//------------------------------// // Chapter 10 - The Reconciliation // Story: An Alternative Beginning // by ultrapoknee //------------------------------// [Ponyville - Rainbow Dash’s Cloudominium] Pinkie stared up at one of her long time best friends’ house, a floating mansion in the sky made of mostly clouds. Despite the familiar setting, Pinkie felt a wave of trepidation passing through her. Taking a deep breath, she once more began to psych herself up for the inevitable. “Alright, Pinkie, you can do this. It’s just Rainbow Dash. Your longtime pal, compadre and fellow heroine…” Pinkie sighed as she looked down, digging slightly at the ground with her hoof. “A heroine that was disgraced last year, revealed to be a bully and–” She cut herself off and stiffened. “No! You can’t think like that!” She smacked her cheeks with her hooves and looked back up at the house. “You can reach her. Our friendship wasn’t a lie! So what if she might still harbor bad feelings for humans? You know she’s a good pony at heart. Now, get up there and bring your friend back!”  Pinkie climbed onto her bicopter and started to ascend to Rainbow’s house. The flight was short and sweet as Pinkie took a tentative step on the cumulus cloud, thankful she remembered to ask Twilight to perform the cloud-walking spell on her. Even if Twilight didn’t cast it herself and it was a unicorn guard who had to do it, it was still appreciated.  She slowly trotted up to the door, frowning at the mailbox full of bills and unopened letters. She picked up one of them to see that it was from her parents. In fact, she noted that many of them were from her parents. Setting it down, Pinkie moved to the door and knocked. There was a moment of silence before a raspy voice responded with, “Urgh…!” Pinkie put her ear to the door. “Rainbow?” “...Go away!” the familiar but much more raspy voice of Rainbow shouted, “just leave the mail at the door, on the floor, or wherever!” “Rainbow, it’s Pinkie Pie. Can I come inside?” Various sounds of shuffling and bottle clank came from inside as hoofsteps came closer to the door. The party mare was greeted with the sight of Rainbow’s haggard form glaring back at her. She looked about the same as the last time Pinkie had seen her, only now her one good eye was bloodshot. Pinkie couldn’t tell if it was from lack of sleep or the heavy drinking or both. Her mane was disheveled and even now, she stunk of alcohol, but not to the same extent as the night before. “Hey, Dashie,” Pinkie said with a small smile. “...Pinkie Pie…” Rainbow grumbled in irritation, “Whaddaya want?” “I came to see how you were doing,” Pinkie said, her smile faltering a bit when she saw the state her friend was in. “You seemed upset the last time.” “Upset? Nah, I was having a good time with my good friend Rarity until that human showed up,” Rainbow said in a snarky tone. Pinkie could smell the lingering alcohol on Rainbow’s breath more strongly now and had to hold back her gagging. “So, are you going to let me inside?” “Whatever,” Rainbow grumbled as she opened her door and allowed the pink mare to walk inside. Pinkie immediately frowned at the scene of Rainbow’s large foyer being littered with bottles. “I hope you don’t mind the mess,” Rainbow said in a sarcastic tone, “we had a big party last night.” Pinkie’s ears perked up slightly at the mention of ‘we’. “Oh? Did you make some new friends?” she asked hopefully. “Nope,” the pegasus replied, “it was a party of one. Me, myself and I.” Pinkie’s ears drooped again at this. “Rainbow,” she said with concern, “all this drinking isn’t good for you! And look at this mess! It looks like you haven’t cleaned in years!” “Hah! For your information, my folks come by every week to look after me,” Rainbow replied. “They clean up everything and restock my food and everything. Heck, I even have an allowance now! I don’t have to lift a bucking hoof!” Rainbow stumbled a bit when she lifted her left leg upwards. Another sigh escaped Pinkie’s muzzle before she responded. “I want to talk about the things you said last night. I want to talk about Gregory and the things you said to him. I want to talk about Jason and the things we did to him! Look at yourself, Dashie! You’re not alright. You never leave trash around your home. You’ve lost yourself!” “Pfft. First of all, I don’t remember what I said so it doesn’t matter bringing it up,” Rainbow scoffed dismissively. “Second. I don’t want to hear anything about any humans. Finally, I didn’t lose anything, Pinkie! This is me now, thanks to your human buddy. Take a good look.” “Rainbow, you’re even worse than Rarity,” Pinkie said as she took a step forward. “You can’t hide away from your guilt by drowning it in cider.” “Who's hiding!?” Rainbow shouted angrily. “What guilt!? I didn’t do anything! I was protecting the town! I was being a hero! Then all of a sudden here comes some bad guy with a sob story and everything gets flipped upside down! I get kicked out of the Wonderbolts and I can’t get my old job back!” Rainbow whirled on Pinkie and took an aggressive step towards her, causing the pink pony to retreat a step. “Now, Ponyville is a trash heap of homeless ponies!” Another step and another retreat. “Now all our friends have forgotten what loyalty means. Applejack never leaves her farm, Twilight’s stuck in that shelter, Fluttershy probably got eaten by parasprites since she never leaves the edge of the forest, and you, you bucked off for a whole year!” Rainbow stabbed her hoof into Pinkie’s chest, making the party pony tumble to the floor.  Pinkie pulled herself up and looked forlornly at Rainbow. “Rainbow. You know none of that–” “Some friends you all are!” the pegasus snapped, cutting Pinkie off. “Rarity’s the only one that gets it.” “Rarity woke up and realized her part in all this and she wants to change! You have to do the same!” Pinkie said. “Tch, figures.” Rainbow cursed out something incoherent under her breath before she continued. “I don’t have to do anything! What’s the point of doing anything? Maybe getting kicked out the bolts would’ve been fine. Lightning looked fine when she got her revenge. Maybe I could handle all the bills and angry letters coming from Cloudsdale and its ponies. And maybe I can handle no longer being a hero. But look at me!!!” Rainbow gestured to her scars, damaged eye and immobile wings. “I can't see straight anymore. I can’t stand looking in the mirror anymore. I-I can’t fly…” Pinkie saw the tears forming in friends eyes and moved to try and comfort her but Rainbow shoved her away. “Dashie-” “Leave, Pinkie. Now.” Rainbow’s remaining eye blazed with fury.  Weakly, Pinkie tried once more. “Rainbow, you have to–” “No! You have to leave! Go back to wherever you went and stay there!” Rainbow pointed to the door. “Don’t bother visiting! Don’t bother writing! And have fun laughing it up with your new human friend because we’re not friends anymore! Now get out!” Rainbow shoved her towards the door and outside her home before slamming the door. Pinkie landed on the cloud’s bouncy surface. She wasn’t hurt by the fall, but seeing Rainbow’s angry tears and her slamming the door in her face felt a lot worse. Clearly, Rainbow was far worse off than any of the others. Pinkie knew that she wasn’t enough to get through to her. “I can’t do this alone,” she realized as she hopped onto her bi-copter, “I need to get the girls.” With that, she headed down, heading off to the home of her next friend to try and help… [Canterlot Throne Room - Day of the Trial] Gregory was sitting on a custom chair in the Canterlot throne room, facing the gathering crowd of ponies who were filing in. His guards were on either side of him, guarding against any type of attack. The night before he’d slept on a heavenly bed in a spare room that resembled the one that Starlight Glimmer had slept in during A Royal Problem. His bed at the shelter was good, but the ones in Canterlot Palace were in a league of their own. Not even beds from Earth seemed to be able to compare.  Once more, he adjusted his tie and looked at his blazer. He was wearing some of his best clothes: a black blazer, black dress pants, a dark gray button down shirt, a dark blue tie and a pair of black shoes. His hair, which normally hung loose, was tied back and washed. He looked as professional as he could look. Despite his determination to have himself be heard, he was still nervous. “Goddamn it, this still doesn’t feel straight.” He let his hands fall onto his lap and sighed. “Ah well, I’m just glad that this suit didn’t get wrinkled.” “You look very good, sir,” Moonlight said reassuringly. “Who knew humans could clean up so well?” Swift added with a chuckle. Gregory was about to reply when a gust of wind started everyone present as Ember flew in through the open window. Gregory had to suppress a chuckle at her performing a superhero landing, complete with her full armor that she wore in The Gauntlet Of Fire episode. Ember stood straight up with all the regal airs her title could afford her. She studied the courtroom and Gregory saw her frowning. “Where are the perpetrators?” she demanded. She took another glance at Gregory in confusion. “And why are you wearing that? It looks constrictive.” “We’re in a courtroom, and where I’m from it’s impolite to wear anything that’s not professional in such a setting,” Gregory said. “Besides, I’d like to show these ponies that I’m not just some savage and have some manners.”  “Then you should wear armor,” Ember said, “I mean, how do you expect to fend off an attacker in those?” “I don’t own any armor,” he replied, “and I have my own means of defending myself, and I don’t mean my guards.” “If the peanut gallery is done with their comments, I’d like to continue,” Blueblood said, giving the two of them a sideways glance. “To answer your question, Dragon Lord Ember, the accused ponies are waiting to be brought inside the courtroom. Also, please keep the theatrics outside. I would like to attempt to maintain some form of decorum while presiding.” Gregory looked at Ember, then pointed to the chair that was beside him. Unlike his, this one was specifically designed for a dragon. “Take a seat,” he said quietly before he fidgeted once more with his tie for a few seconds before facing the walls again, drinking in the stained glass windows which depicted many heroic deeds. Grumbling, Ember nevertheless sat. Princess Luna nodded as everything settled down. When everyone was silent, she stood and faced the gathered ponies. “Hear ye, members of the court. I, Princess Luna and Prince Blueblood shall act as judges for this trial. The accused are to stand trial for their crimes against the defendant, Gregory Graystone for these list of charges that follow: Battery, aggravated assault, impersonating members of the Royal Guard, forgery of royal documentation, attempted abduction, conspiracy to commit murder, and finally, attempted first degree murder. Bailiff, bring out the accused!” As the guards went to the doors, Gregory saw Blueblood’s eyes fall on all the members of the House of Lords who were seated in their own area of the throne room. Gregory saw Blueblood arching a brow at them, almost as if he were wondering why they were at the trial. One pony, a unicorn who looked particularly important, caught Blueblood’s gaze and sent a sly smirk back, which only made Blueblood frown all the more. It was then that the guards returned to the room with panicked expressions. “Your highnesses! I bring grave news!!!” one of them said with an alarmed tone. “What is the matter, bailiff? Where are the prisoners?” Luna asked. The guards fidgeted under her glare as they swallowed a lump that had formed in both their throats. “T-The prisoners. They’re unresponsive, your highness.” Blueblood looked confused while Luna narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean unresponsive? If they are resting then merely wake them! I care not how it is done. In fact, if they persist with this behavior, douse them with boiling water!” “N-No, Princess, it’s not that kind of unresponsiveness,” the guard said nervously. “All manner of trying to rouse the prisoners are proving fruitless. After a few minutes of trying to wake them, we contacted the physician to check them.” “And what is the diagnosis?” Blueblood asked, his eyes falling on that one pony again. The unicorn’s subtle smile grew longer. “The prisoners are, for lack of a better term, brain dead, your highnesses!” the second guard exclaimed. “We suspect foul play at work.” A series of gasps erupted from everyone present. Princess Luna immediately stood from her throne and looked at the other guards. “I want the castle locked down and everypony screened for questioning. Nopony is to leave the premises without my direct order. Move now!!!” Many of the ponies begin to panic as more guards usher into the throne and begin lining them up. Gregory and Ember were included among this crowd. Gregory caught Blueblood moving down to intercept the unicorn he’d been exchanging glances with as the members of the House of Lords joined the lineup. He was close enough to overhear the conversation, which Blueblood started by saying, “High Life? What a surprise. I didn't peg you for these manner of activities.” “Hmm? Yes, dear prince,” said High Life replied with a smile, “my associates and I came for the trial. These proceedings sometimes provide an interesting bout of entertainment. Clearly, I was not wrong in that assessment.” Blueblood rolled his eyes, causing Gregory to smirk inside. Clearly, if Blueblood was acting, he could give those in Hollywood a run for their money. “I wish I could say the same…” High Life gave Blueblood a look of understanding before he continued to the lineup with no interruptions.  As per Luna’s orders, the entire castle immediately went into lockdown. Everyone from the staff to the civilians were questioned. Even Gregory and Ember were questioned which only served to anger the Dragon Lord. It wasn’t much better with Gregory, but he held his tongue and said nothing about it as he was questioned. Gregory and Ember were taken to a smaller side room and an older and more decorated looking guard came to question them. He sat in a chair and faced the other two who sat in the same chairs they had been sitting in out in the throne room. “Alright, what do you two know of what happened to the prisoners?” the guard asked. “Nothing of any value, sir,” Gregory responded honestly, “I haven’t seen the prisoners since they attacked me.” “Why are you wasting our time?” Ember growled. The guard sighed, then pointed to Gregory before he replied, “The ponies attacked your friend here. Given how vindictive humans can be, I’d say he’s the prime suspect.” Gregory shook his head. “I only came here to testify against them and see that justice was done,” he said. “Did you come here to testify? Or did you come here for revenge?” the guard asked with a challenging tone. “How can you explain that these same criminals go brain dead the moment you set hoof in Canterlot.” “Urgh! How did this happen under your watch?” Ember asked, glaring at the smaller guard with a dangerous glint in her eyes.  “Calm down, Ember,” Gregory said before he turned back to the guard. “To answer your question, I can’t explain it, but as Jason said during the tribunal a year ago, humans don’t have any sort of magic. I never once saw the prisoners after they attacked me.” “For all we know, humans could have a magic beyond our understanding,” the guard retorted before gesturing to Ember, “and if not you, your dragon cohort here could’ve–” Ember quickly stood, sending the chair she was sitting on flying behind her. She let out a roar that made the guard shrink away in fear. Fire spewed from her maw as she spoke in a deadly tone. “If I wanted to get at those ponies, I’d do it with my two claws! There wouldn’t be a trial or any of this pandering nonsense! If the Dragon Lord wanted someone dead, then they would be dead! No tricks, just claws, teeth and flames! Don’t try and insulate that I would do anything so cowardly!” Gregory immediately stood and put a strong hand on Ember’s shoulder. “Sit down, Ember,” he said calmly, “you’re not making this any easier on us.” He then turned to the guard. “I spent all of yesterday with Dragon Lord Ember then went to bed. I never left my room until this morning when my two guards escorted me to the throne room.” The guard was about to inquire some more before they all heard a disturbance outside. The doors leading into the room flew open as Princess Luna and Prince Blueblood came inside. Behind them were two figures that Gregory wasn’t expecting. Jason Wright and Queen Chrysalis. “Guard, the questioning has concluded. Sir Gregory and Dragon Lord Ember are free to leave,” Princess Luna said. “Well, this is an unexpected surprise,” Gregory said, looking curiously at Jason and Chrysalis, “what brings you two here?” “I heard there was a trial involving a human,” Jason replied with a smirk, “and since it wasn’t me, I knew it was you.” He then pointed to Gregory’s scar on his eye. “Nice new Cutie Marks, by the way. We’re kind of like twins.” He chuckled before adding, “I believe there is an ‘I told you so’ somewhere here.” Gregory put his hand to his eye and nodded. “Harsh, but not untrue. Anyway, it looks like I got dressed up for nothing.” “Your highness, have you brought these two for processing?” the interrogator asked. “No, they are innocent of the crime as well,” Luna quickly replied. “We believe the culprits were unicorns. Ones who, once again, used forgery to bypass the guards stationed with the prison to administer a high level mind wipe spell. Its potency renders all brain activity inert.” “Oh, he’s feeling an assortment of emotions right now,” Chrysalis cooed, “like disappointment, indignation, rage, and a number of others.” “Then perhaps it is another changeling attack?” the interrogator reasoned. “Wrong again, little pony,” Jason said, “we were spectators for this little show like everyone else. Of course, I could always invoke the Gjallarhorn if you still have doubts.” The guard pony wisely kept quiet, bowed to the royals, and then left the room.  Gregory watched them go, then turned to Jason and Chrysalis. “Well, I guess I owe you two my thanks for saving me.” “At least this human has some manners,” Chrysalis chuckled, looking at Jason with a smirk. Gregory chuckled quietly, then turned to Ember. “Well, since now we have some extra time, I believe I promised you a sparring match?”  “Anything to get out of this boring place.” Ember stated. Gregory nodded. “Yeah, you’re right. Well, let me get into some more comfortable clothes and we’ll find a place where we can duel.” He turned to Luna, who was giving him a look of shock. “Princess, do you have any kind of place in the palace or maybe in Canterlot where we can have a duel?” “Are you done playing the fanboy yet?” Jason asked before he took a step towards Gregory. “It’s better if you accept the offer I gave instead of doing whatever this is that you think is helping.” “I appreciate the offer, Mr. Wright,” Gregory replied, “but for the moment I’m going to pass. I’ll probably be leaving Equestria soon anyway, and I’d prefer doing it on my own terms. I’ve done things on my own terms for years now.” “And, where will you go?” Jason asked. “We already discussed other locations and you shot them all down. You’re walking around in a fog, blind to all the dangers. You can’t possibly expect to get by like that.” “If there is an issue with residence, I know some areas in the Dragon Lands he could stay, Ember interjected, “but that comes later. Right now, it’s time for that sparring match you promised me.” “Sounds good to me,” Gregory replied, before turning to Luna. “Is there any place where I can spar with her?” “If you’re truly considering it, there’s a courtyard where you can do this barbaric act,” Blueblood interjected. Gregory chuckled, then turned to Ember again. “Courtyard it is.” Half an hour later, Gregory and Ember were both standing in a smaller grass covered courtyard somewhere in the castle. He’d changed into something that would be better for fighting in, and Ember, despite her protests, was no longer in her armor. Gregory had insisted that to make things a bit more fair that the duel would only be performed using physical strength. No flying, any kind of weapons or magic would be allowed. To his further surprise, he and Ember had gathered a bit of an audience for this little duel. Luna was there with a worried expression on her face, while Blueblood sat beside her, looking more amused than anything else. The stallion named High Life was also there, lazily chewing on some snacks. Jason and Chrysalis were also there, but standing aside from the rest of them. Gregory’s guards were also there, waiting anxiously for this duel to begin. Gregory was stretching and limbering up as best he could. Ember waited impatiently, tapping her foot on the ground and watching the human. Finally, she said, “Is this some sort of human warrior ritual?” “No, I’m just getting limbered up for our duel,” Gregory said as he bent down to touch his toes then stood back up and reached for the sky. “I’m nowhere near a doctor who knows anything about humans, so it’s best to be as prepared as possible.” “Very well,” she said before she looked him up and down. “You should use that stick you had with you. Judging by your features, you have no natural weapons. Your skin looks soft and fragile. I doubt it would even tickle my scales without you breaking something.” Gregory shrugged. “No natural weapons, no. Humans have had to use their brains to become the dominant species on our world. You make a good point, though. If you have no objections, then that pole should be enough.” He walked over to where it was leaning against the wall, grabbed it, then went back to the center of the courtyard, turning to the other members of the impromptu audience he had. “So, which one of you wants to be the judge of the battle?” “Oh, I’ll do it,” Chrysalis said, swaggering to the courtyard. “It should be an interesting little distraction.” “That works for me,” Gregory said before turning back to Ember. “You okay with that, Ember?” “Fine, whatever. Let’s just start. I swear you scaleless like to drag your limbs with this kind of thing.” Ember said impatiently. Gregory gripped the metal pole with his gloved hands. “Alright then, I’m ready whenever you are.” Ember lowered herself slightly before kicking off and rushing Gregory. The human’s eyes widened as he put the pole up in time to block a punch by Ember. The force of it was still strong enough to knock him back. Ember, in turn, shook her claw a little while looking a bit confused. Gregory took that time to regain his footing. He charged and attempted a swing aimed for her head. Ember ducked underneath it while scoring a punch on Gregory’s exposed stomach. That made Gregory stumble back as Ember pressed forward. Gregory found himself on the back foot immediately as he did his best to dodge all her punches. What he couldn’t dodge in time, he was able to block, causing Ember to wince slightly from touching his pole. Finally, with a little bit of luck, Gregory found an opening and thrust his metal poll at Ember, aiming for her stomach. She dodged, but the pole still hit her arm. She twirled around, holding said arm and wincing. Not letting her recover, he brought his pole down on her back, sending her sprawling. He rushed up, but she spun away and sprang to her feet, kicking out his legs from under him, sending him tumbling to his stomach. He hit the ground hard, tasting dirt and grass in his mouth. He spun to his left just as Ember swiped down with a kick that would have landed on him. Quickly and painfully, he came up and faced her again, pole in a defensive position. Sweat was pouring down his face now and he knew some new bruises were forming. Ember pressed the attack, rushing at him with surprising speed. She seemed now to be aiming more for his metal pole, trying to swipe it out of his hands, but he would either dodge or hit her hands back so that she couldn’t get a good grip on it. Unfortunately, that didn’t last long as she finally got one claw around it and yanked him forward, but not without wincing more herself the longer she held onto it. He held on tightly as he lost his footing and she grabbed the other side with her free claw. Now it was a contest of strength and not skill. He pressed back with all his might, but Ember was much stronger than he was and she soon began to overpower him, pressing him against the nearest wall. In an act of desperation, he leaped up and kicked Ember in the chest with his boots. Her grip fell away and she gasped and stumbled back, a look of surprise on her face. Meanwhile, he raised his pole again and struck her in the chest with the tip, sending her stumbling back even more. However, she dug the claws on her feet into the grass and launched herself up into the air using her powerful hind legs and did a flip, bringing her legs down towards him. He tried to use his pole to deflect it, and while it did just that, the force of her fall was enough for him to finally lose his grip on the metal pole.  Landing and regaining her footing quickly, Ember kicked the pole away and rushed towards Gregory, claws outstretched. Now weaponless, Gregory had to rely only on his self defense courses. Using her own momentum against her, he managed to flip her onto her back. She gave a surprised look at this, but had no time for more when Gregory moved to try and pin her down. However, she kicked her legs up and leaped to her feet, using her wings to help push her up. She spun around and using her tail, managed to trip Gregory. He landed heavily on his back, breath lost. Suddenly, Ember was on top of him, one claw around his wrist and the other mere inches away from his neck, claws outstretched. The two stared at each other for a few moments, both panting. Gregory finally lay back and said, “I concede defeat. You win.” “Excuse me, I believe I’m the judge,” Chrysalis interrupted. “There was hardly any carnage in this fight. I wanted to see more blood and bruises!” “Chrysalis.” Jason said in a low warning tone. Chrysalis rolled her eyes. “Fine, fine. Spoil all my fun, why don’t you? The Dragon Lord wins, I suppose.”  “Sweet Faust! Dragon Lord Ember, what are you doing?!” a new voice called out, one that Gregory knew immediately. Turning, he saw the familiar form of Starlight Glimmer standing nearby with a Royal Guard next to her. She was gaping at the scene in abject horror. “What’s it look like? We’re sparring, and…” Ember got up and released her hold on Gregory. She puffed out her chest in pride while pointing to herself, “I won.” Gregory slowly stood up, looking around. He spotted his pole, retrieved it, and leaned against it. He looked over at Ember and nodded in her direction respectfully. “Good sparring match. I’ve got to remember that dragons have wings and a tail they can use. Extra limbs and such.” He looked up at Starlight. “Nice to meet you officially, Miss Glimmer.” Giving the Dragon Lord a look of wariness, Starlight approached Gregory. “You know me?” she asked before she looked like she remembered something. “Oh yeah, The Trial and that show of yours. That’s still more than a little creepy. But anyway, hello, it’s nice to meet you too, mister…?” “Gregory Graystone, Miss Glimmer,” he said, holding out a hand towards her.  Starlight graciously accepts and gives him a firm shake. “You can drop the Miss Glimmer part. It makes me seem like a tightwad.” He chuckled. “So…what do I call you?” “You can call me Starlight,” she said with a friendly smile. “Starlight it is, then,,” he nodded as he released her hoof. “What brings you to Canterlot? I’d heard you were building some kind of school up in a place called the Unclaimed Lands, so shouldn’t you be back there?” “That’s right!” Starlight beamed with pride. “The school just opened and we will start classes in a few weeks. Since this is a multicultural school, perhaps you would be willing to teach at my school and share some of your human culture to with inquiring young minds?” Gregory paused and began to think. Starlight was watching him expectantly as he thought. It was a tempting offer, he had to admit. Teaching young minds about human culture and helping them to avoid the thinking of the older generation sounded like a very worthwhile investment of his time in this world. He looked around at the rest of the gathered group, wondering what their reactions were. “What a generous offer, Starlight,” Jason stated flatly. “Jason?! You’re here too? Um, I wasn’t trying to offend…” Starlight said sheepishly. “Um, so would you like to offer any insight on human culture too?”  “No,” Jason replied quickly, “but I would like it if some changelings attended as well. If that goes well, then I might reconsider.” “Well, it is a multicultural school, so I guess I can agree to that.” Starlight said. “Got any changelings in particular in mind?” Gregory asked innocently, “some younger ones would be a better idea, I think.” “No, I was thinking of sending grown adults to a school full of preschoolers,” Jason stated sarcastically before turning around and leaving. “Looks like our time is up,” Chrysalis said with a chuckle before she turned and walked after Jason. “Do you think we still have time to catch that restaurant I wanted to visit?”  As the two left, Gregory turned back to Starlight. “Well, I have to admit, your offer is tempting,” he said, “so would you be alright if I asked you more about this school? I’d like to know what it’s gonna be like and how things will operate there, if I can.” “Are we going back to that spicy food place?” Ember asked. When Gregory nodded, her face lit up. “Great! I want two of everything!” Ember turned and flew off, leaving no room for argument. Gregory groaned. “She’s going to make me go broke,” he said before turning to Starlight. “I hope you like spicy food, because I think Ember found a favorite place here.” “It’s alright with me,” Starlight said. After saying their goodbyes, the three headed out towards Canterlot, not knowing that High Life was watching them from where he’d been watching the duel, a smirk on his face. He turned and headed back to his house. [High Elm Estate - Later That Evening] High Life sat contently in his study with a cup of tea on his desk. He took a tiny sip as a knock came at his door. “Enter.” Ink Blot opened the door. “Master, Prince Blueblood is here to see you,” the pegasus said. “As expected, show him in please.” She bowed and turned, leading the prince of Equestria inside the study, closing the door behind her as she quickly departed. Blueblood looked at High Life with a wry smirk on his face. “Well, you’re looking quite comfortable,” the prince said with an amused tone. “And should I not after a most entertaining display in the courtroom and the courtyard?” High Life asked in an amused tone. He took another sip of his tea and placed it down again. “Mmmm, you should really try this Saddle Arabian tea. It’s called Raindrop. It’s a delightful blend of jasmine with a hint of nutmeg and a pinch of sugarcube.” “I’m surprised you managed to get some of their tea, considering the trade embargo,” Blueblood said as he took a seat and poured himself a cup of the aforementioned Raindrop tea, sipping on it. “Mmm…quite delectable, yes,” he added, “and while I can honestly say that the courtroom drama was over more quickly than I liked, I did find that duel between the Dragon Lord and the human quite entertaining. And very informative. He held his own longer than I expected.” “Hmm, yes,” High Life replied with a small nod, “he’s decent…if you compare his skills to a foal waving around a stick at a general. You can tell he’s more of a brawler than a skilled professional. The only advantage he had was that pole of his.” He looked out southeast in the general direction of the Dragon Lands before saying, “Tell me, do you know why dragons are the most bothersome to contend against?” “There are a number of reasons,” Blueblood replied, “for one, they are extremely long lived. They also have scales that are tougher than almost all of our best armor. They can also fly quite skillfully and can breathe fire.” “Yes to all those points,” High Life said, “but they are most notorious for being magically resistant. Yes, they have magic - as minimal as it may be - but nothing short of several high level unicorns can even hope to challenge the younger, smaller ones. Never mind a full grown adult.” “Every race on Equis has a hint of magic,” Blueblood agreed. “Us ponies have the most, which is why we can take a lightning bolt or two, but other races can’t despite their own minimal magic. And yes, dragons are the only other exception to that rule. What’s your point, my friend?” “My friend, you should pay more attention,” High Life chided. “It was that staff that gave the human any sort of an advantage. Had he been without it, the dragon would have had him for lunch before any of us could blink. It’s been on my mind for some time since we got the report of the failed assault. How could this wayward vagabond from beyond the veil fight off three guards while severely crippling two of them? His inventory is something special.” “Oh, I did notice that his pole or staff or whatever he bears did some hurt to the Dragon Lord,” Blueblood agreed, “but it’s not about the weapons. It’s about how they’re used. The human has some slight skill, there’s no denying that, but not enough to challenge a dragon, let alone us. Yes, he crippled two of those ponies, but it wasn’t enough. He’s only one creature alone in our world.” “You’re arguing semantics when I am bearing facts,” High Life retorted before taking a sip of tea again and setting the cup back down before facing Blueblood once more. “I could care less of his skill. The weapons he has should not be able to disrupt the very magic in the air as he wields it. I felt the disturbance each time he swung that staff. It is like the weapon sucked all the magic out the air and whatever it came into contact with. Perhaps there is a way to acquire his items for ourselves?” Blueblood took another sip of tea. “Hmm…yes, you have a good many points. However, he has currently refused the offer we gave to him. He seems as stubborn as his fellow human Jason, although I saw that he was actually considering that one unicorn’s offer to become a teacher at her so-called multicultural school. That would put him out of our reach. Him and his possessions.” High Life let out a light chuckle. “Oh my sweet prince. Nothing is beyond our reach. But, this presents us with a wonderful opportunity to strike at the school. But, before we do that, there is another matter to address.” Blueblood raised an eyebrow. “And what might that be?” “Why, the culprit behind our brain dead prisoners, of course.” Blueblood grinned. “So who did it?” he asked with a chuckle. “Sadly, our newest member Filthy Rich is heavily implicated in this most atrocious crime,” High Life said with a sad shake of his head. “After all, it was him that ordered the guards to harm the other human beforehand. It stands to reason he would want them to try again with another. And it makes the most sense that he would silence them when they have failed.” “That’s quite a shame,” Blueblood replied, “I did quite like the fellow. But I suppose earth ponies are the same everywhere. They do nothing but eat dirt. I wonder what will become of his wealth and his businesses? They’ll need looking after.” “Well, I have recently been delving into the stock market,” High Life explained, “and it turns out that Barnyard Bargains has been bleeding investors for quite some time. The stock is steadily on the decline. The company could very well face bankruptcy if nothing is done. Who am I but not a loyal follower of harmony’s tenets as to not lend a hoof in that fine establishments need of aid.” “Well, I suppose that the company must be saved,” Blueblood said, “after all, our economy needs all the boost it can get.” He raised his tea cup in his magic. “To the salvation of Equestria.” High Life reciprocated the gesture. “To the salvation of Equestria.” [Helping Hooves Shelter - Twilight’s Office - That Same Time] Twilight was lost in reading when her concentration was shattered by Pinkie slamming her hoof on Twilight’s desk, causing the alicorn to jump up from her reading in a fright. “Gah!? Pinkie! What are you doing?” the alicorn asked, putting down her copy of Prince Caspian. “Twilight, there’s no simple way to say this, so I’ll just say it,” Pinkie began before taking a deep breath and giving Twilight the most serious glare she could muster. “We need to get the girls back together!” Twilight paused as she studied Pinkie’s serious expression. “I don’t know about that, Pinkie,” she said with a sad shake of her head. “It’s not like I haven’t tried reaching out to them, but The Trial is still fresh on everypony’s minds. And we were hit the hardest, obviously. I think it’s best if we–” Pinkie slammed her hooves on the desk again, once more making Twilight jump in alarm. “What, Twilight? You think that it’s best to leave them to stew in their own misery some more? Look at how well that’s working. So far, I’ve only managed to talk Rarity out of her funk, but Applejack’s content with locking herself on the farm, Fluttershy’s a crazy cat lady with no cat, and Dashie’s wasting away up in her house and drinking herself into an early grave! We can’t reach them through letters or long winded speeches about friendship. We have to go there in pony and talk with them, be there for them, and help them overcome their sorrows!” There was a bit of silence before Twilight weakly said, “...My speeches aren’t long winded…” “Twilight,” Pinkie deadpanned. Twilight raised her hooves in surrender. “Right, right. I hear you,” she said, “and you’re right. We’ve been sitting on our haunches long enough. We need to get them here and talk things out. I think we should go get Rarity and start from the easiest issue to tackle to the worst. Starting with Applejack, then going to Fluttershy and ending with Rainbow Dash.” “That’s right! It’s time for an intervention!” Pinkie held out her hoof as Twilight nodded and bumped it with hers. The two mares made their way out of the shelter and towards Carousel Boutique. Rarity was outside for once as they approached. She was busy doing some sweeping. Much to Pinkie’s and Twilight’s surprise, she looked much cleaner than she had before. She’d gotten a manecut and it was styled more or less similarly to how it had been before. Her boutique still looked somewhat run down, but the grass which had been overgrown around her place was now cut and sat in a few bags nearby. The graffiti that had been sprayed on her boutique was now washed away, and despite needing a new coat of paint, the dust buildup at her store was more or less gone.  As Pinkie and Twilight approached, Rarity looked up. “O-Oh! Twilight, Pinkie, hello there,” she said with a small smile, “Sure is a lovely evening for some well deserved spring cleaning, isn’t it?” Twilight looked at the mess sadly. “Oh, Rarity. I should’ve made more of an attempt to visit you. Your boutique is in shambles.” “Oh, don’t worry yourself about this, Twilight,” Rarity said with a smile, “and honestly, it keeps me out and about to make sure it stays tidy. It could be worse after all.” “Rarity, it’s bad,” Twilight said somberly, “and that graffiti is clearly vandalism.” “Twilight, that’s how it is all over town,” Rarity explained, “although, I do wish ponies found a more healthy and respectful way to express themselves…and yes, I know how that sounds coming from me.” “We can worry about fixing ponies' attitudes later,” Pinkie said, “because right now, I want to fix us! Rarity, besides Rainbow Dash, have you talked to the other girls?” Rarity pondered this for a moment before bowing her head solemnly. “...No,” she finally admitted, “I’m ashamed to say that I haven’t. Rainbow’s been my proverbial drinking companion for a while and I haven’t thought of any reason to visit anypony else.” “Look girls, it’s clear we can’t handle our problems alone,” Twilight declared. “I’ve devoted all my time to running the shelter, but the truth is that I’m trying to make up for guilt as well. I even lied to Gregory about what we did to Jason. A lie of omission, but still a lie. I’m sorry I never came to see you or the girls, but we need to help each other if we want to move forward.” “Oh my, careful Twilight. That almost sounded like the old friendship speech.” Rarity chuckled along with the other two friends, the aforementioned alicorn blushing ever so slightly.. “Alright, so I’m assuming we’re all going to have a big chat with one another. If so, who do we need to see next?” “We can go to Sweet Apple Acres and then swing by Fluttershy’s on the way to see Rainbow,” Pinkie said. “Oh dear, I’m afraid Rainbow may prove the most difficult to sway,” Rarity ruminated. “We won’t know unless we all try. Now, let’s clean up here and head out.” Twilight said. “Twilight, darling, will we have enough time to visit everypony else?” Rarity asked before pointing to the western horizon, “after all, sunset is almost here.” “We can if we split up. I can get Fluttershy while you two go and get Applejack. We’ll meet up at Dashie’s place.” Pinkie said before she darted off toward Fluttershy’s house. “That mare is something else…” Rarity said with a smile, “and she’s definitely a better pony than she was before. And that’s saying something.” She put her cleaning implements away and turned back to Twilight. “I can clean my boutique later. Right now, rekindling our friendships is more important. So let’s go see Applejack.” As they walked towards Sweet Apple Acres, they saw Big Mac pulling a cart towards the barn. He spotted them and a frown came over his features as he unhitched himself from the card and walked over to them, stopping them just shy of the gate. He looked directly at Twilight, not with any anger or hatred, but a stern look as he said, “Sorry, Twilight, but know the rules,” the stallion said, “Granny says you ain’t allowed on the farm anymore.” “I know, Big Mac,” Twilight replied, “and I have nothing but the utmost respect for your family, but ask yourself this: is Applejack getting any better on her own?” Big Mac looked closely at her, like he was searching her eyes for something. Finally he shook his head. “Eenope,” he replied. “Then you simply must let us through, darling, Applejack’s well being depends on it!” Rarity stated firmly. Big Mac stared at both their pleading expressions for some time. These two were practically family at one point in time. They’d done a lot for the farm and helped the family more than once while asking for nothing in return. Big Mac slowly nodded his head as he spoke. “Y’all can come on by then. Make sure you let Granny know what yer doin’ before seein’ Applejack. Ah hope y’all can snap her out of this funk. Ah want mah sister back.” Twilight and Rarity both gave the stallion a firm nod. “We won’t let you down, Big Mac!” Twilight said.  “Ah hope not,” the stallion said before he returned to his cart. “That stallion deserves to meet a nice mare,” Rarity said as they headed swiftly up towards the farmhouse which neither of them had seen in over a year.  “Now’s probably not a good time to play matchmaker, Rarity,” Twilight admonished. Rarity nodded. “Of course, of course. “As they approached the house, they saw Applebloom coming in from the direction of the old Cutie Mark Crusader clubhouse. Rarity waved over at her. “Applebloom, darling, it’s good to see you again.” “Oh, it’s you. Hey, Rarity.” Applebloom said in a flat tone that made the unicorn wince. The former fashionista unicorn took a deep breath before she faced the younger earth pony filly. “Darling, I know it might not mean much, but I’m dreadfully sorry for everything that’s happened. I wish I could take everything back, but maybe I can do the next best thing. Twilight and I came here to talk to Applejack and try and help her.” “Y’all help yourself yet?” Applebloom asked. “Better yet, did you help Sweetie Belle? Is she back in Ponyville?” Rarity lowered her head. “I’m sorry, but as far as I know, she’s back with our parents,” she replied, “but I can write to them and ask them to bring Sweetie here to see you.” “So, she’s been gone for a whole year now and you haven’t written to her?” Rarity lowered her head even more in shame. “Yes, that’s right,” she said quietly. She was starting to lose her momentum and all she really wanted to do was go back home, crawl into bed and maybe eat a bucket of ice cream. However, she stood back up, refusing to back down at the last stretch. “That changes today, though. When I get home, I’ll be writing a letter to her and sending it off posthaste.” Applebloom gave her an incredulous look before huffing. “Yeah, well until ah see it for mahself, ya got nothing but hollow words.” Applebloom turned to Twilight next. “Didn’t Granny ban you?” “Please, Applebloom, Rarity and I just want to fix things,” Twilight pleaded. “I know it doesn’t seem like much now, but we do want to help. If you want proof of that, let us talk with Applejack. All we want is one chance.” “...Fine…” Applebloom replied in resignation. “Follow me to the house.” The two mares and filly finally made it to the Apple farmhouse porch. Out of the corner of Twilight’s eye, she saw the curtain in Applejack’s room shift. Twilight hummed in thought as Applebloom opened the door and allowed them inside. Not much had changed in the Apple house since she’d stepped hoof in it last time. Everything was still clean and orderly, and there was a distinct apple smell that permeated everything. All in all, it brought back memories of happier times to both ponies. Walking further inside, Twilight and Rarity paused as they saw another familiar pony sitting in a rocking chair before them. Granny Smith was relaxing while humming the Apple family song to herself. Rarity and Twilight shared a glance before turning back and approaching the elderly mare. Twilight cleared her throat and faced the old pony. “Granny Smith?” “Hmm?” The elder mare said while rubbing her eyes and focusing on the voice. Once her vision cleared, Granny’s eyes narrowed in on Twilight. ”What in tarnation are yah doin’ here? Ah know ah banished you. Now git along off mah farm!”  Twilight steeled herself at Granny’s deathly tone. "It's about Applejack, Granny Smith, Rarity and I want to try and help her.” Granny’s response was a disgruntled snort as she slowly got up from the chair. “Y’all want to help Applejack for a mess y’all caused? And how do yah fancy goin’ about doing that? Why wait till now to show yer face again?” “It was mostly Pinkie's idea,” Twilight replied. “She’s been visiting all of us since she got back. I’m sure she’s been here as well.” “She has, and she’s about the only one in the group I’d even consider hearin’ out,” Granny said. “Unlike the rest of y’all, she went and changed herself fer the better.” “Yes, yes she did, and we couldn’t be prouder of her,” Rarity said, “ but we want the opportunity to change as well, and it's not something we can do on our own.” “And how do ah know y’all won’t make matters worse?” Granny asked. Twilight bowed her head and splayed her wings deeply before the Apple matriarch, the sight causing Granny to arch a brow. She may not have been a royal anymore, but this act was hardly suited for an alicorn. “I humbly ask the head of the Apple clan for her blessings to soothe the black mark I caused,” Twilight said. “We wish to help and be there for our dearest friend and your second eldest kin.” Granny knew that pledge well. She’s seen it plenty of times when her family visited Day Court in Canterlot. It was a sign of deep respect and ultimate submission to the recipient. Granny sighed deeply before lightly brushing Twilight’s mane, gaining the alicorn’s attention. “Y’all knock that fancy-shmancy grovlin’ off, youngin,” she said. “I ain’t no princess or one of those prudes up in Canterlot. Ya made yer point.” “Does that mean you’ll let us see Applejack?” Rarity asked hopefully. Granny waved towards the stairs leading up to Applejack’s room as she said, “Go on then. Ya might be able to reach her better than we can. Faust knows that mare’s as stubborn as dirt on the underside of a hog.” “Thank you, Granny Smith. We won’t let you down!’ Twilight said as both of the mares climbed up the stairs to Applejack’s room. They opened the door slowly as they peered inside the room. Applejack was sitting on the bed with a bottle of cider in her hoof and her back facing the door. “Applejack?” “Hey, girls,” Applejack said without looking over at them, “I saw y’all walkin’ up the road. Ah guess Granny ain’t sore at yah anymore, huh Twilight?” “Applejack. I think you know why we’re here,” Twilight said. Applejack sighed and nodded. “Ah suppose so.” “Darling, how have you been?” Rarity asked as the two mares took up on each side of Applejack, sitting carefully on the bed with her. “Ah can’t complain none,” Applejack responded simply. “Well, how’s your condition treating you?” Rarity asked. “It’s nothing ah ain’t used tah by now.” As if on cue, Applejack clutched her barrel tightly while she dropped the bottle of cider, a look of pain on her face. Twilight and Rarity were instantly by her side as she started to wheeze heavily. After a few moments, the pained look on Applejack’s face lessened and she composed herself. “S-See? Nothing to it,” she said shakily and with a forced smile.  “Oh Applejack…” Twilight said sadly. “Don’t you go givin’ me yer pity,” Applejack said bitterly, “Ah’m gettin’ what ah deserve. Ah’m a horrible pony and a disgrace tah the Apple family…” “Darling, you made a mistake, a very bad one, yes, but that doesn’t make you a bad pony!” Rarity said, parroting what Pinkie said to her. “Heh, tell that to Jason. Maybe he’ll find in his heart to forgive us,” Applejack joked harshly as she reached down to retrieve her bottle of cider, draining what little remained before slamming it back down on the bedside table. “Applejack, we both know how you feel,” Twilight said. “You feel like you can’t move on from what happened last year. Hiding in your room and isolating yourself on the farm is just a distraction, just like how I threw myself into running the shelter.” “And how I drowned my sorrows in late night bar benders with Rainbow,” Rarity added. “It’s not healthy and it solves nothing.” ‘What else is there tah do?” Applejack asked. “We can’t make amends. We can’t take anythin’ we did back. Why bother at all?” “Because we owe it to ourselves to be better!” Twilight said firmly. “We were once the Elements of Harmony. We acted as heroes and role models for all of Equestria. Now, we need to do that again. But, this time, we do it for ourselves. Because we can be the best version of ourselves.” “We must accept that those horrid little thoughts were a part of us,” Rarity added, “those nasty and callous sides of our persona are there. I know it isn’t easy. I once prided myself on my looks and generosity, but it’s that same pride that’s holding us back. I mean, look at Pinkie. She could’ve ignored what happened since she wasn’t punished at all, but she took what she did to heart and faced accountability. And now she’s all the better for it.” Applejack chuckled softly at this. “Who knew that silly mare had in her to grow up and leave us in the dust.” her muzzle quivered as she spoke with a trembling voice. “...but ah ain’t Pinkie. What if I can’t…?” “I seem to remember a certain Apple family saying,” Twilight said with a smirk before turning to Rarity. “What was it again, Rarity?” “Oh, I know this one, darling,” Rarity said, and adopting the southern accent that she’d used once before when she’d tried to win that one stallion over years ago, she said, “I believe it was something along the lines of ‘Apples ain’t quitters.’” Rarity gave Applejack a coy smile. “We can’t make you do anything, Applejack,” Twilight added. “If you feel you're not ready, then we won’t push you. But, if you truly want to change, we’ll be right outside your door.” Twilight gestured Rarity toward the door. The two got up and left the room, placing themselves on either side of the door and waiting. “Do you think she’s come out?” Rarity asked with an air of concern. Just then, the door opened again. The two ponies turned and saw Applejack walking out. She waved her hoof through her unkempt blonde mane and straightened her locks. She turned to Twilight and Rarity and gave them a soft reserved smile. “Alright, girls. What’s first?” [Fluttershy’s Cottage] Following her departure from Carousel Boutique, Pinkie rushed towards the familiar path towards Fluttershy’s cottage. In no time at all, Pinkie was fast approaching the pegasus’ property line. Nothing had changed since she’d come here and had unexpectedly met with Gregory. At the thought of her new human friend, she wondered how he was doing. She’d heard from Twilight earlier that morning that he’d gone to Canterlot to testify in the trial of those ponies who’d attacked him. She hoped things were going well for him, but for now she needed to focus.  Pinkie crossed the bridge, walked up to the door and knocked to announce her presence. “Fluttershy, it’s Pinkie! We need to talk!” the former party pony called out. The timid mare in question poked her head out of the top floor window, looking down. When she saw who it was, she raised a hoof in greeting. “Oh, um, Pinkie. I-It is good to see you. Um, could you come back another time, though?” “Sorry, Flutters, but I need you to come with me now. It’s an emergency!” Pinkie shouted. Fluttershy seemed to look everywhere but to her friend, although she mostly looked inside before she replied, “I’m sorry, but I’m very busy and I can’t come out,” she replied, “but I’ll take a rain check with you, though. If that’s alright?” Pinkie stared blankly at Fluttershy before she sighed, raised her hoof and opened the door. She marched up the stairs to Fluttershy’s room as she had seen movement through the screen. Opening the door, Pinkie’s eyes widened at the strange sight before her.  Discord was sitting in a customized foal style high chair with a bib and hat that only newborns would wear. However, from the look of distress on the draconequus’ features, Pinkie realized that it wasn’t his choice to be there. Fluttershy, on the other hoof, was busy trying to hide a stockpile of food, each with various labels of different animals. “Fluttershy…what’s going on…?” Pinkie asked slowly. “Oh, um, I-I can explain,” Fluttershy stammered meekly. Pinkie took a seat and looked at Fluttershy. Crossing her forelegs, she gave the butter colored pegasus her complete attention. “Alright then. Go ahead. I’m listening…”