Chapter 2
Old Friends in a New Age
"Equestria Forever!"
-Loyalists Battle Cry.
“Do you have the implant? Does it have the file on it?”
“Yes on both fronts, Sir.”
“Were there any problems?”
“None, Sir. She tried to run, but I made sure she did not get away.”
“Perfect. Now are you sure that implant is the only possible place she could have the file?”
“I believe so, Sir.”
“You believe or you are positively certain? We need to make sure.”
“I did not think to question her, Sir. And I don't think it will be possible to question her now.”
“Well then just pray to Celestia and Luna we have the only copy. Because if that is not the only copy we are going to have a lot of problems and we cannot afford to raid the Ministry itself.”
“I apologize then, Sir.”
“*Sigh* Don't. Just hope that this is the last time we here about this incident.”
Skies above Ponyville
It was a lovely morning for flying. At least that's how it felt for Twilight Sparkle as she soared above Ponyville. How many times had she seen Rainbow Dash flying from below before becoming an Alicorn? Too many times to count. As the wind whipped through her mane, Twilight savored the moments of freedom before she had to get to work at the Ministry. She dived low towards the ground, picking up speed with a smile on her face. This was her morning ritual, utilizing the gift that she was given when Princess Celestia made her a princess. The gift of wings. The gift of flight. The gift of true freedom.
Just before she collided with the ground, Twilight arched her body upwards and put on an extra burst of speed, flying straight up into the sky. Her wings beating against the winds furiously, Twilight began to laugh uproariously. This was true freedom. She would have to thank Rainbow Dash for the flying lessons the next time she saw her... whenever that was.
She paused in mid-flight, hovering in the air, a look of regret on her face. Was it her fault she and her friends had drifted apart? It had been five years since Fluttershy's wedding, the last time the gang had been together. Even before that, they hadn't talked very much. The build up to the wedding the most the six of them had spent together since the war. Spike, her dragon friend and “number one assistant”, had been continuously pestering her to, “Call Applejack. Call Rarity. Call Fluttershy. Anypony. You need to get out again. Just like the old days.”
And she would always reply, “That's the thing, Spike. I'm a Princess now. The old days... are gone.” She hated thinking that.
“Spike's right,” she thought aloud. “When it comes to things like this, he is always right. I can never figure out how, but he is. When I get to work, I'll call Rainbow Dash. Yeah. I'll call her and see if she is free for a race. I bet I can surprise her, I have been practicing.”
She smiled as she flew towards the Ministry of Magic and Technology building. It looked like a violet colored pillar of glass and steel reaching towards the sky, as if defying the very Earth itself. It was the tallest building in the city of Ponyville, though she read articles that the headquarters of E.A.T. in Manehattan was much taller than this. She was surprised that in the years since the building was erected and expanded, she hadn't visited it for herself. Work keeping her busy she guessed.
As she landed in front of the Ministry building, she took a moment to admire it. How far had it come? First it was a place to monitor, study, and expand upon the practicing of magic. Now it was so much more. The monitoring and creation of their own augmentations. Magi-technology. A brand new field of expertise. The research staff was made of the finest minds in all of Equestria, scientist ponies, mages, and even newly discovered techno-mages. The creation of the terminal computer console had elevated Equestria further than it had been before. Probably as much as the invention of the augmentation. The ability to record, exchange and store information. It was one of her proudest creations.
Before heading in, Twilight smoothed out her mane in case it had gotten messed up during the flight. She straightened her medallion, upon which was her cutie-mark: a six pointed star against a violet background. She then reached into her saddlebags and took out her tiara. The facade was complete. Time to get into character for the day.
As she entered the main hall, the receptionist stood up and bowed. “Your Highness. How are you this morning?”
“I'm well, Bon-Bon. Thank you. Any calls this morning?”
“As a matter of fact, yes. The Zebra Nation Ambassador would like to schedule a meeting to discuss Magi-tech trade shipments. The Royal Army has also requested a confirmation on a new weapons demonstration for later this week. We have also received notice from the leader of Ponies for Purity that the demonstrations around the city will not cease until our augmentation productions are shut down. Also, the Chief of Ponyville Police is here to speak with you concerning an... incident as she put it.”
Twilight's ears perked up at the mention of the Chief of Police. “Here? As in right now?”
Bon-Bon nodded. “She is in your office waiting for you. I told her that you would be busy, but she insisted that it was urgent. I apologize for the short notice, Your Highness.”
“No, no. It is fine. I will see her immediately.”
As she entered the elevator to her office, Twilight's mind was racing. Applejack was here. She was so happy. One of her best friends. She hoped they would have time to catch up. It would be so great to find out what AJ was up to.
When she got to her office, she saw that Spike had already arrived before her. Even after all these years, it still amazed her how much Spike had grown. The once tiny purple dragon was now nearly twice the size of a full grown pony. Not nearly full grown, but for his age he was pretty big.
“Good morning, Spike,” she smiled. “And how is my number one assistant doing this morning?”
Spike gave a toothy grin. “Feeling good. You have a visitor.” He smiled. “AJ's waiting for you.”
Twilight nodded. “Thanks. I need you to put my appointments on hold for now.”
Spike nodded in turn. “You got it, Boss.”
She smiled, adjusted her tiara, and entered her office. Applejack was waiting next to Twilight's desk, tapping her hoof on the ground impatiently. Twilight gave a grin.
“Been waiting long, Chief? Or would you prefer to be called 'Sheriff'?”
“Ah'd prefer to be called 'Applejack' or 'AJ', Twi.”
Applejack spun around, surprising Twilight with her haggard looks. The once healthy and hearty mare looked like she hadn't slept in a long time. She would have to talk to her about that, but for now it was just good to see a friend again. She wrapped her wings around Applejack in a big hug that Applejack returned, showing Twilight that her strength had not changed either.
“Been too long, Sugar Cube. Seems like yesterday this buildin' was being erected. Heck, seems like yesterday that we were at Fluttershy and Big Mac's weddin'.”
“I know, I know. I have been meaning to contact you guys, but I have been busy... being a Princess and keeper of magic and all. But enough about me. What about you?” She sat behind her desk.
“Ah've been fine, Twi. Been busy myself, what with the Harvesters and all.”
“Yeah, I've been reading about them in the Ponyville Gazette. Didn't Princess Celestia send consultants to aid in the investigations?”
“She did, but nothing was turned up. They eventually gave up and left the investigation to us. Good riddance Ah say. Actually the Harvesters are why I came here to see ya. There was another Harvester attack... and the victim was one of yer employees.”
Twilight was taken aback. “Who... who was it?”
“Her name is... was Sunny Dale. Unicorn. Had a neural and foreleg implant stolen. It happened last night. I only just learned of it this mornin'. I thought it best that I let you know about her instead of sending one of my officers.”
Twilight sunk back into her chair rubbing her forehead. “I see. Thank you, Applejack. Have you alerted her family?”
“Not yet. I left that duty to one of my officers. Why do ya ask?”
“I will be the one to let her family know of her death. I am her employer. I should be the one to let them know.”
Applejack nodded. “I'll let my officer know. Is there anything else you need to know?”
Twilight shook her head. “No. I understand perfectly. Thank you, AJ.”
Applejack smiled and got to her hooves. “Well, glad to be of service, Citizen,” she said with a smile. “Let me know if you need anything else.” She turned to leave.
“Wait, Applejack. It... was good to see you again.”
Applejack turned and smiled. “It was good to see ya too, Twi. Have you really not contacted the gang over the past five years?”
Twilight lowered her head and nodded.
“Ya really should. Fluttershy's young'ns are pretty darn cute. Ah know she and Big Mac would love to hear from ya. Oh, have ya seen Princess Cadence recently?”
Twilight lowered her head at the mention of that name. “...No. Not since the... funeral.”
Applejack was silent for a moment before her eyes widened. “Oh, right. I'm so sorry, Twi. I don't know how I could have forgotten about that. I'm... I'm sorry.”
Twilight shook her head. “It's ok, AJ. Really. It's been ten years. I've moved on. I've just been busy. I am a princess after all.” She smiled, hoping that would be enough to end the conversation.
Applejack just stared at her for a moment. She narrowed her eyes as if she were unconvinced of Twilight's explanation. Finally, she nodded and turned away simply saying, “When you're ready, Ah'm here for ya. Also, call the gang up, especially Dash. She ain't been the same since... well I don't gotta tell you. I think she needs someone like you to talk to. Ah'll keep you updated on the investigation, Ah promise.”
“Thanks. Good luck with it.”
As Applejack closed the door while saying goodbye to Spike, Twilight Sparkle sunk back in her chair. This is heavy. That poor mare. I have to find out more about this. She straightened herself up and activated her intercom.
“Spike, I need you to help me with a couple of things.”
“Sure thing, Twilight. What do you need?”
“I need you to contact Sunny Dale's family for me. Tell them everything that has happened and that the authorities are looking into it as we speak.”
“Sure thing, Twilight. I'll get right on that. Anything else?”
“No, no. It's all right. I have a few things to work on. Oh, and remind me to contact Rainbow Dash later.”
“Oh, sure. ...Any particular reason why?”
“No, no. I just think that I need to get in contact with an old friend. Just to check up.”
There was a moment's pause before Spike's voice came back over the intercom. “I understand, Twilight. I'll remind you later. I promise.”
“Thanks, Spike.” Twilight switched off the intercom and turned to her terminal to begin the day's work. Her horn glowed and the screen flickered on, giving the complimentary “Good Morning, Princess Twilight Sparkle” in bright green text. It would be hard to get into focus after all that had been piled onto her, but Twilight Sparkle had dealt with hardships before and she had always come through. Even before coming to Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle had been known as a workaholic and a bookworm. She had been studious and shut off from the outside world with Spike being her only constant companion and friend, all the while trying to prove to her mentor and teacher, Princess Celestia.
Looking back on those years, Twilight realized how lonely she had really been without friends beyond Spike. She had initially been against going to Ponyville, seeing it only as Princess Celestia not taking her warnings about the impending return of her fallen sister, Princess Luna, seriously. However, Ponyville had become the best thing to have ever happen to her. Thanks to the assignment, she had met her future friends-for-life, found the mystical Elements of Harmony, restore Princess Luna from her Nightmare Moon persona, and was able to find a true home in Ponyville. And that had only been the start of her adventures with her friends. So many adventures indeed. A journey to remove a great dragon, the arduous task of Winter Wrap-up, the disastrous Grand Galloping Gala, and her big brother's wedding-turned Changeling Invasion. Her brother...
Twilight shook her head and went back to her terminal to look through the hundreds of messages. There would be time for trots down memory lane later. For now, she had responsibilities to the ministry and to Equestria. As she sifted through the messages, she found a mixed bag. Most of them were department reports, reminders of upcoming company inspections, and a few “spam” messages. Twilight swore that she would one day track the pony down that had created these messages and find a way to prosecute him or her. She had opened one and it infected her terminal with a virus. She'd had to reboot the system to purge it. She was not going to fall for the Zebra Prince Inheritance scam again.
After deleting the last spam message, Twilight found a very unfamiliar message. It wasn't a report, a reminder, nor an invitation from a dignitary. It was simply marked, “Do not reply- Pony X”. She scanned it with her virus detection spell and found nothing. She opened it to find a simple message.
I am sorry for the loss of your employee. Do not let the file be lost. It is the fate of Equestria. Do not reply. Do not contact. Beware. They are watching.
-Pony X.
Twilight's jaw dropped in surprise. There was more to the murder after all. She had to contact Applejack right away. Her hoof went straight to her intercom and turned it on.
“Spike,” she said, her voice filled with urgency. “Spike, are you still there?”
“Twilight? Yeah, of course I am here. What's wrong?”
“Have you contacted Sunny Dale's family with the bad news?”
“I just got off the communicator with her mother. ...She didn't take it well. Understandable really.”
“Good. ...That you contacted them I mean. Spike, I need you to call Applejack and tell her I have something for her. Then I need you to contact Sunny Dale's supervisor and have all the data files from her terminal downloaded and secured. I want her work desk thoroughly searched. I want everything that is found to be brought to me as soon as possible. Then I need you to put me through to Rainbow Dash.”
“Rainbow Dash? Why do you want to contact her?”
“I got a message. I think Sunny Dale was in contact with somepony. I think that it got her killed. The message said that the file that got her killed was the fate of Equestria. If that is true this is a matter of national security. I need everypony I can trust. ...That includes Flight Commander Rainbow Dash. Do you understand me, Spike?”
For what seemed to be an eternity there was silence. Twilight began to think that Spike had left. After a few moments, Spike's voice came back on the intercom.
“I understand, Twilight. It will be done... Your Highness.”
That last word struck Twilight Sparkle hard. Had her tone really been that commanding? She hadn't thought so. She was just giving out an urgent request. It was her job after all.
“Thank you, Spike. Let me know when you get replies from Applejack, Sunny Dale's supervisor, and Rainbow Dash. That will be all.” She slumped back in her chair. What had she gotten herself into? What was going on?
Elsewhere
Fire. The Capital was on fire. Canterlot was burning. The buildings were crumbling as fire and explosions erupted all around them. Civilians and soldiers alike were screaming in agony. Their bodies were either burning to a crisp or were torn apart from the blasts. And there was nothing that Rainbow Dash could do about it. She hovered in the air, a look of despair upon her face. She knew that she had to do something, but she could not move. She tried pushing forward, but her body was held in place as if she were tied up. She tried calling for her friends to come and help her, but no words were spoken. She could only look and watch as the Capital of Equestria, the once proud city and symbol of the country's strength, was destroyed.
Rainbow Dash felt tears form in her eyes. Tears of despair and helplessness. It was over. There was nothing she could do except watch. Then a scream came from below her. She looked down to see the horrific sight of the bodies of her five best friends strewn about the city streets. Pinkie Pie was dead with a gunshot would to the head, her tongue hanging from her mouth as blood soaked into her bright pink coat. Rarity was impaled upon her own horn, as if a soldier had ripped it off her forehead and stabbed her with it. Applejack's body was beaten and crushed beyond recognition with only her three apple cutie-mark giving any hint to her identity. Fluttershy's head had been severed and was several feet from her body which lay twitching. Twilight Sparkle was still barely alive with a spear right through her middle. The scream had come from her. Her wings had been cut off, leaving bloodied stumps. She looked at Rainbow Dash, her mouth full of blood. No words came out, but her eyes seemed to ask, “Why? Why couldn't you help us?” Rainbow Dash tried to reply, but she couldn't say anything. Twilight's eyes rolled back in her head as she slumped to the ground, a gurgle of blood spurting from her mouth.
The tears became a river as Rainbow Dash sobbed. She had failed. Failed her home, her friends, and herself. It was over.
“It hurts doesn't it, Commander?”
Rainbow Dash spun around to see a horrific sight. It looked like an Alicorn that was covered head to hoof in blood. At least it looked like an Alicorn. It was larger than Princess Celestia or Princess Luna by only a few inches with a long horn extending from its forehead. Bat-like wings flapped in the wind, sending out drops of blood in all directions. The voice was deep and masculine. However, it was the eyes that got her attention though. Unlike the rest of its body, the eyes were pale white. White as the clouds in Cloudsdale. No pupils or irises. Just white. It then smiled at Dash.
“Seeing all that you loved and fought for destroyed. Seeing your dear, dear friends killed like animals. It hurts doesn't it?”
Rainbow Dash could only nod somberly as she closed her eyes.
“Then perhaps I should relieve you of your suffering.” It raised its front hooves to show that it didn't have hooves at all, but claws and talons like that of a Griffin. One claw grabbed Rainbow Dash and held her in place as it raised its other one high into the air. She didn't struggle. It was the end. The claw came sweeping down across her face, taking out her left eye. The Alicorn laughed uproariously.
Rainbow Dash screamed as a constant piercing sound came out of nowhere. Her right eye snapped open. With a jolt, Rainbow Dash sat up in her bed and looked around her room. She looked around for the source of the noise until she found her alarm clock. She shut it off and began panting furiously. It was just a dream. She was safe in Cloudsdale. The war was over. They had won. She looked in her mirror to confirm it. Her left eye was still gone with an ocular implant in its place. She lifted her cybernetic right foreleg as if to check if it were still there. She flexed her wings, checking on the left cyber wing to make sure it hadn't been damaged during the night. The sky blue Pegasus was, for better and for worse, still in one piece.
Former Flight Commander Rainbow Dash looked over the majestic city of Cloudsdale. Floating high above the cities of the Earth Ponies and Unicorns, the literal city of clouds was a testament to the ingenuity of Pegasus Ponies. While the three races could interact on the land, Cloudsdale was solely a sanctuary for the Pegasi. It was the central hub and source of the weather of Equestria where the Pegasi worked around the clock to plan out the weather for each day. It was nothing less than a privilege and a Pegasus' duty to ensure that the weather was made possible.
Rainbow Dash straightened out her eponymous colored mane as she made her way into the kitchen. As she got out some Orange Juice, she took a moment to look at herself in the mirror again. Five years later and she still had a difficult recognizing herself in the mirror. Even with the augmentations, she still felt like something was missing. She understood why her friends had commissioned E.A.T. to help her and she certainly did not prefer to go back to the times after the war when she was an invalid. It all just felt... unnatural to her.
I never asked for all this, she thought to herself. Then again, none of us did. She shook her head and poured a glass of juice. Just before she could take a drink, a ringing sound erupted from her terminal. She switched it on to find the smiling face of Twilight Sparkle.
“Hey, Rainbow Dash. It's been a while, hasn't it,” Twilight asked, her eyes darting back and forth as if she were attempting to avoid eye contact with Rainbow's cybernetic eye.
“It certainly has, Twilight. So, to what do I owe the 'honor' of being contacted by the Princess and Keeper of Magic?”
Twilight's gaze finally centered and took on a more serious look. “Rainbow, we have a situation. I think that Equestria is in danger... again. I need you to meet me at the Ministry of Magi-Technology today. I have something to show you and Applejack.”