have happened here.” Twilight then took a breath before leaning back a bit in her chair. “Arms Maker, I’m sorry but your son has been given more chances than anypony should ever have…and he has wasted everyone of them. I have spoken to him and he feels no remorse.”


“Princess, this is my only son!” cried Arms Maker, tears flowing down his cheeks. “I need to save him. I know I can bring back the good stallion I know is inside!” Twilight looked upon Arms Maker with nothing but pity. Now she understood him far better. He was not some heartless fiend, but rather a stallion who loved his son from the bottom of his heart. Love this monster so much that he was willing to do whatever it took to save him. Even if that monster was beyond saving. It was becoming more and more clear to Twilight that Dealer knew his father loved him so much that he would do anything to get him out of trouble. He used that love for all it was worth.


“I’m sorry,” replied Twilight as she reached over the desk to touch the older stallion’s hoof. She kept her gaze on his, watching as he slowly shook his head. “But if I let him go again, who will save all the mares of this city? He has proven he’s not willing to change. It’ll be only a matter of time before he strikes again. As princess, I can not allow this to happen. Please understand.”


Arms Maker bite his lower lip while his gaze lowered to look at Twilight’s hoof. “What,” he began slowly only to pause and gulp loudly. “What if this were Spike? What if everypony around him called him a monster because of something he did? Wouldn’t you do everything in your power to protect him? To save him?”


Twilight’s wings flared at his words while Overkill swore several times, making Twilight very glad Spike wasn’t in the room to hear such…descriptive words. A part of Twilight couldn’t help but remember Spike’s birthday not too long ago when he experienced a greed growth. How he felt compelled to take everything he wanted for himself in order to create his own horde. The way he grew and grew until he was a giant dragon able to take the water tower with one claw before filling it up with whatever he wanted. Roaring instead of speaking like some savage monster straight from the Everfree. Twilight could easily recall how she felt back then, so helpless and scared that she might never see her young assistant/brother ever again. Fearful that he might do something that no amount of friendship speeches could ever hope to take back. All he would have had to do was make one misstep and he could have easily crushed somepony or toppled down a home with a family inside. Yes, she knew what it was like to see somepony or somedragon you loved turn into a monster.


While Twilight could relate to how Arms Maker was feeling, she knew there were differences. In Spike’s case, he had felt bad for the things he had done while being a monstrous dragon. That if he had seriously hurt anypony he would never have been able to forgive himself. That was the difference between him and Arms Dealer who felt indifference for the lives he hurt with his selfish behavior. What’s more, while Twilight would have defended Spike with all her might she would not have tried to do what Maker was doing right now. She would try to make her case to try and get Spike off or at least she would try to lessen his punishment via the law. At most she would ask Princess Celestia for advice, rather than sweeping away his crimes. She might have even tried to take on some of the punishment herself in order to lessen Spike’s burden the same way she was willing to do with Fluttershy when she stole Princess Celestia’s pet phoenix. But that would be it.


But would she be willing to do that for Spike now that she was a princess? Twilight’s thoughts shifted to Princess Celestia and the hard choice she had to make when her sister became Nightmare Moon. How hard that choice had been for her, to do what needed to be done for the sake of Equestria.


With that thought lingering on her lips for a moment, Twilight folded her wings again before speaking. “If Spike had been accused of something like what your son has done, I would hope to give him a fair trial in order to clear his name. I would give him the best defense as possible and do what needed to be done.” Twilight paused as Arms Maker pulled away while also sniffing loudly. “I am sorry for you. But I have to do what needs to be done.”


“I…am sorry as well,” replied Arms Maker slowly as he got off his chair. “You seem like such a kind hearted pony. I really wish we could be friends. But I need to must do what needs to be done for the sake of my son.” He then turned so that his back was facing Twilight. “Once the trial begins the contract between my company and the government will end. We will deliver what has already been paid for and nothing more.”


As he began to walk towards the door, Twilight teleported in front of him. As the startled stallion moved back and his eyes widened, Twilight looked at him imploringly. “Please, you don’t have to do this. Think about what would happen to your company! I’ve been told that we are your biggest client. What will happen to the families of your workers in you just cut ties with us? Please, think about them before you do anything rash!”


As Arms Maker looked at Twilight, she thought she saw for a moment a look of shame and hurt in his eyes. His tears almost seemed to renew while a wing was placed over his heart. Then, however, he closed his eyes before turning his head away from Twilight. “I hope you will think of them as well.” With that, Arms Maker moved past Twilight, ending their first, and last, meeting.