//------------------------------// // 02: One Year Later // Story: Vengeance // by Dustchu //------------------------------// -ooo000=+=000ooo- One Year Later -ooo000=+=000ooo- Dark clouds loomed over Ponyville, none of which were scheduled to be over that particular day. But this day was not like any other... it was the day of the Apple Clan Family Reunion, or better known as the Great Apple Family Slaughter by ponies all over Equestria, and even all over Equus. Everypony/Griffon/Bull/etc knew about the family, and their famous products. Now with the Apple Family gone, the Bicardi family had taken over the market and the farm in their unfortunate absence. Sitting on a bench reading from a newspaper was a cyan colored mare with a rainbow colored mane and tail, her name was Rainbow Dash. One of the Elements of Harmony, and once a dear friend of Applejack and her family. Her mane which was windswept looked even more frazzled than usual, her dull magenta eyes tired looking to match what she was feeling right now. Normally, she didn't read in public because she had an image to maintain. But now she didn't care. PONYVILLE TIMES 7/23/2300 APPLE FAMILY SLAUGHTER ANNIVERSARY TODAY! One year ago, the Apple clan, Ponyville's well known and famous family known for their bountiful harvests and tasty produce, was brutally slaughtered by what reports have stated was a massive diamond dog bandit attack. Ever since Blast Powder came to Equestria from the eastern lands of the Goblin Empire seven years ago and invented what is known as 'Ballistic Firearms', there has been an increase in crime in the major cities and along roadways as bandits of many shapes and sizes terrorize the innocent, usually robbing them of their wares and leaving behind bodies. Diamond Dogs are the usual suspect in these kind of attacks, given their size and aggression towards the mining companions delving into their lands for Diamonds, Rubies and all manner of sought after rocks used in fashion and magic, and ponies in general. When the royal guard arrived on the scene, diamond dogs were spotted ransacking the Apple Farm of any valuables, and stripping the dead of the possessions. A firefight ensued shortly after, with the Royal Guard taking only two injuries, non fatal. It is believed that during the Apple Clan's reunion, Diamond dogs moved in under the cover of the fireworks show and laid waste to the clan. Killing any and all who stood in their way. There were no survivors. Ponyville's own Applejack, the Element of Honesty was not found among the dead. But chances of her survival are slim, as authorities have found no evidence to suggest she survived the gunfight. The Bicardi family, known for their famous brews and cocktails sold worldwide have been in mourning over the loss of one of their greatest competitors. And in remembrance of the Apple Family, the head of the family, Miss Crystal Bicardi has decided to buy the massive plot of land and rebuild it. When reporters asked why this was, she had this to say. "The Apple family I've known ever since I was a little filly, I knew Applejack's parents well and wanted to be like them when I got older. I always admired the family's hardworking attitude, every day they would work on their farm harvesting apples or tending to the fields. They are what strive me to build my empire, as I got older and Applejack's parents passed away, I was saddened but still pushed myself until I became who I am today. Soon enough the Apple Clan become one of my greatest competitors in the market business. My family's brew and her family famous Zap Apples tied for the top price. I loved the thrill of that, almost losing to them but not quite. It was something I enjoyed. And to hear those... dogs have slaughtered this family... this hardworking and nice family, makes my blood boil. I loved this family, and I always wanted to combine both my family's products with theirs, to work alongside such a famous mare as Applejack. But I never got the chance to do so. Now, I'm purchasing the farmland, and I am going to rebuild it in the family's honor. I am going to continue their legacy, and keep it going for years to come. That's a promise." Isn't that just so nice of the Bicardi family? It's been a year since her promise, and the farm has been rebuilt to its former glory and is currently using top of the line farming equipment, effectively increasing produce output by a staggering seventy percent! Rest in Piece Apple Family, and just know your farm is in good hooves. -Article by: Flash Post Rainbow's hooves trembled as she read the post, Lies... all lies. She told herself as she folded the paper and left it on the bench as she stood up and trotted off, too tired and weary to be flying today. Looking up into the sky she saw several Pegesi trying to clear the clouds, though they were having little luck. She would have been helping out, but she was given the week off due to the anniversary of the Apple Clan's death. Hanging her head she trotted off down the road, wings dropping to their sides as a light rain fell. Soaking her to the bone. -ooo000=+=000ooo- Vengeance A story of loss, redemption, and pure unfiltered hate. Written by: Dustchu. MLP:FIM belongs to Hasbro and Lauren Faust. I own only my OC's and certain elements. -ooo000=+=000ooo- The streets of Ponyville were barren save for a few stragglers returning home for the day, or the few Pegasi out for a quick flight. The mood of the town seemed dull compared to other days, mostly because of what day it was today. Nopony was any mood to be happy, today was a day of mourning. Standing outside on the balcony of the castle in Ponyville was Twilight Sparkle, princess and friend of Applejack's, and the Element of Magic. She watched as the clouds were moved by the Weather Team and placed elsewhere. The clouds proved stubborn to move, like they knew what had happened this day one year ago, and were mourning themselves. Applejack. That name stood out in her mind, the name of her dearest friend. Somepony who was honest to the core, and always helped out anypony in need. And now she's gone... She sighed, a single tear falling from her violet eyes. The sound of wings flapping was brought to her attention, looking up she saw Rainbow Dash flying over to her. She smiled faintly, at least she could see one of her friends today. With a few more flaps Dash landed on the balcony in front of Twilight, and without another word the two trotted inside out of the rain. "Twilight." Rainbow started, looking over at her friend who looked more downcast then usual. "How is she?" The lavender mare sighed. "She's stable for now, though they lost her a couple of times the night before." She explained, trotting over to a series of small televisions nearby. All of them were small and linked to various areas inside of the ICU in Ponyville's hospital. One in particular was showing a large room with a bed in it, and on that bed was a small filly hooked up to several machines and devices that kept her alive. "She's still hanging in there, after all this time." "She's just like Applejack," Rainbow chuckled dryly. "Stubborn." she choked, hanging her head as Twilight trotted over and draped a wing over her back. "Why did this happen Twi?" She asked, shaking her head. Twilight sighed, not knowing what to say exactly. In truth she didn't know why. "I don't know Dash... I really don't." "Are we ever going to prove they did it?" Rainbow asked, her tone slowly going from anguish to anger. "Dash, I know you're angr-" "How can I not be angry?!" Rainbow cried, breaking free of Twilight's hold and looking her dead in the eye. "You know they did it!" She stomped her hoof onto the floor, making the sound echo. "Everything points to that damn Bicardi family, and you know it!" "Dash!" Twilight started. "I know it seems suspicious, but we don't have any evidence that says they did it." She shook her head. It does seem suspicious, but unless they had concrete evidence there was no convicting them. Rainbow however, was unperturbed. "Why dont we just go down there and kick their flanks! Knock em down for what they did! I know for damn sure they did it! We all do!" She stormed over to the camera, pointing at the filly. "They did this to Apple Bloom, and AJ! I don't know why, or how, but I know they did it!" The Alicorn looked over at the screen, seeing the un-moving form of Apple Bloom. "We still can't prove anything Dash, we have no evidence." She argued. "Where would we even look? The farm is off limits, and they no doubt will have gotten rid of anything that incriminates them. And there were no witnesses except for Apple Bloom, and she's in a coma!" Twilight hung her head. "I want to find out why they did this as much as you do," she looked up. "but unless we have something to out them away with... there's no hope." Rainbow Dash said nothing, she only looked away, her eyes centering on the picture sitting on the desk. It was taken when they all became friends so long ago, all standing side by side, smiles on their faces. "I should go." Was all she said before taking flight and leaving. Twilight watched her go, not bothering with trying to stop her. She was right, in a way. Nothing seemed right. Diamond Dogs just up and attacking the Apple Clan? Why would they? There was no reason to commit such a horrible act, and yet... Twilight sighed again, looking back to the Television. Hang in there Apple Bloom... -ooo000=+=000ooo- Meanwhile, deep within the Everfree Forest sat Zecora's hut. Home to Zecora, the rhyming Zebra and brew maker. She stood outside, watching as a familier orange mare trotted off at a slow pace, taking a path not used by many ponies. That path led outside of Ponyville, and down a road leading to one of the major cities. Zecora sighed softly, turning around and going back inside. I wish you well friend, for I hope you do not meet your end. Were her words to the mare before she left. With the mare, she trotted down the dark path. Carrying a worn saddle on her back packed with supplies, and a map. The mare's coat was a dull orange color, the fur longer in some places such as her fetlocks, her green eyes filled with the fires of determination and sorrow. Her blonde mane was undone, hanging freely off of her head, along with her tail. Most noticeable thing about her though, were the two holes on her chest covered by a bandanna. if one were to look hard enough, they would see what remained of a gunshot wound. On her flank was a cutie mark, of three bright red apples. Applejack's cutie mark, she was Applejack... if it wasn't obvious enough. She looked around the woods, taking in the sight of the blackened bark and twisted trees before taking out her map and looking at it. It was old, and dusty but still showed her the locations she deemed necessary to go to. Manehatten, forty miles. She noted, looking at the map and her current location. With a nod she put it back in her saddle and kept moving, the sun above high in the sky even though she couldn't see it. Applejack trotted along, a slight limp in her left leg. Sweat matted her brow and she wished she had a hat, but it was gone... like everything else. Moving aside the brush. she kept moving until she came to Ponyville's side road. Before she headed that way, she had something to do here first. -ooo000=+=000ooo- Applejack arrived at her destination, and after a quick look around she saw nopony around. She looked down at the stones in front of her, eyes un-moving. Here lies Applejack 10/23/2277 - 7/23/2299 Beloved friend, Element of Honesty, Loving Sister. We will all miss you, AJ. Below the words was her Cutie mark, etched into the stone itself with expert precision. Lying around it were wreathes of flowers, she could tell who put those there. Rarity, Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie... Twilight. She fought back tears as she looked at the second headstone, this one smaller then hers. Here lies Apple Bloom 3/7/2289 - 7/23/2299 Cutie Mark Crusader Founder, Local Troublemaker, Loving Little Sister. Keep on Crusading child, you'll find your mark yet. Applejack couldn't fight the tears this time, they silently fell from her eyes, no sounds escaped her as she shook from the chilling wind and rain. Next to her stone of the left sat her brother's, this one bigger then hers. Here lies Big Macintosh 27/4/2275 - 7/23/2299 Local Farmer, Loving Big Brother, Gentle Giant, Loving Coltfriend. We'll miss you big guy, we'll miss you. Big Mac, and Apple Bloom... She looked to both stones, then said. "Ah'm sorry Ah failed ya both..." She reached into her saddle bags and pulled out a rope before tying it around her stone, gripping the rope in her teeth she growled. "Ah'll make it right, Ah promise." She yanked the rope back, and the stone cracked loose. -ooo000=+=000ooo- Two Hours Later -ooo000=+=000ooo- "I'm telling you, our production is at an all time high right now." Said a stallion as he trotted along the Bicardi Farm Estate talking on a ear held communications device, the farm that once belonged to the Apple family. The farm land was as vibrant as it ever was, the trees were tall and well cared for, the grass green and healthy. Farmers and workers tended to the crops that grew along with the apple trees, riding equipment meant to take care of the crops significantly faster then by hoof and using tools. "We're filling up the barns with as much as they can hold, and I can tell we're going to make a kill-" he stopped talking and trotting as he crested a hill that overlooked the farmlands, but he didn't stop for the view. "Hello, Oak? Are you there?" A voice questioned on his phone. "Oak?" He said nothing, Oak merely stared. He didn't stop the admire the view, nor the crowd... but what the crowd was looking at. In front of them, half buried in the ground next to a tree, a single apple sitting on top. Here lies Applejack 10/23/2277 - --/--/---- Beloved friend, Element of Honesty, Loving Sister. We will all miss you, AJ. If the stone didn't make her shiver in fright, it was also what was written below. Have an Apple, it'll be your last. "Um... Miss Bicardi, I think we might have a slight problem." Oak said in a shaky voice. -ooo000=+=000ooo- Standing outside on the farmlands was the Unicorn Miss Bicardi herself, wearing a small hat to block out the sun and keep herself from getting burned from the hot rays. She smelled strongly of some expensive perfume no doubt purchased for an insane amount of bits, and she wore a scarf around her neck colored a frilly purple color that accented her white form well. "What am I looking at?" She asked, her tone neutral as she eyed the headstone jutting out of the ground and the apple sitting on top. Standing next to her was a small stallion, a young colt barely out of his teens, fidgeting uncertainly as she scrutinized him under her cold icy gaze. "U-um, it wo-would appear to be Miss Applejack's grave, Miss Bicardi." He had a light brown coat, green eyes and a short mane and tail colored a dusty blonde with a cutiemark of a quill and paper that was surrounded by flames. "I am aware of that fact, Templeton." She said sharply, eyeing the fruit on top as if it were the bane of her existence. "What I mean, is why is it here, on my property?" Templeton gulped, not sure how to reply. "I, uh. I mean to say that is, I'm not sure... it just showed up outta nowhere." He told her, shaking in his work shoes. "No one knows why it showed up." Miss Bicardi hummed in thought, walking over to it as her bodyguards walked around the farmlands, looking for any evidence as to who may have put it there. Whoever did, didn't drag it but carried it if the heavy looking hoofprints were any indication. "Whoever did this, I want found. They destroyed the grass and took a ripe apple off of the tree, to anypony else its just an apple, one solitary apple." She picked up the apple, holding it in front of her. "But to me its lost money." She growled before letting it drop to the ground and squashing it underhoof, turning around she said. "Clean this up Templeton." Was all she said before trotting off, her bodyguards following close behind as several ponies who worked with the newspaper galloped onto the farm and started bombarding her with questions. Templeton sighed and pulled out something to clean up the ruined apple with, scooping it up he placed it in a small bag before looking at the headstone. Who would do that to Miss Applejack's headstone? He wondered as he trotted off back to the house. He needed to get somepony to help with moving the stone. -ooo000=+=000ooo- Applejack had left the farm long before the crowd had found the stone, luckily for her that particular area was empty of anypony working. Carrying the stone was hard work, but she was used to hard work, had been all her life. Maybe her family was looking down on her for that act, ripping the stone from her family's graveyard and carrying it two miles to stick in the ground and put an apple on top of it with a threat. But that Bicardi family deserve to know what was coming, a hell fire storm fueled by vengeance. The orange mare kept off of the main roads, sticking to the woodlands and side roads. Her cutie mark was kept hidden by a small cloth that hung off of both side and a special paint Zecora cooked up for her, something to keep it hidden. Use this to hide your mark from foes seen, for it will keep it from eyes to keen. She had told Applejack. Whatever it was stuck to her fur and kept her cutie mark hidden, making her flank appear blank. No water could wash it off, only a special potion could get it off and that was back at Zecora's hut, she wouldn't need to... not yet, anyway. She had many things to do, and plenty of time to do them. Looking out ahead she saw the treeline stretch onward down the side road for miles on either side tall pine trees going off into the skies above. The road was small, narrow and dirty, rarely traveled by anypony save for those who wished to travel unseen. She trotted along, her hoofsteps thumping against the dirt. She felt tired, ever since that day one year ago she's felt tired. Her bones ached for rest she couldn't achieve, vying for comfort she couldn't obtain. Her green eyes searched around the area, keeping a look out for any dangers, her ears doing the same. To some she may look like a harmless traveler, vulnerable for the pickings to be picked up and torn apart for her goods. She didn't have much, save for a rope, a map, some food and water and a few hundred bits she saved up. Though given how everything is somepony just might rob her anyway, break her legs and have their way with her before running off with everything. Of course she wasn't just any mare, she was Applejack, and she was strong and confident she could take on anything thrown at her. Pony or otherwise. But she wasn't in the mood for any woodland fights, she had to get to Manehatten. Ponyville wasn't a safe place to be anymore, not after what the Bicardi family did to her, and taken over her farm... her father's farm. The only thing she had left of him after... She shook her head, she didn't need to remember that. It was a long time ago, she needed to focus on the present. Looking up ahead her eyes took in the sight of what looked like a small camp, remnants of one anyway. A small tent was set up next to a few trees off of the path, a fire burned not too long ago judging from the small amount of smoke billowing up from it. She saw blood stains leading deeper into the forest, and knew what had done it. Diamond Dogs. She frowned, walking over to the camp and looking around, she saw a single saddle bag. One that was too small for an adult, it was a foal's pack. Torn open and emptied save for a single small toy of a Soldier. What has this world come to? She wondered as she turned around, leaving the bag behind and trotting off of the small hill and back down the road. -ooo000=+=000ooo- The hustle and bustle of Manehatten was just like she remembered, albeit with a few differences. Carriages like the one she saw a year ago drove through the streets, all of them different shapes and sizes. Some built for speed, others for style and bigger ones built for transporting heavy goods and carrying a massive amount of ponies from one part of the city to another. A lot sure has changed a lot since Ah've been gone. She noted, watching several self powered carriages drive by, from what she could tell about them they were powered by special crystals hooked up to a device that propelled it forward, effectively making travel less strenuous and more faster for those in a hurry. The idea skyrocketed production of many different types and models for the rich and wealthy, with many different kinds coming out that were both flashy and made for style. Like many gold plated ones she had seen driving by not too long ago, no doubt belonging to one of the noble families. They sure like they're gold. She murmured in thought as she crossed the road. Now that she was here in the city, she needed to find a place to stay. Someplace out of the way of everything. Looking around she saw only high-rises and expensive apartments, lavish hotels and gaudy restaurants. She shook her head, trotting over to a newspaper bin and putting a bit into it before opening it and pulling out a paper. After a quick look see through the paper she found a list of cheap apartments, one in particular was not too far from here and listed as Green Dragon Apartments, that'll do nicely. She deposited the newspaper in her saddlebag and began her journey to the building. The streets were packed with ponies of all shapes and sizes, carrying saddlebags and other items on their back. The crowd was dense, making it hard to move around but she didn't let that stop her. A part of her wondered where they were all going, what they were going to do once they got thee. Her mind wandered like this for some time until it drifted towards the Bicardi Family, causing a scowl to replace the neutral face she had plastered on. They were the cause of her troubles, have been since that day that much was obvious. All because Ah didn't sign some damned contract... She scowled further, getting a few looks from ponies walking opposite of her. Applejack shook her head, turning down an intersection and trotting out of sight until she came to a desolate looking street by the docks, trash littered the alleyways and the road, and there were hardly anypony around, in fact it was empty save for the occasional drunk or homeless trotting out of sight. She saw a single building stand out at the end of the street, a tall five story apartment building surrounded by dead grass and a few signs. An old looking carriage sat in the yard, overgrown by grass and weeds, the windows broken and one of the wheels gone. Some of the windows of the building were gone, replaced with boards and planks, and out front sat a small filly with a sketchpad in her lap. What Applejack saw made her brow raise. Green Dragon Apartments. She frowned, this was it? She had expected something a little less... run down. It'll have ta do. She tol herself as she trotted over. The filly she saw was a young unicorn, maybe a year younger then Applebloom was. She had a dark grey coat and white shoes, a dark blue mane and tail that curled slightly at the ends and the brightest blue eyes Applejack had ever seen. From what she could tell, this filly was a blank flank. The filly looked up at Applejack's approach and smiled. "Hi!" She waved, pencil in her magical grasp. "Are ya looking to stay here?" She asked, still smiling. Her voice sounded slightly like Octavia's, if she were years younger, that is. Applejack nodded. "Yes Ah am, do ya know if this place is open?" she asked, trying her best to be polite. Nodding, the filly stood up and put her sketchpad in her small saddlebag before throwing it over her withers. "Yep!" She trotted up to the door and pushed it open. "Come on inside!" She said as she went inside, followed closely by a hesitant Applejack. The inside of the apartment was slightly cleaner then she expected, but still on par with dirty. the wallpaper which looked like it used to be a flowery pattern had all but rotted away, leaving behind torn paper and the wood giving it a rustic look. The floor was in desperate need of dusting and cleaning as dust bunnies rolled across the floor, and dirt cake itself onto her hooves. A single couch sat in the foyer, a solitary pony covered up by a blanket slept on it peacefully. "So, whe-" AJ was cut off when she saw the Filly standing behind the desk. She looked up at Applejack, her body mostly concealed by the countertop. She wore a small ha on her head, an over sized hat with the words Green Dragon on it. "Welcome to the Green Dragon! Where we'll burn the night away with a good nap!" She cried, a smile on her face as she looked at Applejack's amused expression. "My name is Star Flash, how can I help you?" AJ smiled. "Well, Ah was hopin' ta get a room here, Ah heard its cheap." She explained, eyeing the filly as she wobbled on what was no doubt a stool. "Got any left?" Star nodded, reaching up on a key holder with her magic. "This room is the nicest one we got, but they're all the same pretty much." she placed the key down on the counter, a blue/yellow key labeled 101. "Its five bits a night! Breakfast is free though, and that's a real crowd pleaser!" The orange mare chuckled, making the filly blush. "Ah reckon it oughta do," AJ said as she reached into her saddle bag and withdrew a small pouch with ten bits inside. "Here's ten, I'll pay up the rest as the days go by." "Alright! Take this key and head on up, its on the second floor at the end of the hall! Oh, and this lavish hotel is also the only one that has weird room numbers!" She beamed. "There's some trivia for the day." Another chuckle and AJ nodded. "Well thank ya kindly, Star." She reached up to tip her hat, only to remember she wasn't wearing one. "Ah'll uh, head on up now. Thank ya again." "its no problem!" Star giggled, watching as AJ trotted upstairs. Leaving the filly behind. Star jumped up with joy as she bounded over the counter and onto the sleeping stallion on the couch. "Ya hear that Twink! We got ourselves another pony here, and she got a room!" He only snorted in his sleep, turning over onto his back making the filly tumble back onto the floor. "Ahh Twink! You've been drinking again!" She grumbled, crossing her forehooves as the stallion slept without a care in the world. -ooo000=+=000ooo- Applejack trotted across the second floor's floorboards, each step making a slight squeak noise. The place was old, and in desperate need of repairing, but for now it would do. With a sad frown Applejack walked past a door marked 99 where she heard someone inside cursing. "Ahhhh hellfire!" A mare yelled. "Stupid stupid stupid!" The farmer paid her no mind and walked to her room, true to Star's word it sat at the end of the hall, a small door with the number 101 on the top. Pulling out her key she put it into the slot and opened it before trotting inside and closing the door. Inside she saw it was larger then she thought it would be. Windows sat on either side of the room's upper cieling, blocked off by grates and bolted in place. A massive fan sat over one window, drawing in cool air from the sea and the distinct smell of fish and soot. A bathroom sat on the far side, no door attached to it and a bedroom next to it. The main room was barren, save for a few tables, boxes and lockers lying around and a single sitting mat. Applejack walked over to the chair and removed her saddlebag, placing it on the floor and sitting down she reached into her bag and pulled out a small photo. On it she saw herself, Granny Smith, Apple Bloom, Big Mac, Braeburn and several others all gathered around. It was the only photo she had of her entire family. Taken years ago, when her parents were still around. Her parents tood on either side, smiling bright as Apple Bloom was draped over her mother's back, and Applejack stood next to her father, who wore a familier hat. With a choked sob, Applejack laid down, clutching the photo in her hooves. -ooo000=+=000ooo- In a different location, the Bicardi family estate, sat Miss Bicardi herself. She was in her mansion's office, looking over several reports pertaining to the newly rebuilt farm she had acquired shortly after the Apple Family's untimely demise. A pair of clear glasses sat on the bridge of her nose as she read the numbers, a slight scowl adorning her features as one of the maids cleaned the room as quietly as possible. To anypony else she was reading how much money she racked in this month, but that was the farthest thing from her mind as of now. Her thoughts were elsewhere, specifically the headstone that was recent moved from her property at the Ponyville Farm. Why would anypony rip up that harlot's gravestone and plant it on my property? She wondered again and again. Nopony would break off that headstone and place that disgusting thing on my property, less they want their head taken off and placed on my shelf! She mused darkly, again wondering why somepony would rip it up. They must think it some sort of sick joke. Her thoughts were interuppted by the sound of knocking, and after shooing the maid she said. "Enter." The door opened, revealing none other then her brother. "Slipstream, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" she asked, using her magic to pour herself a glass of scotch. Slipstream trotted in after the maid brushed past him with an apologetic look to which he only nodded. Slipstream was a sleek looking pegasus pony with large wings, a well toned frame and a coat of striking silver. His silver mane and tail were well groomed and smelled of some expensive mane and tail product the mare couldn't deduce. Steely blue eyes glared at her from behind black tinted sunglasses, eyes that she found herself drawn to ewhenever he took them off. She wouldn't lie, he was a handsome stallion. "Crystal." He nodded, trotting into the room. "How's business?" He asked. "Well, thank you for asking." She nodded back, moving out a chair for him to sit on. "Though you didn't answer my question." She pulled up a tray with two glasses on it. "Drink?" "Thank you." Slipstream smiled cooly and grabbed one of the glasses before taking a sip. "As for your question, I am here because father asked me to look into this, Headstone business that he head about." He noted the disturbed look on her face and chuckled. "Word travels fast when the Element of Honesty's headstone pops up on her old farm with the date of death scratched off and a possible threat added onto it." Crystal sighed, placing her cup down as she looked at the large window behind her that loomed over the estate's massive yard, working ponies tended to the gardens rare flowers, maintaining them and keeping them pristine. "I have it under control, whoever did it is playing some kind of sick joke." She shook her head. "I don't know who did it, but rest asured once I found out who they will be dealt with accordingly." She glared at Slipstream, her eyes boring into his own. She cooly said. "No one crosses Crystal Bicardi and gets away with it." Crystal told him, hoof trembling on the desk. Slipstream chuckled again, placing his own cup down. "All that anger will mess up your good looks sister," he said, trotting over to her and standing beside her. "its really unbecoming~" He whispered, taking off his glasses and placing them on the desk, leaning his head down next to her. "You really need to calm yourself, and I can think of a few ways to do so." The stallion told her as he locked lips with her. Crystal merely grinned as she locked the office door. -ooo000=+=000ooo-