Lunar Dawn

by We'll_Never_Know

Part III: Unfortunate Assumptions

Part III: Unfortunate Assumptions

A small leaf hung at the end of a branch.

It was mid morning. The leaf still had some dew on it. It rocked gently in the cool morning air. Within a moment, a small breeze past through the area. Despite being so small, the leaf rocked violently in the breeze. It now hung at the very edge of the branch. Another more powerful breeze blew the leaf off its perch. Soon, it fluttered down to the ground, gracefully and gently. But, instead of falling with the rest of the foliage to the ground, this particular leaf hit something very different. It hit the mane of an exhausted mare.

Twilight hadn't had much sleep. They had marched back after Applejack said that crossing the lines was much too dangerous now. They agreed that they didn't want to risk anyone else dying. Rarity was already too much. The camp was the only other relative "safe" haven for them now. Marching through the lines had a high chance of them getting hurt or killed, and surrendering in Ponyville certainly meant death for all of them.

Twilight had stayed up all night with Pinkie and Applejack, guarding the body of their fallen friend, Rarity. They let nothing, absolutely nothing, disturb the body. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had taken it here, flying without stop. They had held the body between them on their hooves, and didn't dare drop her. She was like a sister, and they were going to honor her memory as much as they could.

It seemed such a shame when it came time to think how to bury her. They had no practical tools on how to do it, much less, have a proper coffin for her. Wood carving would take too long, and they weren't going to risk their lives (especially after the previous day's experience) on trying to acquire any tools. So, Applejack had woken up earlier and did what she could with what was available to dig a decent enough grave somewhere next to the forest. It was hard doing so with simply hooves and an artificial shovel made from a strong stick and the lid from a small metal ammunition box , but she had got it done within two hours.

None of them were fully ready for this. They knew that what they were doing could result in any one of their deaths, but they didn't prepare themselves for when such an event might happen. Now, it was hard dealing with the loss of such a good friend.

Pinkie had gone and awoken the other five sleeping. They got up, and knew it was time. They first gathered around Rarity's body, now looking as peaceful as ever, and mourned. They paid their respects, and then Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy carried the body to the grave. They carefully carried the body once more on their hooves. Applejack had dug it long enough for both of them to place the body in. Gently and carefully, they lowered her in.

After a few moments of silent mourning, Applejack took her artificial shovel and started to fill the grave back. None of the mourners wanted to look. Even Applejack tried closing her eyes. They didn't want to see this; their friend, now going under forever. They would never see her, in this life at least, again.

The deed was done after a few minutes. Now, an awkward mound of earth was what marked the grave for Rarity. They stood for a moment, and then left back to the camp. They all laid down on the ground, and tried to get rest. It was hard, with so much on their minds.

They didn't forget Soarin'. He also deserved their rememberance. They would have buried him in the same way, but his body was destroyed with the tank he marked in his final act after being mortally wounded. Other than his flight helmet, all personal belongings that he had on arrival perished with him.

Rainbow Dash realized she could do something with the helmet. She got up, and went to the edge of the forest. She found a strong stick, and with both hooves, she drove it into the ground. She then took the helmet, and placed it on the stick. It formed some sort of memorial for the fallen pilot. It was enough, for it was all she could do. She took a look into the forest. Rarity and Soarin' died within minutes of each other, but both deaths were crushing on her. One death was too much. She stared out with determination. If she could help it, she wasn't going to let anymore of her friends die.

Twilight and Applejack came up behind her and placed comforting hoofs on her back. She then dropped her head in sadness.

"He was my idol since I was a filly", she whispered. "I can't believe he died so quickly." She looked up at her friends. "And Rarity...she was..."

"Like a sister, I know", Applejack told her. "I can't believe she's gone either. And Soarin' was a good helper. It's such a shame; both of them."

Twilight then had an idea. "Follow me", she told the other two. They did as they were asked. They trotted over to the rock formation at the end of the camp. Twilight searched for a smooth stone, and one that was easily accessible. When she had found the one she was looking for, she took a smaller jagged rock with her magic, and started to carve something into the side of the rock.

"What are you doing...", Applejack trailed. She stared as Twilight carved on. Letters started to form , and soon, she noticed it was a name. When she was done with the first one, she started on a second. Once she was finished, she stepped away. Rainbow Dash and Applejack saw two names carved into the rock:

RARITY
SOARIN'

"This way, we can remember them forever", Twilight explained, "The carving should last quite a long time, and when the war is over, hopefully future generations will remember. "

Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash smiled. It was a very good memorial. Immortalized in stone, they would not be forgotten.
But with this came a grim feeling. They hoped that those names would be the only ones they would have to add on the rock.

* * *

"I trust you had a good night's rest, Executive Commander", Major Gilda asked of the mare in front of her in the meeting room. Executive Commander Trixie and her team of fourteen had taken the night in an abandoned house in Ponyville (its occupant since deceased), which was large enough to hold all of them. But as for right now, there was much to say.

"Indeed I did", Trixie responded. "Now, brief me on what infestation my team needs to take care of."

"Gladly", Gilda's Commander replied, sliding her a dossier. She took opened it with her magic and started to read what she could. "Major Gilda, if you would explain."

"Yes sir", Gilda replied, turning to the Executive Commander, and started: "For over a month we've been plagued by a mysterious group of resistance fighters on the outskirts of this city. At first it was simple supply raids, but then they started searching out and attacking our forces."

"Elaborate, please", Trixie asked.

"Yes ma'am", Gilda responded. "Our first move was to execute several..."
"Stop right there, Major", Executive Commander Trixie cut off, looking up from her documents. Gilda looked confused at the Executive Commander. "What do you mean 'execute'. Did you try to use terror tactics to control the populace initially?"

"Err...yes", Gilda answered truthfully, still confused and now a little off-nerved.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk", Trixie responded, looking back down at the dossier. "Trixie thought you knew better, Major and Commander."

"But ma'am, it was the only way...", the Commander tried to defend.

"Trust me", the Executive Commander cut off, looking at the Commander. "Trixie knows how to handle a populace. If there
are resistance fighters, then you don't try to spread terror, you reason. If they don't listen at first, then you use terror" She looked at Major Gilda. "Your race should know this better than anyone, Major."
Major Gilda sat back annoyed at the Executive Commander. For one, Gilda hadn't fully supported the terror tactics. But Trixie had brought up a dark part of the griffon alliance with the Lunar Empire. After the initial take over, there were a few griffon resistance fighters. The Lunars had then asked the populace to reveal the location of these rebels. But the griffons knew what happened to the other races who defied the order and kept quiet:

Genocide.

To avoid such destruction, they gave up the rebels. Soon, there were five bodies swinging from the gallows, as a lesson for future rebels. The memory was hurtful to Gilda, but she told herself it was for the best.
Trixie examined the documents again. "It looks like we're dealing with a young group. Distinguishable too. At least six of them were present at the return of Nightmare Moon." She put down the dossier. "Well, it seems I do have a challenge. Major, you said that they raided supply vehicles? Perhaps they do this for sustenance."

"Yes ma'am", Major Gilda answered. "But they do it at random. Sometimes the supply vehicles come in unscathed. But if they don't show up, we know what happened."

Trixie sat back. She couldn't just shut down the supply routes. That would cause harm on her own soldiers as well. She asked Major Gilda "You have no idea where they are then, and they don't visit the city?"

"No ma'am", Major Gilda answered. "If we'd knew, we would have dealt with them long ago. They are like ghosts. They always come from nowhere."

"Well, they obviously come from somewhere", Trixie told the Major. "We just have to find where." She thought about what she could do. "It doesn't seem likely that one of them would betray the rest..."

The Commander swallowed. "If it helps, Executive Commander, we do have a collaborator..." He started to regret the words as he said them.
Trixie shot a look at the Commander. "Then why didn't you say so earlier? Is he a resident? A friend of our little problems, perhaps?" This was perfect! If this collaborator did know them, then he could tell them where they are!

"Yes ma'am. , but he is not the most trustworthy", Gilda noted.

Trixie calmed down. "Explain", she ordered.

The Commander decided to speak. "This collaborator...we know he lied to us. It turns out he was the assistant to one of those mares in the dossier, but he claimed he knew nothing of their exploits, nor did he know ."

"But it would take an oblivious fool to not recognize their most famous exploit", Major Gilda added. "That is why we know he lied."

Trixie sat back and thought about it. Sure, he could have lied to save their identities but he must have known it was inevitable that the Lunars would learn of them sooner or later. Also, he could only resist so far. If he was given a push, then maybe he would be more...obedient."Where is he now", Trixie asked.

"He's in house arrest at the residence of his former employer", Major Gilda answered.

"Good", the Executive Commander said nodding. "Would you please take me to him."

"With all due respect", Gilda asked her, "Why? We cannot trust him."

Trixie smiled."I think I could make him a little bit more willing to help us. Just let me speak to him."

* * *

The three proceeded to the location of the collaborator. Gilda led the way, flanked by her Commander and Executive Commander Trixie. When they reached the house, they took a moment to observe it. It was a decent sized house, enough to house several residents. Of course, they knew there were only two before the war. There were armed guards at every corner, and at the doorway. One approached the three when they came up to the doorstep.

He saluted the three superior officers. He turned to Major Gilda. "What brings you here, ma'am".

"We are here to see the prisoner", she answered.

"Yes ma'am", he replied, leading them in. "Would you need armed guards?"

"That won't be necessary, corporal", the Commander told him. "We shouldn't be too long."

"Yes sir", the corporal answered. They were in the main foyer. They saw much of the home was a library. An impressive one at that. "I will leave you here, but my guard will be outside if you need us."

"Thank you corporal", Gilda replied. He saluted them once more, and then left the house, resuming his position outside. Gilda then lead the way. In the center of the room, sitting in the chair was the young dragon Spike. wearing a armband that tracked where he was. Should he leave the premises of the house, it would trigger, and then (he was told) he would be hunted down like a rat.

He sat bitter, and defiant. His arms folded, and looking down. Gilda, her Commander, and Trixie took a seat in the opposite couch. He looked up when they sat down. "Nice to see you, Major; Commander", he greeted. He saw a face he didn't recognize. "Who's this?"

"I am Executive Commander Trixie of Lunar Special Operations", Trixie introduced herself. "I am interested to know your name as well."

Before Spike could say anything Gilda started to introduce him. "His name is Spike."

"Very good, Spike", Trixie answered. She looked around the home. "You must have had a good life here. Is it good to be here, where you have so many memories?" Spike shrugged. Trixie noticed the armband. "Quite the accessory, Mr. Spike. You must have done something bad to earn it."

"Tell me, 'Executive Commander'", Spike cut in, asking, "Why exactly are you here? I'm already your 'collaborator'".
"Actually, that is one of the reasons why Trixie is here", she stated. She then turned her gaze back at the collaborator. "Why did you decide to say you would help us?" She got up and started to trot around him. "Was it that you feared our power? Feared that if you didn't submit, we would hurt you? Do you really believe in the Lunar cause?"

"It's really not that complicated Executive Commander", Spike answered. "Your soldiers came in, and there was no point in me resisting. I had to join you."

"I see", Trixie commented. She went to the shelves, and saw a book that interested her. She un-shelved it, holding it with her magic, and started to read it. "This is quite a library. Your friend must have loved to read. Isn't that so, Mr. Spike?"

He nodded. "Yes, she did enjoy reading a lot."

"How was she, personality that is", Trixie asked, still reading.

"She was nice", Spike told her, "She practically raised me."

Trixie smirked. He was comfortable. Now it was time to make her move. "Now tell Trixie, Mr. Spike, are you a liar or an idiot?"

Spike's expression dropped in confused shock. "Come again", he asked.

Trixie closed the book abruptly, and put it down. "I asked", she started, her tone now sharp and overbearing, "are you a liar, or are you an idiot?"

"I...I don't understand", Spike answered.

"IT'S A SIMPLE QUESTION", Trixie yelled at Spike, causing him to jump in his seat. Even Major Gilda was taken by surprise. Trixie moved toward Spike. "Let me explain to you: A liar would tell us that he didn't know anything of his employer or her friends even though he knew all of them and knew what they did. An idiot would not know his employer had friends and that they were a part of one of the greatest events in Equestrian history!" She moved behind the table, and waited for a few seconds, before slamming her hoof down on the table, causing it to shake. She stared directly at the shaking dragon, leaned to him. "Let me tell you what I think you are", she hissed at him. "I think you are both a liar and an idiot. You are a liar because you didn't tell us the truth about these mares. You are an idiot because you thought you could get away with it!"
The dragon looked genuinely shocked and nervous. He started to play around with his fingers. Trixie smiled. "Mr. Spike, I was sent here to deal with a problem, and you are going to help me. I will have guards here to make sure you don't try to take your life. Even if you don't know where your friends are, you will help me find them."

* * *

Two days later, life for the group returned to relative normality. They had emptied their packs, and placed everything where it should in their camp. Fluttershy still continued to find whatever they could eat in the forest. Their food stocks in rations were satisfactory for now.

But now, with the deaths of Rarity and Soarin', Applejack told the group that she didn't want any of them to leave the camp. They couldn't go out and raid anymore, because she felt now that the Lunars would try to set traps for them at every conceivable opportunity.

Of course, the rest of the group had said she was over-exaggerating, and that they were in no less danger as they were before. However, Applejack refused to change her mind. She did say that if anything came too close to the camp, they would deal with it with force.

It seemed strange to the group that they were obeying Applejack as if she were some kind of leader, but most of them felt as well that they should not do anything that could potentially harm one of them right now. They needed to lie low, and hope that they would find a way to freedom, or that the Solars would come and rescue them.

Of course, they could only dream.

It was evening, and as usual there was little to say around the fire. Many of them decided to do other things. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle entertained themselves by building some sort of structure with small sticks, Rainbow Dash had gone to do some low altitude (so as not to be seen) flight exercises with Scootaloo.

This left Applejack, Twilight, Pinkie, and Fluttershy. Twilight was sitting lazily by Applejack, who was examining her sidearm. She had emptied it so as not to hurt anyone. Fluttershy was cleaning her rifle, and Pinkie was simply pacing back and forth between the rest.

Twilight had been thinking for the past day or so. Without a doubt, the loss of Rarity and Soarin' was crushing to them. Even if they weren't friends, one thing that hung on her mind was the loss of...strength they had. She realized how vulnerable, even as a group of eight now, they were.

Sure, she thought, Rarity's death could have happened to anyone in that situation, and they had proved that they were capable of defending themselves. Living in the wilderness where the Lunars didn't know had a huge advantage. But that didn't matter. They relied on sneak tactics and hidden strikes to be effective. If they came out themselves to find them, the group would have a much harder time on the defense. With Soarin' gone, they had lost the best they had in tacticians. She feared that if the Lunars did try to wipe them out, they would , and would do it violently.
She decided they needed more help. She turned to Applejack. "Uh, Applejack, could I talk to you for a moment?"

"Sure thing", she replied. Twilight moved closer to her. "What do you want?"

"I've been thinking...", Twilight started. "With Rarity and Soarin' gone...we're obviously less. We will need...more to defend ourselves."

"What", Applejack whispered back, "you mean replace them? Twi, we can't do that!"

"No, no", Twilight clarified, "nothing like that. I think we should... try to find more help. We can't survive on just us. We need more help."

"Like who", Applejack asked. "Who do you think will help us?"

"Well, there's Spike, he's inside the city, and Derpy seemed..."

"If you're asking to go into Ponyville, forget about it", Applejack told Twilight. "The city's too dangerous for us now. If we go in, they'll recognize us, especially after that stunt I pulled on their camp."
Twilight considered this. After all their attacks, she was sure the Lunars probably had looked to see who was behind them.
Knowing that they were some of Ponyville's most recognized residents didn't help. Twilight pondered, and saw a uniform pile. Rarity's past time was to sew off the patches.

Then Twilight got an idea. She went to the pile, and started to rummage through it with her hooves, trying to reach the bottom.

"What are you doing", Applejack asked.

"Wait", Twilight told her, then taking out what she was looking for with her magic. It was a standard Lunar army uniform, and it still had all its patches. "Here it is! If I wear this, then maybe..."

"Sugarcube, as much as I would love to go back", Applejack told her, "You can't just trot into town and expect them to take your word that you're one of them."

"But..." she trailed. She realized she was not going to convince Applejack at the moment. She laid back down in temporary defeat.

Meanwhile Pinkie and Fluttershy had a conversation of their own:

"What made you this way, Fluttershy", Pinkie asked.

"What do you mean", she answered in confusion.

"I mean you, right now", Pinkie elaborated. "Before you were a shy pony, not wanting to get into trouble. Now, you seem
violent."

Fluttershy sighed, and continued to clean her barrel. "This conflict changed me. I realized that if I was going to survive, I needed to be...tougher."

Pinkie nodded. "But still", she continued. "Why do you take pride in the amount of soldiers you've killed?"
Fluttershy looked up. "They invaded our home. They killed our friends. They take pride in our deaths, so why can't I give them back what they do to us."

Pinkie looked nervously. Fluttershy noticed this and sighed. "You probably think I'm a monster now."

"No, I er...", Pinkie tried to answer.

"No, that's fine. This war had changed me in ways I can't imagine", Fluttershy answered. She put down her rifle. "But I want to make clear with you: though I may disagree with you, doesn't mean I'm not your friend. I cried along with everyone else when Rarity died. Trust me, I was hurt too." This made Pinkie a little bit more comfortable. Pinkie then noticed the other side of Fluttershy's rifle stock. On it was the cutie marks of each of them, all six in a circle. Fluttershy saw that she noticed an smiled.
"Like it? I did it in my spare time. We are still friends, and I will continue to fight along my friends."

Pinkie smiled. Fluttershy's determination was very much welcome with her. It made her feel more secure.

* * *

"Ah, Major, Commander, please, do come in", Trixie called as they entered the room. The former dining area for the house Trixie and her commandos were staying in was now a sort of briefing room. The Commander and Major Gilda saluted, and Trixie motioned for them to take seats, which they did.

"Trixie has come up with a plan, using the data that was collected", she told them.

"Very good, Executive Commander", the Commander congratulated. "If you would please, ma'am, continue."

"Gladly", Trixie replied. She then started to explain:

"Trixie thinks that if we wait for them to come inside the city..."

"Er, Ma'am", Major Gilda cut in. "Pardon me, but why would they do that? I have doubts that they'd ever surrender."

"You are excused, Major", Trixie told the Major, "but that is a good point. They will not surrender, but they might come sneaking looking for supplies or something here."

"So you're saying, Executive Commander", the Commander commented, "that they'll come here, and we have to find out when, and catch them."

"Almost, Commander", she told him. "They would never travel in such large groups, and capturing one of them would not result in an easy interrogation. Therefore, we have one...unsuspectingly help us."

"You mean follow one, ma'am", Major Gilda asked.

"No, Major", Trixie corrected. "We have our friend help us."

"The collaborator", Gilda said, putting it together. However, rather quickly, she dismissed the idea. "Ma'am, he would be hard to convince, and time is of the essence."

"Ah, Major", Trixie laughed. "That's where you're wrong again. You see, he obviously cares for something or someone. Trust me, I have my ways of making him help us..."

* * *

"Permission to ask freely, sir", Major Gilda asked her Commander. Trixie had gone to interrogate Spike once more, assuring them that she would get good results. The Major and the Commander sat in his office.

"Granted; what is it, Major", the Commander asked back.

"Sir, what do you think the Executive Commander is planning."

"The destruction of the dissidents, what else Major", the Commander answered.

"I know that", Major Gilda told him. "But how? What is her plan to get rid of them?"
The Commander shrugged. "I do not know exactly. I would assume right now she's thinking of some clever way to defeat them. Who knows though? She's the head of Special Operations for a reason, Major. She has to be unorthodox."
Gilda took note of this. It did make sense, for the Special Operations commander to be a trickster. But she was still
uncomfortable with her. "Sir, do you feel uncomfortable with the Executive Commander's presence", Gilda asked.

"Of course not", he answered, "why?"

Gilda shrugged. "I don't know. She just seems... strange. Like she's going to do something absolutely. devastating to the enemy."

"Don't we want that, Major", the Commander asked.

"Of course, but...", Gilda trailed, "...should we be so cruel? They're defending their home. I want them brought to justice, but I don't want to hurt them anymore than they need to."

"Major", the Commander started, "these mares have caused the deaths of many of our soldiers. They need to pay with their blood. I for one, do not care how bad we beat them, it satisfies me that they get what's coming to them."
Gilda stopped speaking. Without another word, she saluted her Commander and left the room. She then went to her quarters. She truly did want them defeated, but she didn't want to cause them to suffer too much. It seemed too barbaric.

And yet...

She took off her uniform and beret, and then went to bed, trying to shrug off her thoughts. She'd be better suited for this in the morning.

* * *

It was early dawn, two days later, and Twilight was already awake. She snuck past her sleeping friends, sneaking through the maze of sleeping bags. She did not want to disturb the ones elected to be on night watch, who for the night were Rainbow Dash and Applebloom.

Twilight no longer cared what Applejack said. She was going into Ponyville to find help. They needed it, and she had to do it if no one else would.

Twilight scurried over to the uniform pile, and then proceeded to dress herself in the uniform, and searched around for headgear. She saw the officer's cap that Sweetie Belle had shown off to Soarin'. She examined it. It carried some memory...
She didn't have time, she put it on, and then looked for some sort of rag she could use to cover her face. She didn't want to be recognized. She found the rag she needed, and tied it around her face, covering all except the eyes. She then tried to sneak away in the direction of Ponyville...

"Where are you going Twilight?"

Twilight clenched her teeth, and looked back Rainbow Dash was standing confused at her post. Applebloom was fast asleep.

"Err...nowhere special..." Twilight tried to lie.

"Come on, you're going into town aren't you", Rainbow Dash asked.

Twilight was trapped. She said nothing. Rainbow Dash saw the obvious guilt and turned back. "Well, Applejack's not going to be happy, but I'll cover you", she told Twilight, causing the latter to widen her eyes. "Just be careful out there." Rainbow Dash didn't think much of Applejack's rule either.

"I will, don't worry", Twilight assured Rainbow Dash. Twilight then went on the trail towards Ponyville...

* * *

Sneaking into the city was easier than expected. As it was early morning, she managed to find sleepy guards. She snuck by them quickly, and snuck through the alleyways until she was once more in the streets. Avoiding patrols initially, she trotted with confidence through the streets when she felt it was safe for her to roam freely. She trotted through the streets, hoping to find someone she knew.

Luck was not with her. She saw armed patrols, and a few citizens going about their business cautiously, but that was it. She felt unnerved at the lack of recognition. Soldiers standing around saluted her as she passed, and she did her best to salute back. It felt very strange for her. But she was here on a mission, so she carried on.

After no avail for half a hour, she started to get demoralized. Every moment in the city was another moment closer to recognition, and then that would be the end. She tried to look for Derpy's home, but couldn't recognize the building. She then continued to trot through the streets, hoping to find someone she at least on the fringe knew.

Looking around, Twilight noticed something very dear to her: Her old house! It looked very welcoming from where she was. More and more, she wanted to go to it. She thought for a moment. Perhaps she could take a small break and visit old memories. She decided for it, and went towards the house.

Upon closer inspection, she noticed the house was surrounded by guards. All weary, but armed nonetheless. It confused her as to why. Her home couldn't be that special, could it?

Twilight decided to investigate. She went around until she saw a particularly weary guard by the doorway. She cleared her throat and the guard shot up, and saluted her. Twilight saluted back.

"I...er, came from the other side of town", Twilight introduced herself. "Why is this home locked up?"

"Ma'am, I thought you knew, but if I need to remind you, we are guarding a collaborator."

Collaborator, Twilight thought. She knew it could mean someone she knew. "May I, enter?"

"I am sorry ma'am, but no you may not", the guard answered. "Only those with prior authorization may enter...

"Send her in, guard", a familiar voice called out from behind the door.

The guard looked back, and called back, "Prisoner, you cannot authorize guests."

"Is she of authority", voice asked.

The guard looked back at Twilight. "Yes, she is."

"Then I do believe she's allowed to check on me", the voice called back.

The guard looked bitter as he felt defeated. He was still weary, and decided not to object. He opened the door. "Please, make it quick, ma'am."

Twilight entered the house. So many memories filled her mind. It looked exactly the way she left it.
When the door shut, she wandered a small bit further into the house. It was dark, obviously from disuse. But it still was home. She remembered all the good times she had, with...

"Twilight... is that you", the voice asked her. She turned back, and saw a very welcome face.

* * *

"Spike!"
Twilight could not contain her excitement. She went over and gave a big one legged hug, and he hugged back. Spike was glad to see such a good friend at the moment.

"What happened...I mean...how did you..." Twilight started to ask.

"Twilight, you may want to sit down, it's a long story", Spike told her. She did so in the nearest chair. He sat in one in front of her. She then listened eagerly as he explained: "I...I was forced to help the Lunars when the invasion started. I was scared, and I said I would help them. In return, they let me live. I didn't say anything about you, because I didn't want them to find out.
Eventually, of course, they did." He motioned to an armband he was wearing. "They punished me for lying. Now I have to
wear this and stay here."

"How dreadful", Twilight commented. "I wish I could've helped."

"No, no need for apology", Spike told her. "You've been pretty busy with the rest, or so I've heard."
Twilight gave a small smile. "We're infamous here, aren't we?"

"Trust me, Twilight", Spike told her. "The Lunars are going head over hoof to find you. They want you all dead." Twilight looked nervous at the last statement. The Lunars were probably indeed determined to hunt them down. Spike looked away, and then back to Twilight. "They want me to help them track you down."

"What happens when you say no", Twilight asked. Spike motioned a gun to his head with his hand as an answer. "I see", Twilight said in response.

Spike sighed, and drummed his fingers on the chair. "Twilight...I don't want to stay here anymore, if they're going to force me to find you. I miss you, I miss..."

"...Rarity", Twilight finished. She smiled, and he knew that she probably knew everything. Twilight then looked down, and a tear fell from her eye.

Spike noticed this, and shot up. "Did anything happen to Rarity? What's wrong?"

Twilight drew up, now her eyes full of tears. "Spike, I don't know how to say this to you...", she started to cry.

"Twilight, what happened", Spike asked her indignantly. Twilight continued to tear up, making Spike very nervous and anxious.

"Rarity...", she managed to say, "...Rarity...is not...she's gone, Spike. I'm so sorry."

Spike fell down in his chair, shocked and heartbroken. "No...", he whispered.

"I'm so sorry Spike", Twilight tried to apologize, "There was nothing I could do. Her wounds were too much..."

"I don't blame you Twilight", Spike managed to say. He motioned for her to give him a moment. He stroked his chin. Spike, tried to stay calm, but then emotion took over. He started to cry as well.

Both of them got up, and Twilight gave another one hoofed hug to Spike. She kept on repeating "I'm so sorry" to him in their embrace.

Spike was absolutely devastated. Rarity...she meant the world to him. And now...Twilight was saying she...died? He wondered how that could that have happened. "I loved her...so much", he whispered.

"I know you did", Twilight told him. "She loved you too."

They held their embrace, until Spike withdrew. Both tried to get a hold of themselves. Once Spike had, he looked into Twilight's eyes, and then motioned for her to give him another moment. He then left the room.

When he returned, he returned with a necklace, with a green pendant on the bottom that seemed to glow. He moved over to Twilight. "I don't want to stay here anymore.", he told her. He put then necklace around her neck. "I made this in my spare time, thanks to some of your books. I can track it, and find out where you are, when I escape, so I can join you."

"But Spike, your armband...", Twilight reminded her dragon friend.

"I know, I'll find a way to get it off", he assured her, "What's important is that you get out of here before anyone sees you have it." He sighed again. "I want you to be safe. I'll be seeing you soon, hopefully."

Twilight nodded. She looked at her friend, and smiled. "Thank you, Spike", she told him. "You're a true friend." She then went out the door, and Spike stood as she left.

When Twilight made it to the doorstep, she made sure she saluted the guard at the door. He wearily saluted back, and she continued on her way, sneaking through the crowds, and eventually using the alleys to cover her escape.
She stopped and started to realize something. If Spike was a prisoner, then how did he get the tools to build a necklace like that, much less, learn how to make one. She pondered this for a second.

Twilight decided to forget about it, and proceeded to continue on back to camp. Applejack was not going to be happy...

* * *

Spike stood where he was. A true friend, Twilight called him.

If only that were true.

Spike sighed, and closed his eyes, placing his hand on his face. He was devastated, in two ways now. First, he learned that Rarity was dead, and now his world would never be the same.

The second reason was much more demeaning of character.

"Excellent job my small dragon friend", a voice called out from the darkness. Spike bowed his head. He had committed a grave sin; a very grave sin. "That was fantastic! And this is all happening so fast too..."

"Our arrangement is that she wouldn't be hurt, Trixie", Spike called back. Trixie came out with two of her commandos, both armed.

"How was I to know she had gone", Trixie told him, placing a hoof on his shoulder. He shrugged it off. She cleared her throat and continued. "Still, it's interesting to know why you bargained for her life. At least now, Trixie's job is easier."

Spike started to get furious. "How dare you...", he said moving towards her.

But in an instant, he was tackled by both of her commandos.

"Awww...", she mocked. "Getting a little angry are we, Mr. Spike?"

She bent down to the dragon, and whispered to him: "How does it feel, Mr. Spike. To know you betrayed your friends. To know that you will be the cause of their pain and their death. And to know you had done all this...to save a lost life. Your terms now mean nothing."

Spike stared at her furiously, but calmed down. This was his fault, all his fault. He was fearful for Rarity. But he had come to realize now, that even if she had survived, she could never love a traitor. Not one like him. He was a fool, and it was too late.

He had done it. His friends were going to die, all because of his stupid fear.

Trixie smiled. And got up. "You know Mr. Spike, it just occurred to me. First you claim that you didn't know these mares at all. Now I learn you did not just know them, but you had something special for one of them. I could have used that you know, earlier. It would have made things so much simpler if you just told the truth." She circled him. "So, now, Trixie sees that you are even more of a liar than she thought you were. Oh dear, what am I to do with you?"

"Kill me", he answered, still held down. "It'll be merciful. Just do it."

Trixie chuckled. "Oh no Mr. Spike, I won't." She turned back to him. "Do you know why? Because that is your punishment for lying to me. I am going to let you live. You will be sent to a Lunar prisoner of war camp behind our lines. The first time there's a prisoner swap offer after your arrival, I will make sure you are sent back to the Solar Empire. Then, you will have to answer to them for your sin. That is my punishment for you, Mr. Spike; you will live out the rest of your days, knowing that you betrayed your friends this day. All for selfish reasons." She turned to her commandos. "Take him away."

The commandos did as they were told, and drug Spike away. He was very guilty. He could not believe he did something so despicable. He truly deserved to die. But Trixie just sentenced him to a fate worse than death.

He could only hope Twilight and rest were smart enough to defend themselves before it was too late.

* * *

"Twilight, you had me worried", Applejack greeted Twilight.

The two embraced as she came back. The entire group gathered to see Twilight's return. Applejack was not entirely happy, though. "I thought I told you not to go to Ponyville." Applejack then noticed the necklace. "Where did you get that?"

"Oh, it's from Spike", she explained, causing the group to gasp.

"You mean, you actually saw him", Applebloom asked.

"Yes, and he gave me this", she reiterated. "He said that he could find me, once he escapes."
Applejack nodded her head. "So he's coming to help us, is he?"

"I assume, yes", Twilight answered. "Soon, I hope."

"Well, let's hope it's not too long", Applejack told Twilight. The group proceeded to the fire, and gathered around as they usually did.

Except for Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. They went off to the side, near the night watch post.

"We're getting help", Sweetie Belle started, "That's good, right?"

"You bet", Scootaloo answered. "Especially with Spike. Though, I feel bad when he finds out Rarity passed."
Applebloom was a bit more skeptical. "I'm not sure", she said.

"Why not", Scootaloo asked.
"Well", she started to reply. "I thought I heard that Spike was at the execution of my brother, standing with the Lunars." Scootaloo slowly nodded her head. She did see that, or rather, noticed that Twilight saw him. Applebloom continued. "I'm not sure if he's going to help us. I think he's still working for the Lunars."

"I think he's sincere", Sweetie Belle commented. "I think he's had enough of the Lunars, and does want to help us. I don't think he'd try to hurt anyone, especially someone close to him like Twilight."

Applebloom nodded, but she still wasn't fully convinced. "Well, I think we should keep our eyes open, that's all."

"Alright then", Scootaloo answered. "We'll wait and see."

* * *

Two days later, Trixie was getting into her uniform. It was green with a red trim. On it were numerous ribbons for her combat experience, leading troops for the Lunar Army on numerous successful campaigns over the past four years or so.
Now, she donned it. She looked at herself in the mirror, and smiled. Just five years ago she was a travelling magician, doing tricks for an audience in a small town. Now, she was doing tricks for a very different audience. One on the battlefield, and one that would always be awed by her performance.

Now, it was time to perform again. She left her room, holding a box up with her magic, and walked to the dining room. Awaiting her were all fourteen of her commandos, all armed and ready for combat. Major Gilda and the Commander were standing to the side. Trixie made her way to the head of the table, and putting down the box, she cleared her throat.
"Gentlemen, tomorrow is going to be a glorious moment for us", she started. "You, my friends, will hunt down and exterminate rebels, who plague us." She stopped for a moment. "They are ponies, an opponent you've never faced before.
They are of your own species. This can be challenging if you are not careful. Fortunately, you also have the element of surprise." She emptied the box, taking out four electronic devices, which had a single light on it. She pointed to one. "This device will be carried by four of you. Those four will lead the rest of the platoon to where this device points." She turned one on, and a dim light emitted from the direction of the source signal. "Our little friend in their camp is wearing a necklace with a tracker in it. This device follows that signal. The closer you get, the more brightly the light will glow." She stopped again. "My friends, I have full confidence in you, and I wish you luck on your mission. Remember, you are the best the Lunar Empire has to offer. Do not disappoint our princess!" She saluted the platoon, and they got up and saluted back.

"FOR LUNA", Trixie cried out.

"FOR LUNA! THE ONE TRUE RULER OF EQUESTRIA", the commandos replied in unision. "OORAH!"

* * *

Fluttershy had gone out very early to gather from the forest. She wanted to go deeper in the forest, and to do that, she had to go earlier. As she was picking, she started to wander in her mind. It was good to hear that they were getting help. But she couldn't help but doubt Twilight's credibility.

That necklace seemed strange to her, and why "Spike" would give it to her all of a sudden. The thing that got her the most was that she said that Spike could find her. If Spike could find her, so could anyone else, couldn't they?
Her thoughts were shattered when she heard a rustling coming from afar. She got down, and looked through the forest, and her eyes widened. Without trying to attract too much attention, she quickly made it back to camp.

* * *

After Fluttershy felt she was safely away, she started to fly towards the camp. when she made it, she came down on the ground, and started to shake Applejack awake.

"Wha...what", Applejack mumbled sleepily, then yawned.

"Wake up", Fluttershy told her. "I saw Lunars in the forest, coming this way."

Applejack's eyes opened immediately. She got up and woke up Twilight, and told her the news. Twilight passed it on to Rainbow Dash, and so forth. Scootaloo, who was last, passed it on to Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, who were on night watch.

"Are you sure", Rainbow Dash asked Fluttershy, putting on her gear.

"Positive", she answered. "We don't have time, hurry!"

"Alright", Applejack told her. "Lead the way."
* * *

The commandos were heading up a hill. They moved quickly, checking the forest for any hidden positions. For all they knew, the enemy could be anywhere. They moved cautiously through, using only non-verbal communication. The leaders with the devices continually checked them, and made adjustments as necessary.

They made it to a particularly thick part of the forest. There were bushes and steep tuffs of broken earth in a natural trench.

They looked around to see if there was anything hiding. They didn't move at all.
One wandered into a bush, and started to poke around in it. He kept on pushing past branches and leaves until he saw a metal bar protruding from it, aimed at his face.

BANG!

The commando went down in an instant, minus brain matter and skull bone. "CONTACT!"

"Now", Applejack whispered. The entire group opened fire on the commando team. Four more members died in the immediate crossfire. The commandos tried to reach their carbines, but several died before doing so. Fluttershy in particular was efficiently taking them out. One by one, the commandos went down. The ones that were still alive tried shooting, but it was to no avail. The numbers went from six, to five, and to three when two went down together, to two when another went down, and zero when the last two were gun down.

"Stop", Applejack called out. She motioned for them to come out of their hiding places. They all gathered around the mass of bodies. "Alright check for survivors. If they're dead, search for anything useful."

The group did as they were asked. But Rainbow Dash was confused. The markings and the equipment...they weren't normal. She went to Pinkie, and whispered: "These don't look like regular Lunar army soldiers."

"I don't think they are ", Pinkie answered. Most of the group noticed this as well. Whoever they were, they were obviously not the regular soldiers.

Fluttershy hovered around, poking bodies with the barrel of her assault rifle. After three times, she got nothing. Then she went to one that didn't quite look too wounded. She poked the body, and it coughed. She cocked her assault rifle. "I found one! A survivor."

The group stopped what they were doing and went to Fluttershy, and gathered around the survivor. He was grazed in the foreleg, but that was the extent of his wounds. He sighed when they came over.

Applejack looked at him harshly. He was an enemy, and was to be treated as such. "Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash", Applejack called. "Can you carry him to camp?"

Rainbow Dash nodded, and so did Fluttershy. They both took the wounded soldier in the hooves, and flew him back to camp with the group.
* * *
Forty-five minutes later, the commando was tied up, forelegs to hindlegs, with rope they found in one crate. He was young, but still tried to be strong. They had stripped him of all his combat gear, and only left him in his uniform. Sweetie Belle found a small box on his person, with some sort of light on top. It had been hit by a bullet, but the round did not penetrate. Instead, it turned off, and Sweetie Belle was trying to fix it.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group was staring at the commando. Applejack was face to face with him, and Fluttershy, rifle-in-hoof, was hovering next to her.

"What brought you here", Applejack asked the commando.

Fluttershy hit the Lunar with the butt of her rifle, causing him to yell in pain. She shot him an angry look, and then resumed her position.

"My friend will do that to you, for as long as it takes", Applejack assured him. "Now, tell me, what brought you here."
The commando spat out a tooth and some blood. He then looked to his captor. "What would you do if I didn't know."

"Oh, we're going to shoot you anyway", Applejack told him. "You've got nothing to lose. So, tell me, what brought you here, before I have my friend hit you again, and possibly kick your pathetic body."

This alarmed the commando. He started to fidget in his bonds. "You can't do that. I'm a prisoner-of..."
Applejack now struck him as hard as she could across the face. "SHUT UP", she yelled, "Now tell me, what brought you here."

Wait, Sweetie Belle exclaimed. Everyone shot a look at her. She held up the device with her magic. "I've fixed it!" She looked at the light, and where it was pointing. She started to walk around, and started to notice it was glowing brighter when she moved closer to the group. "Uhhh..."

"What's wrong", Applejack asked her.

"It's...glowing brighter", she explained. She started to move to where it was pointing, and tried to figure where it was pointing. She then saw exactly where it glowed brightest. "It's pointing right at Twilight..."

The entire group looked to Twilight. It was then she noticed her necklace was glowing brighter too. When she saw this, she tried to douse the light with her hoof. Applejack went to Sweetie Belle, and asked for the device. Sweetie Belle put it down, and Applejack nudged it closer to Twilight. Each time, she saw it glow brighter, and brighter. Twilight backed up further, shaking her head. Applejack then ran up to her, and moved her hoof from the necklace, and saw it glowing bright.

"You...", Applejack trailed, "...are the source..."

The group gasped, and Twilight shook her head in disbelief. Spike couldn't have known, could he? He wouldn't, he just wouldn't!

Twilight started to shake and tear up.. "I swear, I didn't know...", she tried to explain.

"You...sold us out", Applejack said. "You betrayed us."

Twilight was still tearing up. "I didn't know...I didn't do it, I swear..."

"Twilight...why", Applejack asked. Twilight stood there, tear eyed. Applejack raised a hoof, and Twilight flinched. Then, Applejack placed it on Twilight's back, and drew her close, and embraced her, not looking at her. Twilight continued to cry into Applejack. She couldn't believe it. None of them could. Their closest friend...a traitor.

Applejack's grief turned into anger. Her eyes filled with rage and tears, and she took Twilight, and shoved her to the ground, and yelled at her. "YOU BUCKING TRAITOR! GOOD-FOR-NOTHING TRAITOR!" She kicked Twilight in the flank with her hindleg, causing Twilight to shout in pain.

"No..please", Twilight tried to plea. "I didn't..."

"WHY DID YOU HAVE TO LEAVE", Applejack asked, still infuriated. "WHY DID YOU HAVE TO BETRAY US, YOUR SISTERS! WE TRUSTED YOU! WE LOVED YOU!" She struck Twilight with her forehoof now. Applejack then turned to the group, who were watching the whole thing. She turned back to Twilight. "Get Up!"

"What...", Twilight said, injured...

"GET UP", Applejack commanded. Twilight slowly, and shakingly got up. Applejack motioned with her hoof for Twilight to move toward the group. "GO! GET NEXT TO THAT SOLDIER!"

Twilight limped over where she was told. The group parted before her and Applejack. When she had got there, she stood where she was told.

"Get down", Applejack snarled.

"What...", Twilight asked. Applejack pushed her to the ground.

"I SAID GET DOWN", she barked. She turned to Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, give me something to tie her with." Fluttershy did as was told, and brought another cord of rope. Applejack took it, and started to tie up Twilight in the same way as the Lunar prisoner. Twilight, of course, tried to resist. Applejack struck her across the face again, and then proceeded to finish.

When she was done, Twilight was almost immobile. Still crying, and breathing heavily from the pain of the blows she received, she stared into her former friends. "I didn't mean to...", she sobbed.

Applejack started to feel pity for her, but now was not the time for that. She addressed the Lunar Soldier and Twilight: "I am going to decide what I'm going to do with both of you tonight, and right now, it ain't looking good."

"You can't do this Applejack", Twilight sobbed. "I'm your friend!"

Applejack sighed. "You were my friend", she corrected Twilight. "You were my friend."

* * *
That night, Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle all gathered together around the fire. Applejack and the rest had gone elsewhere to decide the fate of Twilight and the soldier. For now, both of them were by the night watch. They could hear faint sobs from Twilight still.

"I can't believe it", Scootaloo said. "I didn't think she'd do anything like that."

"I can't believe my sister", Applebloom told them. "I never saw her so...angry."

"Twilight's not a traitor, there has to be a mistake", Sweetie Belle declared. "It had to be Spike, or someone else. It can't be Twilight...it just can't."

They sat silent again for a moment. "What do you think she'll do, Applejack that is", Scootaloo asked Applebloom.

"I don't know", she answered. "Hopefully she's cooled down by now.

Meanwhile, Applejack was hearing both sides of the case against Twilight. Now calmer, she felt fit to hear the case. Fluttershy was advising that Twilight was too dangerous to be kept alive, and she needed to be shot in the morning. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie said that there had to be some mistake with Twilight, and that they shouldn't shoot her, or at least
until they knew more. All of them agreed that the soldier needed to be shot.

"She's our friend, Applejack", Rainbow Dash reminded. "We can't let ourselves become monsters like this. We can't kill her."

"But she's a threat, like Fluttershy said", Applejack told Rainbow Dash. "We can't trust her anymore."

"But killing her is too far", Pinkie said. "We have to let her defend herself."

"Don't listen to them, do what's right", Fluttershy advised. "We can't let her live. She's done too much."
Applejack was very confused. On one side, Twilight had endangered the group severely, and that could not go unpunished.
On the other hand, she wasn't even sure now it was all Twilight's fault. But even if it wasn't, she was still at fault for bringing the necklace which endangered them all.

She thought about it for a long time as both sides rambled. Then she held her hoof up to signal silence. She got up. "I made a decision", she announced.
* * *

The fire was dimming, and Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo huddled in their sleeping bags. They had barely slept, in anticipation for the decision on Twilight. The night previous was one of worry and confusion. All of them couldn't believe Twilight would do such a thing, not intentionally. They hoped that Applejack would spare Twilight.

They then noticed Rainbow Dash trot slowly toward the fire. They picked their heads up, and watched as she made it over, and laid down, eyes open.

"What happened, what did she say", Applebloom asked Rainbow Dash, who motioned with her head behind her. Applebloom and the rest saw Applejack trotting toward Twilight and the prisoner. She had her combat saddle bag on, with a sidearm in the holster. Fluttershy followed behind, her rifle in hoof, and so did Pinkie, with two rags on her back.
Applebloom and the rest knew what this meant, and bowed their heads. They saw as Applejack untied both of them, and lead them out.

"I tried the best I could", Rainbow Dash muttered. "But she wouldn't listen."

Applebloom shook her head. It wasn't fair. Twilight did not deserve to die.

"Come on, let's go", Applebloom told her friends getting up.

"What", Scootaloo asked. "You want to see that?"

"We should see a friend off", Applebloom explained. The other two regrettably nodded, and went on ahead with her, followed by Rainbow Dash. They trotted until they saw Pinkie finishing the blindfold on Twilight.

"I'm sorry", she whispered. "Applejack's sorry too."

Twilight sniffed. "Just tell Celestia...the truth. I failed her. Tell her I am sorry."

Pinkie sighed. "I will."

Twilight took a deep breath. "Make it quick, Applejack", she called out. "I don't want to suffer..."
Applejack was ready, and she moved in front of the two prisoners.

"What you're doing is illegal", the commando yelled out.

"I don't care", Applejack answered.

"WAIT", Applebloom yelled, causing Applejack to look up. "This is stupid, Applejack. I thought you were better, but if you do this, what's this difference between us and them?"

Applejack took a moment to think. She looked at the prisoners. One was an enemy, who deserved to die in her eyes. The other, was...a sister. But a traitorous sister.

"Because, Applebloom...", she called back, drawing out her sidearm. "WE LIVE HERE!"

BANG! BANG!
A
pplejack fired two shots into the Lunar Solider in quick succession. The soldier yelled as he fell, but died relatively quickly. Applejack had loaded one additional round in the sidearm. She then moved to Twilight, and too aim with one hoof.
She held it there for a moment. But then...Applejack noticed Twilight was shaking. She was frightened, like a filly. Applejack then started to remember her friendship with her. She was like... a sister.

Applejack still held the sidearm up, but started to tear up. She tried to muster the courage, but she couldn't. She dropped the sidearm.

"I'm sorry Twilight", she whispered.
Applebloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Rainbow Dash were relieved. Twilight was going to live! Applejack started to move to Twilight...

Fluttershy noticed Applejack's moment of weakness, and rushed in front of her, and pushed her away. She cocked her rifle and aimed it at Twilight.

"NO", Rainbow Dash yelled.

Applejack got up, and leapt to Fluttershy, and extended her hoofs toward the rifle, and closed her eyes.

BANG!
Applejack opened her eyes. Her hoof had pushed Fluttershy's rifle, and now it was pointing toward the sky. Fluttershy was hovering, staring straight at Applejack. She wasn't sure if she avoided shooting Twilight or not...

"gaakkkk..."

Applejack looked back, and saw a horrible sight.

Twilight was hit sloppily in the neck.

The shot was fatal, but not instant death. Twilight lay on the ground, gurgling on her own blood, which pooled around her. "gagghh..gaaakkkhh", was all she managed to get out. She extended her hoof to Applejack's direction, trying to reach out. After a minute, it dropped, and Twilight stopped gurgling, blood continuing to pool.

She was gone.

Applejack and Fluttershy resumed gazes. It was done. Twilight Sparkle was dead.

Before Applejack could say anything, something shot out in front of her, knocking Fluttershy to the ground, and causing Applejack to fall. Rainbow Dash stood over Fluttershy, and was striking her with her hooves.

"WHY DID YOU DO THAT", she was crying. "APPLEJACK WAS GOING TO SPARE HER! WHY! WHY DID YOU KILL HER?"

"Enough", Applejack yelled, pushing Rainbow Dash away. Fluttershy got up, and wiped the blood from her face. "What's done is done."

"But she didn't have to die...", Rainbow Dash whispered.

"It's done, Rainbow Dash", Applejack told her friend. She looked back down at the bodies, and then started to trot back to the camp, past a disturbed Pinkie Pie, Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. They followed her back to the camp.

"Are we going to bury them, sis", Applebloom asked her sister.
Applejack stopped, and sighed. She wasn't sure if either deserved to be buried yet. But for now, she made a decision.

"I don't think so sis", she answered.
Applebloom closed her eyes and nodded her head. She understood.

* * *

The next night, it was hard for all of them. In a little more than a week, they had lost two sisters, one to battle, one to execution. They all started to weep, even Fluttershy. She didn't want to, but she felt she had to kill Twilight.

They wept together.

Applejack felt guilty. Twilight could have been innocent, and shouldn't have died. If Applejack ever found out that she was, it would be devastating.

It was hard to think about her. They wanted to remember her, but remembering her brought back too much...pain. Pain that came from the guilt of her death by one of their hooves. Twilight had always been a good pony. After all, she was Celestia's student. They also worried what Celestia would do when she found out, especially if Twilight was innocent. They feared that she would not be merciful on them for their crime.

Applejack tried to push that aside, and wanted to remember Twilight the best she could: as a friend.
But she was a friend she had condemned to death.

Then Applejack got an idea. She asked to Sweetie Belle to follow her, and Sweetie Belle did such. They went through the rock bed, They came up to a particular rock, which had two names inscribed on it.
RARITY
SOARIN'

"Twilight started the idea with them, that we add their names so we won't forget them", she told her. She then told her to look at a jagged rock on the ground. "Inscribe her name here please."
Sweetie Belle nodded, and took it up with her magic. Though not as neat as Twilight had, she carved the name into the rock.
Now the rock had three names:
RARITY
SOARIN'
TWILIGHT SPARKLE

She stood back and admired her work. Applejack smiled at it too. This was a good memory to her. Guilty or not, she deserved to be remembered.

Applejack was never going to forget her.

* * *

Comments

[thewookie1]

Spoiler Alert:

Just don't kill all of them, except two.

[Joe Amethyst]

Favorite part by far.

[We'll_Never_Know]

Alright, cover imagie is up, courtesy of Block Eraser/Gigatoast (thanks again if you're reading this)

[Ecko7]

Even if Spike was forced to betray Twillight and the others, i hope he pay for that what happend to Twillight!

[We'll_Never_Know]

Sorry for taking so long

Out of town and shizz like that. Plus I've been busting my butt on "Red Light City" (http://www.fimfiction.net/story/39433/Red-Light-City) with Joe Amethyst (who is another great writer; check out his "Numb"). I promise to get this out by Tuesday the latest.

Anyway, questions are accepted.

[Fallen Knight]

Scootaloo had gone to do some low altitude (so as not to be seen) flight exercises with Scootaloo.

One of them is Rainbow dash i bet.

[We'll_Never_Know]

1163396

Fixed