From the Ashes

by Benjamin Lawe

Chapter 3: Behind the Lies

From the Ashes

Chapter 3: Behind the Lies

Zecora tried to sleep, but tonight she was unusually restless. It was so very late, but for reasons beyond her, she could not find the calm required to close her eyes.

Her humble hut, adorned with treasures of the land from which she came, was located deep within the Everfree forest and stood in spite of the deadly surroundings. And while it was true that the woods were so thick that they allowed no light, the overbearing gnarled trees did not surround her hut, possibly kept at bay by some effort of the mysterious zebra pony. Because of this, Zecora could bathe in the natural light of the day, and stare into the expanse of space during the night while the rest of Everfree forest was shrouded in a constant murky darkness.

To the average pony, going so far as to enter the forest, let alone live there, bordered on insanity. But Zecora was not the average pony, and while Ponyville had become more welcoming as of late, solitude was her comfort and the very nature of the forest, with all its perils and unknowns, reminded her of where she came from. She didn’t expect anypony to understand why, but to her this place was home.

Zecora leaped out of her bedding with a grunt. For too long she had forced her body to stay still in an attempt to trick her mind into relaxing, and the combination of wanting to sleep and not being able made her very agitated. Her frustration was translating into body heat, which in turn made it even harder to rest. Pretty much everypony knows how it feels when your desire to sleep is essentially what keeps you from it, but fortunately for the mysterious zebra, she had discovered how to remedy this vicious cycle some time ago.

She opened the door to her hut and stepped outside, breathing deep the cool night air. It instantly calmed her down; the heat of her body was quickly overwhelmed by the much more gentle coolness of the night air. She ventured a look upwards to the patch of sky that was not shrouded by the tangled foliage. It was rare for Zecora to be looking into the night at the same time the moon was making an appearance, but there it was, seemingly framed by the leaves and branches that encircled her viewpoint. She stared intently at the full moon, or rather, stared through it, taking it in with profound sombreness.

Zecora sighed heavily. She felt more relaxed than before, but knew she had no chance of getting any rest. Her mind was too active, buzzing with a hundred thoughts all at once. She could feel a strange sensation rising in her gut, as if her instincts were trying to warn her of something ominous.

Shaking it off, Zecora headed back inside her hut. She knew there would be no way she could get any sleep the natural way, but perhaps one of her many potions held the key to liberating herself of her troubled thoughts.

* * * *

“Okay!” Fluttershy said, her inspection of Marco’s vitals making her optimistic, “It looks like Pinkie’s little donation took. He’s stable... we can finally move him.”

“Well, that’s all well and good, but Dash isn’t back yet.” Twilight replied, “Is there anything we can do while we wait?”

Contemplating this, Fluttershy tapped at her muzzle. Eventually a thought did come to her. “Rarity?” she started, prompting the unicorn to turn from her position by Pinkie and face her, “About before... did you make sure to, umm... ‘clean’ up?”

“Urgh, I did... but please don’t remind me.” Rarity winced, “I still don’t understand why it was so important to do something so disgusting.”

“Me either...” Twilight expressed her own confusion, “What’s the deal with going so far to get rid of the blood?”

“First of all, it would be bad if it got infected.” Fluttershy’s replied, her limited medical knowledge sufficient enough to make her wary of such a thing, “But more importantly, when Dash returns, we will be leaving for the Everfree Forest. That place is filled with a whole bunch of hungry monsters that can smell even a little bit of blood from miles away!”

“Oh my.” Rarity said concerned, “If that’s the case, I suppose we cannot be too careful.”

Yeah, no kidding...” Twilight said nervously, “Forget Marco... if we get jumped it’ll be us who’ll be in real trouble.”

Fluttershy scowled slightly at what her friend had just implied, but thankfully Applejack redirected her concerns. “Hey, Fluttershy... something’s up with Pinkie again.” she said worried, “I thought she must’ve fallen asleep, but I can’t wake her.”

Leaving Marco to Rarity and Twilight, Fluttershy hovered over to Pinkie’s motionless figure and jostled her slightly. True to Applejack’s word, she didn’t display any sign of rousing. Applejack looked over to Fluttershy with that same worried expression tainting her face, but the pegasus simply exhaled lightly, not concerned in the least.

“Relax, she’s fine.” Fluttershy said quietly, “She just fainted is all. And after what she did for us, it’s only natural.”

“But still, is she gonna be alright?” Applejack said softly, trying not to stir the earth pony in question, despite the fact it was made clear it would take significantly more to rouse her, “She’s normally so energetic and stuff. I can’t help but worry...”

“I can pretty much guarantee she’ll be back to her old self as soon as she shakes off the dizziness.” Fluttershy replied, “She’s just a little lightheaded. She will be up again before you know it.”

As if to validate Fluttershy’s claim, The door to Twilight’s library blasted open, startling everypony and waking Pinkie Pie.

“Whoa! Hey there Dashie!” the pink pony exclaimed, bouncing up from Applejack’s side with whatever grogginess she ought to be feeling erased in a burst of energy, “Wow, you don’t look so hot!”

She was right. Rainbow Dash stood in the doorway panting heavily, and dripping with sweat. By all appearances, she had gunned it to and from the farm and ended up back here much sooner than anypony expected. It was clear that she hadn’t wanted to waste any time.

Fluttershy silently appraised her friend. From the beginning it had only been her and Dash helping Marco, so it was clearest to her how much her friend had made a turn since meeting him. Especially now, after the actions she took trying to save his life, it seemed she had become extremely dedicated to resolving this crisis. Loyalty was her element, and after everything she’d been through today, it was especially intense.

“If I don’t believe my own two eyes!” Applejack called, interrupting Fluttershy’s thoughts, “That was quick! Don’t tell me you ran the whole way?”

Rainbow Dash would have gloated, opportunities to show up Applejack didn’t come along often. She would have to let it slide just this once however, so drained was her energy. “Tell me about it...” she said panting, “I don’t know how you do it everyday.”

Rainbow Dash gave the room the quick once-over. “Have we figured out what we’re gonna do with this?” she asked pointedly, looking between the cart she carried and the two small groups huddled around Pinkie and Marco respectively, “I didn’t race back so we could all wait together!”

“It seems we’re trying our luck with our zebra friend Zecora and her unique methods.” Rarity replied, all but ignorant of Dash’s exhaustion, “So do be a dear and bring our improvised stretcher inside. We have a pony in need.”

Rainbow Dash made to comply, but Applejack intercepted. “Whoa there sugarcube...” she said gently, “You’ve done more than enough already. I’ll handle it from here; you take a load off.”

Applejack handled her cart with ease as she brought it around and poked the rear end through Twilight’s open doorway. Watching her operate it, Dash couldn’t help but marvel at how quickly her friend had recuperated. Dash would never admit it, but Applejack was strong. And not just as an earth pony. Even among her own kind, she was the strongest Dash had ever seen. Perhaps even more so than her brother Big Macintosh.

Rainbow Dash wasn’t jealous, she just didn’t like feeling weak. Sure she could fly, and was one of the best fliers in Equestria at that, but she would never view her flying abilities as being an exchange for physical weakness. To her, being strong didn’t have anything to do with being a pegasus, or a girl, and failures shouldn’t be attributed to such irrelevant things. And while this mentality was what made her intolerable when she felt inadequate, it was the same thing that drove her to be better at everything she tried.

Rainbow Dash was brought abruptly back to the world by Fluttershy, who had hovered over carrying an enormous mug filled to the brim with water. She didn’t wait for a response before she pushed it to her friend’s lips. Dash appreciated the nurturing attitude, but she quickly grabbed the mug and drunk deep, the contents dribbling all over the place. When her muzzle finally re-emerged from the now empty mug, she noticed Fluttershy was now over near Applejack, and Twilight had just finished magically hovering Marco into place on the back of the apple-cart.

Applejack firmly secured the cart’s harness to her back and smiled. She was ready to go. “Ready to roll partner?” she said coyly, smiling at Rainbow Dash.

Rejuvenated, the pegasus sprung up and bounded over. “Always!” she announced with fervour, “Let’s get this show on the road!”

“Yeehaw! That’s the spirit!” Applejack responded with a grin, “We good to go Twi?”

Twilight was at Pinkie’s side, holding a nursing hoof to her shoulder. “Did you want to stay here?” she asked her seemingly fine friend, “I can have Spike keep an eye on you...”

“Hrm?” the sleepy little dragon groaned, hearing his name, “Oh, yeah. You can count on me.”

“Spike...” Twilight hissed, an edge to her voice, “This is serious!”

“Take a chill pill Twi!” Pinkie Pie said, patting her friend on the head carelessly, “I told ya I give blood all the time! There’s no way I’m not coming too!”

“I guess I’ll go back to bed then...” Spike said relieved, “Since there nothing I-”

“In that case, can you try to clean some of this up?” Twilight cut in, gesturing to the mess her library had become, “Please?”

“Okay... okay.” the little dragon sighed, “I got it Twilight. shouldn’t you guys be going already?”

“Alright girls, lets go!” she said, stealing the words from his mouth as the ponies crowded around the cart acknowledged her with an attentive nod, “Oh, and Owlicious... keep Spike in line won’t you?”

The little owl let loose a piercing hoot and raised a feathered wing in what looked like a salute. It seemed the situation here was under control. Spike just shook his head tiredly.

And with that, Twilight left the library alongside the others, and promptly fell into stride next to Pinkie Pie, who was busy bouncing along, her normal bubbly attitude obvious unaffected by the lateness of the hour or the after effects of giving blood.

Twilight made to comment on this observation, but Pinkie Pie spoke first. “Hey Twilight...” she said, the confusion evident in her voice, “Where are we going?”

Twilight stopped mid-stride, unable to fathom how her friend had forgotten her own suggestion. In answering the question, Twilight decided to choose the path of least resistance. “We’re going to see Zecora...” she said simply, “She’s our best hope in helping this pony.”

“Oh! Right!” Pinkie replied, beaming, but her face fell and once again adopted a confused expression, “Ummm, who did you say he is?”

Somewhere in the background Rainbow Dash covered her face with her hoof in exacerbation.

This was going to be a long... long trip.

* * * *

Like every other night, the city of Canterlot seemed to glisten under the light of the full moon.

In the daytime, when the walls and towers shined in the vibrant light of day, they conveyed a sense of regal authority and general majesty. But during the night, when the pure white castle was bathed in darkness, Canterlot took on an entirely different mood. The way in which the structures lost their colour but retained their lustre made night-time in Canterlot tranquil and peaceful, and the way the white moonlight shimmered, reflected by the glossy buildings and still waters, generally set everypony at ease.

But unlike any other night, the peace was broken but an unusual amount of activity. Much to the interest of the locals who still happened to be awake, there was an unprecedented amount of guards about. And even though the average citizen was more or less ignorant to the inner workings of the night guard, it was rather clear that they had quite the specific purpose.

Indeed, standing guard outside Canterlot General Library, Sergeant Ceasler and his partner seemed to be the only night guards not taking their assembly seriously.

“I don’t believe this.” Ceasler groaned, “If being the night guard’s pack-mule on that ten-hour shift last night wasn’t enough, the captain decides to kick half the garrison out onto this stupid night shift for who knows what reason.

“I knew what I was signing up for when I became a night guard all those years ago...” he complained, “But I’m getting too old for this. My shift was supposed to end an hour ago.”

The frustrated pegasus furrowed his brow in the silence. “Slayde?” he asked pointedly, looking to the pony on his left, “Are you even listening?”

“It’s a drill dude.” his lethargic partner drawled, the only thing setting him apart from Ceasler being his youth and the horn protruding from his helmet, “Why else would they suddenly double the night guard? They are trying to keep us wary by acting like there’s some huge thing going on.”

“Hey. Is that any way to talk to your superior?” Ceasler berated his careless partner, “I may have been demoted, but I’m still a sergeant damn it...”

“Yeah, I know.” Slayde rolled his eyes, “So you keep telling me...”

“So?” Ceasler insisted, “Shouldn’t you be calling me ‘sir’ or something?”

“Sir?” the young unicorn snuffed a laugh, “Dude, we share a bunk. I don’t think a guy who shares a room with his underlings can be called-”

“Cut the chatter you two!” a gruff voice called out from behind them, interrupting Slayde and scaring the pair half to death.

The young unicorn nearly jumped out of his armour when the royal guard captain snuck up behind him. “Sir, yes sir!” he exclaimed, performing a hasty salute despite his reactionless partner, “Sorry sir!”

“At ease.” Caliber said dismissively, nodding at Ceasler, “Just testing the mettle.”

Slayde finally relaxed his posture. “Sir?” he asked tentatively, “Do you mind telling us just what is going on tonight?”

A sharp sidewards kick from Ceasler halted the question. “Dude, what?” Slayde said in response to his superior’s disapproval, “How can we do our job if we don’t even know why we’re doing it?”

“Hrm...” Ceasler paused, “My subordinate has a point. For what purpose did the garrison increase the night guard?”

Caliber raised an eyebrow at the pair’s antics, but responded to the query all the same. “To be frank, even I don’t know the details.” he lied, keeping his intimate knowledge of the situation out of the chance encounter, “But I’ll have you know that this isn’t the doing of the garrison.”

“Eh? What do you mean it’s not the garrison?” Ceasler asked in surprise, “You couldn’t mean...”

“I’m afraid so. That’s why the royal guard are involved.” Caliber nodded, “She wasn’t specific as to why, but the princess made it very clear. By royal decree, the presence of the night guard is to increase twofold.”

Inside, the royal guard captain knew exactly what had caused the princess to be so concerned, but he and the other royal guards who were present back then were sworn to silence in regards to the matter.

“Royal decree?” Ceasler repeated in shock, “That’s insane! There hasn’t been an intervention like that in all my time as a member of the night guard! There’s no way this is just some drill...”

“I agree.” Caliber said sternly, “And that is why I must ask you to be extra attentive to your duties.” he spread his powerful wings wide, preparing to leave, “Stay vigilant you two. Report any suspicious behaviour and remain careful in taking any action.”

“Yes sir!” the two guards called out, snapping into twin salutes and maintaining them until the captain was out of sight.

And with that, the pair resumed their task, staring out into the night. They spoke not a word to each other, and their expressions conveyed nothing but utter seriousness. For they knew that if this truly was a royal decree, then before the night was over, something big was going to happen. They didn’t know what, nor could they tell when, but before that sun rose, there was going to be action.

The two guards were not alone in their resolve. All over Canterlot, the entire night guard had come to the same conclusion and were bracing themselves for the eventual conflict. No matter what the coming threat was, the guard were steeling themselves, determined to do their duty and protect the princesses.

Celestia had informed Luna of the true nature of the royal decree, but she refused to allow any guards within her chambers, despite the essential threat made upon her. Like any other night, her security could do little but hover about the palace at a safe distance, making doubly sure that nothing could slip through their flawed defence.

Celestia was worried about her sister. Ever since she was pardoned, she had become recluse, spending all her time alone and locked within her chambers. In fact, her desire for solitude extended to such a degree that she remained the only inhabitant of her night palace. Celestia was wary about mentioning Marco to her sister, but she found that Luna was unusually calm about the fact somepony wanted her dead. Perhaps even too calm. Almost as if it she was a troubled mix of expectant and accepting of the fact.

Regardless of her concerns, Celestia respected her sister’s attitude even though she viewed it as a passing phase. Luna would eventually adjust to the role she was destined for; she just needed her space and enough time to come to terms with how she once acted and forgive herself for rising against her sister.

But ever since she had left Luna’s presence, Celestia couldn’t help but feel there was some other reason why her sister had dismissed the guards that had been sent to protect her. She couldn’t allow herself to dwell on it though. There was much work to do, and only had until sunrise to get it done...

* * * *

“Um, are you sure you’re okay back there?” Fluttershy called, noticing that Pinkie Pie appeared to be shivering, “Maybe you should’ve stayed back at the library after all...”

“I’m fit as a fiddle Fluttershy!” she replied casually, her voice vibrating as her body lapsed into another series of spasms. “Fit as a fit fiddle even! Why do you ask?”

“You sure you’re not cold darling?” Rarity asked in surprise, “You’ve been shaking in your boots since we entered this dreadful forest.”

“I’m fine silly!” Pinkie Pie said dismissively, “It’s not that cold. And I’m not even wearing boots!”

“It’s an expression dear.” Rarity replied flatly, “And I’m just worried about you, that’s all...”

“Hrm? Well okay-dokie then!” the bubbly earth pony replied, “But seriously, I’m fine. I’ve got the jitters!”

Applejack suddenly stopped dead in her tracks, bringing the cart behind her to a grinding halt. “The jitters?” she stammered, the concern evident in her voice, “Oh, boy... tell me it ain’t forest monsters!”

She continued to look around nervously, expecting to see a series of evil, glowing eyes staring hungrily at her. Confused, Rarity just swapped a passing look with Pinkie Pie. “What in Equestria’s gotten into you Applejack?” she called from her left, “Forest monsters? Jitters? What the devil are you talking about?”

Hijacking whatever explanation there was to be had, it was Twilight who took it upon herself to answer the question. “Nopony can explain it.” she said mysteriously, “But trust me Rarity, when Pinkie Pie starts twitching, the least you can do is be careful.”

Twilight’s mind couldn’t help but flash back to the consequences of her disbelief in Pinkie Pie’s natural gift. And while Twilight wasn’t one to indulge the more ‘random’ aspects of Pinkie’s personality, she had learned the hard way that she couldn’t afford to ignore the strange and unusual ‘instincts’ that she possessed.

“Well it can’t be too bad...” Rainbow Dash called with a hint of self-satisfaction to her voice, “Look!”

She thrust a hoof forwards, gesturing at the clearing in front of them. The thick woods they had pushed through had eased up, and the eerie glow of moonlight was shining down through one of the only gaps in the overhead foliage. But what drew the group’s attention was the structure standing in the centre. It was a structure that they recognized as being Zecora’s hut.

And While Zecora’s place was commonly referred to as a hut, technically that wasn’t entirely true. Strictly speaking, her house was a twisted oak tree that had been hollowed out and converted into a rather alien-looking home. In this sense, it was not unlike Twilight’s library back in Ponyville.

Strangely enough, the moonlight wasn’t the only thing illuminating Zecora’s house. Everypony could clearly see that there was light coming from within. For reasons unknown to them, it seemed as if Twilight and her friends were not the only ones who had a reason for being active so very late at night.

“Wow. And here I was wondering about the proper way to barge in, asking for her help while she was still asleep...” Twilight said in surprise, “Why in the world would she be awake so late at night?”

“Gee, I dunno know Twi...” Pinkie Pie started, “Don’t ya think it’s closer to being early in the morning as apposed to being late at night?” she frowned dramatically, “Wait, what goes in between again?”

Twilight didn’t acknowledge Pinkie’s questions, instead focusing her attention on working up the courage to approach Zecora’s door and give it two dull knocks. She had too many things to consider. First of all, Zecora would in no way be expecting the company of anything but some feral beast at a time like this. Secondly, time was of the essence. Marco’s condition would most likely be worsening, and something surely needed to be done soon. That said, they couldn’t afford to skip any of the details when explaining the situation to Zecora; overlooking even the smallest detail could prove to be disastrous.

Twilight’s thoughts were interrupted when the door in front of her rushed open. Before she could adjust herself, she found her eyes level with the confused stare of her zebra friend Zecora. “Is that Twilight Sparkle before my eyes?” the zebra blinked a few times in disbelief, “Or does my weary mind tell me lies?”

Twilight was intrigued by her response. It seemed that no matter what the situation, Zecora wouldn’t be caught dead speaking without rhyme.

“Tell me what brings you to this house of mine...” Zecora continued, “At such a strange and unusual a time?”

“We’re sorry to barge in on you like this Zecora, but we really, really need your help.” Twilight pleaded, gesturing to small group behind her, “This pony’s life may be in danger, and you just about the only one who can possibly help us!”

The zebra pony glanced over at Twilight’s friends, surrounding what appeared to be a stallion laying flat on the back of a worn out apple cart. It was an odd scene, but she didn’t doubt the seriousness of it. “Ah, yes... this I can tell.” she said cocking her head, “You seek the skills in which only I excel.”

Zecora took in the scene before her, or more accurately, took in the object of the efforts of Twilight and her friends. When she looked at Marco, she felt that same foreboding chill she had experienced upon looking at the moon. For a fleeting instant, she almost felt as if she shouldn’t help this stranger, but she no sooner discarded such an immoral idea.

“Bring your friend inside and make haste.” she commanded, “Time is something we cannot afford to waste.”

Zecora opened her door wide to make room for the whole group. “Come along, and follow me.” she continued, “We shall discuss the situation over my special tea.”

Twilight didn’t wait around for a second invitation. Applejack went in first, wagon and all, followed quickly by Fluttershy, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash. Twilight made to follow, but when Pinkie Pie erupted into an especially intense shaking fit, she paused and addressed her friend.

“You alright Pinkie?” Twilight asked gently. “What is it?”

Her friend’s expression instantly alarmed Twilight. It didn’t look like the normal carefree Pinkie she knew. She almost looked... worried.

“I dunno Twilight...” Pinkie Pie said, her unsure tone contrasting her regularly peppy self, “I’ve never had anything like this before.

“But whatever it is...” she continued, a grim seriousness plaguing her voice “It’s definitely a doozey.”

* * * *

“Another fruitless diversion...” Celestia told herself, her tone frustrated, “How do these faded memories continue to elude me?”

The princess’ secretive research continued, but this time, the book she pored over was not one from her own royal archive. Indeed, she wasn’t even in the royal palace at the moment.

Celestia seemed to be the only one in Canterlot General Library, which did have its advantages; though to be fair, the place was supposed to be closed. She could hear the faint and regular sound of the guard hustling about outside, but she paid them no heed. To her knowledge, they did not even know she was in here. After all, what could one of the city’s more humble libraries have to offer that her own vast collection could not?

Celestia practically slammed the city census down against the desk she found herself sitting by. It was supposed to be the last resort in helping her solve this mystery, but it too had failed her.

Unknown to the princess, the slamming sound boomed out through the library, and found itself upon the ears of a once-sleeping attendant. Her soft orange mane was tangled and her dull white coat was scuffed from her sudden emergence from deep sleep. She dreamily readjusted the crooked spectacles that had been at some stage knocked loose, and wiped away the sliver of drool that had found its way down her muzzle.

It didn’t take the dazed mare very long to realize she was not alone in the library. There was a faint yellow glow lighting up the far end of the library, not far behind a circle of bookcases by the door. The startled librarian quickly ducked under her desk, wary that her library had an intruder.

Soon enough however, she eased up, realizing that the light was being magically conjured. She was an earth pony herself, but unicorns in Canterlot tend to a civil bunch, at least not the kind that raid the local library anyway.

Still cautious, but otherwise settled, she carefully and quietly sulked away from the safety of her desk. Perhaps the unicorn had simply lost track of time, or even fallen asleep the same as she had. Either way, there was little reason for the spooked librarian to suspect anything especially lewd from somepony who’s only crime could be loitering...

She finally closed in on the light source, taking cover by the encirclement of bookcases. “Excuse me?” she called out as she rounded the corner and finally came face to face with Celestia, “Sorry, but we’re closed-”

The wind must have changed, because as the sleepy earth pony realized that her intruder was not a unicorn, but an alicorn, and not a loiterer, but a princess, her stunned expression froze right then and there, trapped in an embarrassing display of profound shock.

Truly, Celestia did well not to burst out laughing at the funny sight. “Forgive me for intruding.” the princess said apologetically, “But I found you sleeping, and decided it was best to enter unannounced.”

“Uh... well thank you for that.” the librarian stuttered, taking a stressed step backwards, “I’m Pastel Pride. Sorry for interrupting. Holler if you need anything...”

“Actually, it seems that your appearance is rather well timed.” Celestia said curiously, “There is something you may be able to help me with, though I suppose I could ‘holler’ if you prefer...”

“I, uh... don’t worry ‘bout it.” Pastel said embarrassed, trying to mask her unusual mannerisms, “I’m here. What can I help you with?”

“Well, I’ve been trying to find the name of a certain pegasus who served me in the guard, though hers is a name that I have regrettably forgotten.” Celestia said discreetly, unashamedly investing herself in the insight of a laypony, “I know not of what happened to her beyond deserting the guard, so I thought that if she was a citizen, I could find her name in the census.”

“Hang on princess, you’ve lost me.” Pastel replied, “Didn’t you say that you couldn’t remember her name? How did you expect to find her in the census if-”

“I am certain that if I were to see the name, I would know it to be hers.” the princess cut her off, “So I studied the census in the hope it would be revealed to me.”

“Let me get this straight...” Pastel replied, “You read the whole census... every single name, of every single citizen, from Abacus Able to Zyedi Zyeek, looking for just one pegasus in a process of elimination?!”

“Yes.” Celestia nodded despite herself, “And yet I could not find it...”

“That’s crazy.” Pastel commended, “You must really, I mean really, want that name...”

Celestia didn’t respond to the librarian’s final comment. She rose from her seated position and looked about herself before finally leaning in to Pastel. “I loath to admit this, but I know little about the documentation involved with the census.” she said pointedly, “Is there any reason why somepony might not be listed?”

“Um, yeah... there’s a few.” Pastel answered, “The city census lists all the citizens of Canterlot, but that doesn’t mean it’s supposed to have every name. It’s designed so a single pony doesn’t appear on multiple lists, so if somepony isn’t on the census, it means they are listed somewhere else.

“For instance, the guard services have their own separate census.” she continued, “You said she was a royal guard, so she might be listed on-”

“That was where I first looked.” Celestia cut the librarian off, “It yielded nothing, so in my desperation I came here.”

“So if she’s not on either of those charters, it is possible that she died.” Pastel proposed, “Have you checked the-”

“No. She cannot be dead.” Celestia interrupted confidently, “It was clearly stated that the first...”

Celestia immediately cut herself off. She had been carefully keeping such things a secret, yet she had almost said more than she meant to. She couldn’t speak of it; not to this librarian, not her captain, and certainly not her sister.

“Are there any other lists?” Celestia asked, covering up her slip of the tongue, “Some other place where a name could be listed?”

“There’s really only one other, but you’re not going to like it.” Pastel delayed somewhat, not sure what impact what she was about to say would have on the princess, “The criminal census. If she’s listed as being imprisoned or at large for a criminal offense, then she’d be listed there.

“But that couldn’t be it...” she continued, “If she was a royal guard, and that history was known when she became listed as wanted, then she would have automatically been flagged as an A-class criminal. And that doesn’t go unnoticed. After all, the last incident of that happening was six years ago, and even I remember seeing the bugger’s face all through the newspaper.”

“If this is the only other place she could be listed, then I see no alternative than her being wanted.” Celestia reasoned, “But as you say, the last incident of a royal guard turning criminal occurred six years ago. If she did indeed become wanted, she couldn’t have been listed as a royal guard at the time...

The princess’ eyes flickered slightly as some small realization struck her. “I have something else to ask, though I would be surprised if you were knowledgeable enough to answer.” she said, her tone darkening somewhat, “Suppose one wanted to manually change somepony’s listing. Could it be done?”

“Technically yes, but it would have the same result.” Pastel replied, “If your pegasus was a royal guard, and was manually changed to a wanted criminal, she would still be flagged.”

“I see.” Celestia’s eyes intensified, “But what if one manually changed somepony’s listing from a royal guard to a citizen? Would they be flagged if they were then moved from the census to the wanted list?

“Well, technically no... but it’s impossible.” the librarian dismissed, “Sure, anypony can appeal to have somepony regarded as deceased, or report somepony as a criminal, but there aren’t many who have access to the guard listing, and even less who have the authority to change it.”

Celestia thought on it for a few moments. Was it possible for such trickery to impede her search? In any case, coming here had given her something to go off, and she certainly wasn’t about to squander the opportunity. Not when she feared she had such little time left in which to solve the mystery...

“Do you mind if I take this with me?” Celestia asked, indicating the census, “I believe I may yet have use for it, but I cannot afford to dwell here any longer.”

“Sorry princess, the census is available to research on permission, but it cannot be removed from the library.” the librarian replied bravely, “Sorry, but it’s the rules. I don’t want to get fired for giving out one of our most important documents...”

“You have my apologies as well; for I was not asking permission, but only if you minded.” Celestia smiled beyond her bone-shattering dismissal, “While it is unfortunate that you do, this book is coming with me.”

Pastel blanched. The princess did not raise her voice, nor did she emanate any venomous intent, yet the way in spoke was impossibly scary. Even as she turned and walked off silently, the poor librarian could barely muster up the will to address her.

“S... sorry your highness. Please go ahead.” she finally managed, her face pale, “Was there anything else I could do for you?”

The princess stopped. Indeed, there was one thing that was still bothering her about what she had found out here, but it wasn’t until now that she felt compelled to ask about it. “I do have one last question.” she said, not even turning around, “It’s in relation to what you said about those with the authority to alter the guard listings. Do you have any idea who has enough power to do something like that?”

"Well, there's you of course..." Pastel replied, placing her hoof upon her muzzle as she thought, "Your sister could do it too. But besides you two, the only others would be the guard captains."

“I see.” Celestia acknowledged, still not looking back, but continuing upon her way out of the library, “Thank you for all your help.”

“Don’t mention it-” Pastel made to reply, but cut herself off as the figure to which she spoke teleported away in a blinding flash.

Now alone in her library, she looked about despondently at the mess the princess had made with all the various papers and scrolls that had occupied her interest. She sighed deeply, shuffling over to her own desk and begun to rummage around inside. If she was going to tidy this place up, she needed energy. And like all librarians in the business know, the best solution to tiredness is always chemical.

* * * *

The first sip Twilight took of Zecora’s special tea was enough to blast away even the thought of sleep.

“Whoa Nelly!” Applejack exclaimed from the opposite end of the table, “That’ll wake ya up in the morning!”

Fluttershy shook her head vigorously from side to side, overwhelmed by the sudden burst of energy. “Oh my...” she said with a sputter, “What’s in this stuff?”

“It’s one of Zecora’s special recipes.” Twilight replied matter-of-factly, “Living in the middle of the Everfree Forest gives her access to a wide variety of unique materials. She mixes up a special herb in with the tea. It’s strong stuff; one cup will keep you up all night!”

Twilight stopped short. She quickly realized that she had just shared a suspicious level of knowledge on the subject.

Rarity gazed at Twilight as she gave her cup a tentative sniff. She had yet to sample the concoction. “Is that so?” she said coyly, “Don’t tell me this is how you manage to study all through the night these days!”

“Of course not!” Twilight exclaimed, her cheeks instantly burning red. It seemed as though she was a bad liar...

While the girls were talking, Fluttershy watched Zecora’s cauldron intently as it bubbled, the sleeping potion that the zebra had been brewing earlier frothing and gurgling menacingly. “Actually...” the shy pegasus whispered, picking up on her friend’s defensive response, “I have noticed her visiting Zecora more and more lately. Maybe she has a problem?”

“I’m sitting right here you know?!” Twilight fumed, “and no I don’t have a ‘problem!’ I only use it every now and then, to help me with my studies!”

“Whoa, take a chill pill Twi...” Rainbow Dash called out, making her presence known, “We get it. just go easy okay?”

Everypony at the table had their attention redirected to Rarity when she emitted an unrefined squeak, recoiling from finally giving her tea that first curious sip. But before anyone could call attention to one of Rarity’s ‘oh-so-rare’ lapses in finesse, Pinkie Pie bounded into the room with purpose...

“Alrighty guys!” she called warmly, erasing any remaining tension, “We’re done setting up in there. Zecora says she needs you now- Oh? Is that tea?”

All but distracted, Pinkie Pie leaned precariously in towards a vacant cup.

“NO!” everypony cried out as one. They didn’t want to find out what kind of reaction the already energetic Pinkie Pie would have to such a potent concoction.

“Wah?” Pinkie tilted her head, perplexed by the unanimous response, “Why?”

It was Rarity who saved the day. “Oh, by all means dear, do have a try...” she shot the girls a quick look, “It’s positively quaint. The perfect blend of bitter and sour! Truly superb!”

“Eeck! No thanks!” Pinkie said disgusted, “Come on already! Zecora’s waiting!”

Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but chuckle at the exchange. Reverse psychology was Rarity’s specialty, and it was also Pinkie Pie’s weakness.

Zecora’s living room was an interesting spectacle to behold. Lying flat on his back was the motionless Marco, all but surrounded by some strange looking, smouldering humps of powdered incense.

“What’s with the smoke?” Twilight asked almost immediately.

Pinkie cocked her head to the side. She saw it too. And even to her, the smoke was weird to say the least. In some places it rose fluidly like smoke ought to, but in other places its path upwards was jagged and jarring, zigzagging at varying degrees.

Applejack however, saw past the strange incense, instead directing her attention to the frayed rope that seemed to be fastening the grey pony to the floor.

“Now, what in tarnation did ya’ll go and tie him to the floor for?” she asked suspiciously, “I don’t think he’s going anywhere anytime soon...”

Zecora seemed to take the questions in stride as she made her way around the room. Applejack could only raise an eyebrow to the mysterious zebra pony. No matter how much she tried, she would never understand her strange ways.

She attempted a different approach. “So, what’s the deal with the rope?” she asked with a satisfied grin, “Or is this some kind of joke-

“Screw it, I tried.” she said bitterly, crossing her hoofs in embarrassment.

Zecora chuckled warmly at Applejack’s discomfort. “The rope stops him being shaken the moment he is to awaken.” she replied with less mystery, but could still see that the meaning behind her words were hard for the poor earth pony to grasp.

Applejack sighed; this wasn’t worth the effort. Twilight made to translate for her, but Zecora carried on with her explanation. “Certainly such questions are to be expected...” she dismissed, “But first, I now know to what your friend has been subjected.”

“Really?” Twilight said, more than surprised, “You mean you can tell what’s wrong? Can you fix-”

She cut herself off, the final words of her teacher floating into her mind. “Are you planning some sort of treatment?” Twilight said, her tone uncharacteristically cold.

Zecora raised an eyebrow at this change, but carried on all the same. “First, the incense you no doubt notice, is an ancient tool used in hypnosis...” she begun, noticing a few confused eyebrows rise, “The purpose of this smoke is to show us the dreams we aim to invoke.”

A particular word seized Twilight’s attention. “Hypnosis?” she questioned, “why would you do that? How does that help?”

Zecora shook her head. “You have the diagnosis and my remedy mistaken.” she claimed, “The hypnosis is what makes him unable to waken.”

In the background, Applejack was getting irritated. “Darn it, can’t somepony please talk sense?” she pleaded, “Or at least normal-like?!”

Twilight was deep in thought, resting her muzzle on her hoof. “She’s saying that Marco was already hypnotized when we brought him here.” she said, her uncertain words reflecting her confusion, “I don’t understand...”

“Wait a sec...” Rainbow Dash interjected, “You’re saying the princess cast some sort of hypnosis spell on him?”

Zecora simply shrugged. “An act that I understand Twilight saw first-hand.” she replied, her tone neutral as ever.

“Why?” Rainbow Dash shot back, half-addressing Twilight, “I’m no expert, but isn’t something like that, like, intentional?”

Applejack could tell Twilight wasn’t following. “What she means is, ya’ll don’t zap somepony and with your magic and just happen to hypnotise ‘em.” she clarified, “So him almost dying wasn’t part of the plan?”

“Well don’t sound so surprised!” Twilight replied, genuinely appalled, “This is the princess we’re talking about! How many times have you guys met her and talked to her? Surely you don’t believe for even a second she did anything without a proper reason-”

“Reason?!” Fluttershy cried out, her anger taking everypony by surprise, “What reason can there be for what she’s done?”

Fluttershy paused and took a deep breath, not used to having to clam herself. “As long as he’s yet to do anything bad, Marco’s still an innocent.” she continued, more level-headed than before, “He’s endured so much evil and clung to life for who knows how long. I hope I’m wrong about the princess, but how could she decide to put him through more hardship? Are you telling me that there can be a reason for such cruelty? Look me in the eye and tell me how any of this can be right!”

Twilight was undaunted by the weight of her friends words. “I can try to understand what you’re saying, but ever since Celestia took me in as her protégé, she has never given me a reason to doubt her, and I’m not about to start now!” Twilight countered, the aggression unconsciously welling up in her voice as she defended her teacher, “Marco on the other hoof has done nothing to warrant any trust! Ever since he came here, he’s brought nothing but chaos! Sneaking through the night, raiding my library, swearing revenge on Luna... everything I’ve seen him do, every truth about that pony over there, it all contradicts what you think of him!

“It’s painfully obvious that you don’t know all the facts, and I don’t either... but the princess definitely does!” Twilight stood her ground, “Whatever she did and why, I have faith that out of any decision she could have made, she made the right one. What we should do is trust Celestia’s judgment! Doesn’t she deserve it?”

It was clear that this was about to snowball into a heated argument that would only cause more problems. In an effort to calm the two, everypony seemed to intervene at the same time, and as a result, the room quickly descended into a verbal brawl, the girls all talking over one another in an attempt to stop Twilight or Fluttershy saying something they would definitely regret. Well, everypony bar one...

“Quiet!” the unexpected voice exclaimed, silencing each and every one of the bickering ponies.

The sound of Pinkie Pie yelling was a force that, by it’s very nature, was enough to utterly crush any voice that would dare oppose it. A condemning silence hung in the air as the ordinarily bubble earth pony stared her friends down, the shock knocking the words out of each of their mouths.

“Twilight.” she begun, “There is never a reason why you shouldn’t help somepony who really needs it. And whoever this guy is, he needs it bad. Needs our help and needs your help!”

Nopony spoke, too shocked by this scary new side to Pinkie Pie. “And Fluttershy! Celestia is our friend!” she reminded her, “Don’t say such harsh things behind her back! We don’t know all the facts!”

Pinkie Pie looked the two over disapprovingly. “You’re both jumping to conclusions.” she accused, her out-thrust hoof pointing to her divided friends, “The stuff you guys are arguing about isn’t for us to decide! It’s up to the two of them to sort it out! We need to help them figure it out themselves instead of telling them what they should and shouldn’t have done!”

Everypony still just stared at Pinkie Pie. Each word out of her mouth brought them closer to disbelief, but they could tell she had a point. A very good point.

“The only thing we should be worried about...” she concluded, “Is how to help, not why!”

Twilight blinked a few times, her bitterness melting away. Her friend’s deceptively wise words were taking hold of her and washing away her aggression. She snuck a tentative look over to Fluttershy, but the pegasus was already on her way out of the room. Before she turned away and disappeared around the corner, Twilight could see resentment darkening her eyes.

Inside, Twilight hated herself for what she had said. While they were both making some valid points, Twilight didn’t know where she was going with her argument. ‘If Pinkie Pie didn’t stop me...’ she thought to herself, the realization grim, ‘Would I really have suggested just leaving Marco to-’

Twilight’s grim thoughts were cut short as Rainbow Dash whizzed past in pursuit of Fluttershy. They were both gone before anypony could tell them to wait, but the look Dash shot at Twilight just before she disappeared could cut through stone. It penetrated right through to her core. It was a look that said much more than words ever could.

“Now where are those two running off to?” Rarity asked rather bluntly, “They are aware that it is night outside, are they not?”

“Pay ‘em no mind sugarcube.” Applejack said sincerely, talking past Rarity as she gingerly raised Twilight’s muzzle with her hoof, the honest earth pony able to see the regret in her friend’s eyes, “They’ll come around, don’t you worry. They just need some space is all. Them two have been through a lot after all...”

“I should go apologize.” Twilight whispered, shaking her head, “I was way out of line.”

Zecora stepped up to the group of ponies, stopping Twilight from leaving. “A noble endeavour, but you here you must remain.” she said, distancing herself from the quarrels of her guests, “Your skills are needed if his mind we are to regain.”

“Then I’ll go talk to them!” Rarity said reassuringly, “See if I can’t bring them back-”

Strangely enough, Zecora stopped her too. “I need the magic of two for my methods to apply.” she said, the claim shocking the pair of unicorns somewhat, “Lest this ailment remain impossible to deny...”

“Me?” Rarity asked in surprise, “I’m not even good with magic! Besides, I don’t even know the stallion...”

“Lack of connection makes your actions sincere, as I believe your friend made rather clear.” Zecora said, trying to keep the flow, “You are as neutral as I in this intervention, plagued not by the bias of intention.”

“Maybe I should go bring the girls back instead...” Applejack said curiously, trying in vain to hide the fact she couldn’t understand Zecora’s cryptic rhymes, “You three have got your hooves full with this mess, so I’ll go bring back them two. Pinkie Pie? You coming?”

Pinkie didn’t respond right away, caught up in reading a book Zecora had left out. “Hrm? Nah. I’m gonna stay here and watch this.” she replied without looking up, that odd level of seriousness still contaminating her normal bubbly voice, “But you should go talk to them. You’re good at that sorta stuff.”

Twilight just watched Applejack leave. “Hey, Pinkie...” she said, looking over to her, “What are you reading?”

Pinkie Pie didn’t answer. She didn’t even lift her head from the text. Twilight’s heart sank somewhat to think that she was ignoring her on purpose...

“Those are the instructions for what we are about to do.” Zecora jumped in, “Which is a good chance for me to explain why I need the both of you.”

Zecora motioned towards the incense rising up to the roof. “If you will, please observe the patterns in the smoke.” she indicated the varying patterns dominating the air above Marco’s motionless figure, “These are translations of the dream our spell serves to evoke.”

Twilight and Rarity exchanged a look. “Excuse me?” Rarity questioned, completely baffled, “Do you mind running that one by me again dear?”

Before Zecora could respond, Pinkie Pie started reading aloud from the book she was looking at, citing what sounded like instructions. “On a compatible subject, the incense constructs representations of a pony’s consciousness.” she read out, “The thin strands display a calm mind while the jagged strands indicate erratic visions.”

Pinkie Pie looked up from the book and stopped referencing it. “But almost all of them are jagged.” she pointed out, “Is that bad?”

Twilight paid Pinkie’s comment no heed, instead more interested in this book she was reading. “Hey, um Pinkie...” she said cautiously, realizing her friend would definitely still be bitter about what happened earlier, “Do you mind if I have a read?”

Without a word, the pink pony put the book down and trotted over to Rarity and Zecora. “Hrmm, ‘Erratic visions’...” she repeated, rolling the words around in her mouth, “Couldn’t that mean he’s having a really happy dream?”

“I don’t know about that dear.” Rarity said flatly, “It’s good to stay positive, but look at the smoke. Whatever it is that’s going on inside that stallion’s head, it’s chaos in there. There’s no way it can be healthy...”

Twilight suddenly looked up from the book, something that Rarity had just having resonated. “I think I get it now...” she begun, thinking back to all the details she knew about what had happened tonight, “When the princess did ‘this’, she told me that Marco had to look inside himself for ‘something without which he wouldn’t be able to wake’. She was being really vague, but in reading this book I think I finally understand what she meant.”

Zecora looked on passively while Pinkie Pie and Rarity subtly cocked their heads to the side. They didn’t understand, but they remained silent and waited for Twilight to continue.

“This incense of yours show us that his mind is agitated, and after what the princess said, I believe that the spell prevents him from rousing as long as it remains that way.” Twilight nodded to herself as some of the pieces came together, “After comparing the stuff Celestia told me with what your treatment tells us about Marco’s condition, I think we can conclude that he won’t be able to wake up until he makes peace with whatever visions he’s having.”

I don’t think that’s about to happen.” Rarity scoffed, “As I understand it, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash barely kept him from ‘falling prey’ to such visions.”

Zecora swiftly placed herself between the two. “Thus is why we must intervene in this affair.” she swapped a quick look with the two unicorns, “Which brings me to why this responsibility is yours to share.”

The next time she spoke, Zecora had eyes only for Twilight. “Is it safe for me to accept that your magical powers are adept?” she asked without wasting a moment.

Before Twilight could answer, Pinkie Pie disappeared and then quickly reappeared in a puff of dust, bringing Zecora’s instructions over to her friend. “You must focus your mind on the visual representation of what you see before you.” Pinkie said, once again regurgitating the words from the book, “Focus your magic to make the form of the consciousness tangible.”

After she stopped talking, Pinkie Pie’s expression was completely blank. She did not understand a word of what she was saying despite how fluently she was saying it.

“Oh my, that sounds horribly difficult.” Rarity said nervously, “I couldn’t possibly do anything like that!”

“You can relax, for your task is far less complex.” Zecora replied cryptically, “Twilight gives the dream form, but it’s for you to grasp what she reflects.”

Pinkie Pie, perhaps sensing Rarity’s confusion pushed a hoof to the page the book was turned to. “It says here that if Twilight can successfully give the dream a physical form, it’s a simple matter of you connecting with it by using your horn!” she said optimistically, trying to reassure her friend.

“I still don’t understand.” Rarity replied with a frown, “how am I supposed to connect with something if it isn’t an object?”

“Actually, it’s rather simple Rarity.” Twilight started, her own knowledge kicking in, “It’s the same as when you use your magic to manipulate your tools and fabrics back home. It’s a matter of me being able to transform an intangible thing like a dream and make it into something even you can interact with.”

“Okay, okay... slow down for a moment.” Rarity put a hoof forward in an attempt to slow her friend down, “Suppose I can ‘interact’ with something so ridiculous. What then? You make it sound as if you’re trying to tell me that I’ll-”

Twilight was looking over Pinkie Pie’s shoulder at the instructions detailed in the book, her lips shaping invisible sounds as she skimmed over the details. “No, it’s nothing so bizarre as going inside somepony’s dreams.” she finally said, getting a better grasp of the process, “It’s more like a momentary combination of the consciousness of both parties.”

Rarity remained unsettled; it sounded like what she had said, just in different words. “That still doesn’t explain how this is supposed to help.” she pointed out, “How does this snap that stallion out of his hypnosis? What do I have to... rather, what can I do to assist with waking him up?”

Twilight was in her element, having read extensive studies on hypnotism before. “The core thing that maintains the act of hypnosis is the fact that the subject is unaware they are being manipulated.” her eyes were locked on to her friends so that she could be certain her words were being understood, “You won’t have to bother with convincing him that he’s been hypnotized. If you just tell him that he is, he’ll wake up instantly.”

Rarity was still feeling sceptical. “Is it really that simple?” she asked, “This is the princess’ magic we are talking about here.”

“Normally, you’d be right.” Twilight nodded, “The situation back at the library made it clear this isn’t any kind of normal hypnotism, otherwise Fluttershy’s adrenaline or whatever would have woken him up. But this time we are targeting the most basic element of hypnosis. The moment Marco becomes aware he’s dreaming, he will snap out of it.”

“Okay, okay.” Rarity said vacantly, “What about you? Do you think you can pull off such an odd spell? It’s bound to be complicated...”

“Oh, it’s complicated alright... believe me.” Twilight acknowledged, “But yes, I don’t think I’ll have too much trouble getting it to work.”

“Well if you’re sure...” Rarity nodded, “Shall we get started?”

Twilight was about to agree, but an interesting though stopped her in her tracks. “Wait just a minute Rarity...” she begun, a look of concern on her face, “Are you really okay with this? I mean, you don’t even know the guy. At all! I hope we’re not forcing you into doing something you’re uncomfortable with-”

“Oh Twilight, don’t be silly!” she replied, shaking her head, “It’s like what Pinkie said. There is no sense in standing idly by when you are the one with the power to fix a situation.”

Rarity’s aura wavered slightly. “Well, I must admit it is all a little strange, but nevertheless, my assistance is required.” Rarity looked up at her horn, “I won’t hold back my gift when somepony truly needs it”.

Twilight still had trouble comprehending the degree of her friend’s generosity, even though it was revered as her ‘element’.

At the other side of the room, Pinkie Pie smiled broadly, reinvigorated by the positive attitude of her friends. “That’s the spirit!” Pinkie Pie chimed, returning to her bubbly self, “Now, let’s get on with it!”

Zecora chuckled mildly. “Well said.” she replied with a light smile of her own, “Too long has this one rested, let us see if this magic can be bested .”

* * * *

Back in empty halls of Canterlot, Princess Celestia’s private study was an absolute mess.

Captain Caliber moved briskly down the hall, doing his best to stay alert despite the fact he had been on duty since morning. He had downed a full pot of coffee in all of about a minute, and he could already feel the energy rushing back to him.

He stopped in front of the entrance to the princess’ private study, collecting himself for a moment. After taking a few deep breaths, he made to enter, but one of the two royal guards positioned by the doorway stopped him with a subtle cough. Caliber looked over the two of his subordinates, and quickly registered the stare they were giving him. They didn’t need to say a word. Their faces said it all...

‘If you’re going in...’ their expressions warned, ‘prepare yourself’.

With a final concerned look at the royal guards, the captain took a deep breath and made his way through the door.

By the time that the door thumped shut behind him, the captain’s jaw had all but hit the floor. In all his years of serving the princess, he had never seen the study in such a state, or even considered it possible for it to become so chaotic.

Celestia’s personal archive of tomes, scrolls, and books were practically bare, and Caliber’s eyes almost popped out of his head when he saw that the majority of the princess’ prized collection had been strewn all over the floor. There wasn’t even an inch of the pearl tiles visible under all the discarded texts. In a word, he was speechless. Celestia’s library was revered as a treasure trove of timeless artefacts, and there was not a single item in her shelves that wasn’t a unique and priceless treasure. Some of them even dated back thousands of years. These were stories that told of adventures long forgotten, and texts that spoke of a history recorded exclusively in their pages. And in spite of all these things, they had been cast aside like trash.

Captain Caliber’s bottom lip quivered as took in the sight of these invaluable objects discarded on the floor. He could remember a time where he himself had countered the attempts of thieves aiming to raid the library, fighting back fools that had become intoxicated by the immeasurable worth of any one of the treasures within.

He did his best to abandon his fixation with the condition of the library, for he had come here for a reason. Once he managed to look up from the mess of books, he instantly recognized the figure of the princess bent over a single tome. She had yet to look up, or even acknowledge the appearance of the guard captain in any way. It seemed she was utterly engrossed in whatever she was reading.

“P...p...princess?” Caliber stammered, failing to hide the concern in his voice, “What... what is the meaning of this?”

There came no response. A heavy silence hung in the air for a few agonizing moments before Celestia magically slammed the tome closed, hanging her head back with closed eyes. Caliber was instantly unsettled. He had yet to see the princess so stressed before. But since it was clear she was struggling with something, he decided it would be better not to impose, and give her the time she obviously needed to finish her thoughts.

He busied himself trying to figure out why the library had been turned inside out. He felt ashamed applying his tactical mind in such a situation, but the whole reason he had excelled and earned his rank was due to his keen intellect and ability to join the dots.

The strategic mind he had honed over years of service started to race, trying to form solid conclusions from the evidence he had been presented with. ‘Okay, first thing’s first.’ he thought, starting from scratch, ‘This place is a mess. But why? She’s thrown all these books away like nothing, but it looks like she’s been agonizing over one in particular. So she tore her own library apart trying to find it? No that doesn’t make sense. It’d have to be really important, or time was a...

‘Yes, it makes sense if time was the problem.’ Caliber reasoned, that aspect of the mystery clicking together in his mind, ‘It would also explain her sudden decision to increase the night guard. But what does that have to do with what happened with that earth pony? I assumed that was why she has everypony up in arms, but what connection could he have with some thousand year old book?

‘There has to something else at play here.’ he concluded, ‘And the princess knows what it is-’

“Did I do the right thing?” Celestia asked, her voice cutting thought the quiet and shattering Caliber’s train of thought. At some stage during his theorising, the princess had risen and was now looking at her captain with imploring eyes.

“Princess?” Caliber started, trying to put his thoughts on hold, “What... what are you talking about?”

Celestia just hung her head. “I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt this way.” she admitted, her voice distant, “a time when my mind was so... conflicted.”

Caliber wanted to ease the princess, but he didn’t know how to respond. She was being purposefully vague. “Felt what?” he probed, “Guilt?”

Celestia’s face was passive. She didn’t reply.

“I can understand...” Caliber continued, “You are the princess. Sometimes you must choose between two equally hard options, and what is right and what is wrong isn’t immediately obvious. But nopony can afford to dwell on what is past, especially not you. You have to have faith that you did the right thing and commit yourself to the course of action you decided upon. For if you start to doubt yourself, then we... we who have faith in you, our resolve is for naught.”

Celestia brightened slightly at the honesty of the guard captain. Those that spoke to her without fear of consequence were in short supply, and she really valued their input, especially when it entailed disagreement.

“As always, your words ring true captain.” the princess brightened ever so slightly, “But I hope you’re not alarmed when I say guilt is not what plagues my mind.”

“Then what is it?” he replied evenly, “Doubt? Remorse-”

“Fear.” the princess interrupted, casting her gaze to the book she had been agonizing over, “The utter helplessness of not knowing.”

The guard captain was confused, and would have asked her what she meant, but Celestia carried on with her what she was saying. “Tell me if you can...” she implored, “Can fate be conquered even when its designs are concealed? Or am I doomed to take step after step through this darkness, not knowing if I am moving to or from my demons?”

Celestia shook her head softly; she didn’t expect an answer. “Everything that this night has and will bring carries with it so much uncertainty.” she closed her eyes softly, “So many questions and so few answers. It’s simply terrifying.”

Her mind flashed back to visions of her confrontation with Marco. The memory was still so vivid, and the things she saw in his eyes came back to her with such ease. The depth of his fury, the reckless bravery and the unshakable tenacity, it reminded her so much of another. Even then, perhaps ‘remind’ was too weak of a word. The two were so similar that it was enough to awaken those thousand year old memories and make them feel like yesterdays...

While Celestia’s mind continued to swirl with such heavy thoughts, the guard captain was becoming more and more concerned about the seemingly unconnected thing she had mentioned. ‘What the hell?’ he thought to himself, ‘Fate? Fear? Uncertainty? This has got to be something bigger than just some rogue earth pony. What else is going on here?’

All of a sudden, Caliber’s eyes intensified. He knew what he was missing. “What’s this book you’ve been reading?” he asked undaunted, aware that it was the key element in his lack of understanding, “What does it have to do with this ordeal?”

Celestia snapped back to the present, seemingly stunned by the unexpected question. She had failed to notice the book in question had remained in full view this entire time. “Oh, this?” she said plainly, levitating the book off the table and towards a nearby shelf, “It’s nothing. Just an old mare’s tale.”

Caliber saw the side of the floating tome catch the light, and for a fleeting instant his mind cried out for him to recognize its cover. But he quickly shook the thought away; all the books here were unique and he had never read any of them. But even so, for some reason he couldn’t explain, he really felt like he had seen it somewhere before.

He had more questions, but before he could decide upon one, the princess’ horn pulsed brightly and a dozen books floated up off the floor and sprung open close to her eyes.

“I understand you have more questions...” Celestia begun, reading the captain’s mind, “But I have a lot more research to do, and I need to finish before it is time to raise the sun.”

“Wait...” Caliber blurted, suddenly remembering why he came here in the first place, “You’re supposed to raise the sun at dawn, but can’t you delay it just this once? If this guy’s going after Luna like you said he would, then he will defiantly make a move while you are preoccupied performing the sun ritual. If we just-”

“No!” Celestia boomed with authority, taking her captain utterly by surprise, “Do not underestimate just how important it is to maintain balance. Especially now!”

The princess recollected herself. “Look. We both have our duties and time is short. I am sure you still have preparations yet to make, as do I.” Celestia smiled warmly, almost as if she hadn’t just raised her voice so unexpectedly, “Please, trust in me as I trust in you...”

The captain took the hint and left the study, letting the door shut audibly behind him. ‘Damn it.’ Caliber thought, trying to work it all out in the safely of his mind, ‘She’s hiding something about that book of hers. And that outburst about ‘balance’? Where did that come from?’

Despite all the new information coming to light, absolutely nothing made sense. It felt like this whole thing was one intricate puzzle, and he was missing the one piece that would let everything come together.

“The missing piece.” he said to himself, the solution becoming clear, “Or in other words, the one unknown that still remains. One way or another, that Marco guy is the key to figuring this mess out.”

Caught up in his own thoughts, Caliber didn’t notice that the twin royal guards from earlier were still stationed outside. “Uh... Sir?” one of them started, “Is something wrong?”

He didn’t validate the question, too focused on deciding what he ought to do. But just like that, his eyes seemed to change, flowing from uncertainty to the resolve of a veteran. “You two.” he said with an edge to his voice, “Maintain your post here and do not interfere with the princess unless it is absolutely essential. You are to notify me immediately if she leaves this room. Do you understand me?”

“Sir! Yes, sir!” came the reply, the twin guards snapping into firm salutes.

“Good.” Caliber said, stretching his wings wide as he prepared to leave, “I’m counting on you!”

“Sir?” one of the guards asked in surprise, “You’re leaving the palace? Where are you going?”

“My task is better served in the field!” he called, already charging down the hall, “If you need me, I’ll be down in the streets!”

* * * *

“Okay then... here goes nothing!”

Twilight’s back arched as she focused all of her magic into the complex spell. The room filled with a blinding purple light as the thin tails of smoke swirled to the beckoning of her spell. When they converged, a blinding flash almost knocked Rarity off her hooves.

“Good heavens!” she exclaimed, but her wide eyes widened further when they adjusted to the scene in front of her, “Good heavens!”

The ‘thing’ Twilight had created was hard to explain. It was almost like a translucent, pulsing, green gem. Twilight’s horn glowed brilliantly as she channelled her magic into this strange creation, maintaining its existence through a continuous stream of magic.

“Oooh! Pretty!” Pinkie Pie gawked, “That’s a neat trick!”

“Th... thanks.” Twilight managed, her voice strained, “But I don’t know how long I can hold it!”

From the outside, it looked like Twilight was struggling to keep a handle on her spell in the same way a pony struggles to keep a handle on a heavy weight. “Urgh...” she moaned, “You better hurry Rarity. Just pretend you’re picking up the ‘object’. The spell... will do... the rest!”

Rarity emitted a nervous squeak. “Okay!” she said with clenched teeth, trying to steel herself, “Here... we... go!”

Rarity’s horn lit up with a gentle purple glow. Pinkie Pie immediately noticed that the funny-looking crystal thing was covered in the same purple aura. The connection had been made. “Look! Look Zecora, look!” Pinkie Pie said excited, “I knew she could do it! Way to go Rarity!”

“Quiet Pinkie...” Twilight said, still visibly struggling, “She needs to concentrate.”

Zecora stepped up to the motionless Rarity and clopped her front hooves together twice. “So long as you keep that spell, pay your friend no mind...” she said with a nod to Pinkie Pie, “For she cannot stir from what awaits inside.”

“Huh?” Pinkie Pie said perplexed, “What ‘awaits inside’?”

“There’s no way to tell...” Twilight replied with a groan, “Let’s just hope that they don’t take too long!”

Rarity’s mind was instantly plunged into a world of darkness. Absolute darkness. And silence. And heat; there was so much heat. She immediately felt fear grip her. Nopony is ever ready to have their senses confronted like this...

But suddenly, Rarity rose above her fear and remembered her reason for being here. She was here to make this pony aware of her presence and inform him that he was entrapped in a hypnotic spell. But how could she? Where would she begin? She knew that nothing was real, or at least she told herself nothing was real, but this wasn’t even her mind. The darkness and the silence felt so intensely real. So real it was terrifying. And the heat...

Rarity’s train of thought lurched to a halt when a tiny sound broke through the all-consuming quiet. Rarity listened intently, focusing her attention on the absence of sound until something else came along to pierce it.

She heard it again. It was too quiet to make out, but it was definitely a voice she was picking up on. ‘Should I call out?’ Rarity wondered, ‘They said all I had to do was tell him we was dreaming... if I just shout out, won’t he hear me?’

“Hello?” Rarity tried to yell out, but instantly cut herself off when she heard her own voice bounce back at her.

Since she couldn’t see or hear anything until now, she had assumed that the space she found herself in was infinite. But in hearing her own voice assail her ears, she instantly realized she was in a rather small space. It could have been anything. A room, a basement... or a cellar. In any case, her sudden shout did not receive a reply...

“Memories...” an anonymous voice hissed, “Nothing but memories...”

Rarity tried to look through the piercing darkness, but it was utterly impossible to see anything. She wasn’t even able to pinpoint the direction from which the voice had come from. It was almost as if the voice came from everywhere...

“No! No it’s not true!” a similar voice to the first cried out, and Rarity’s ears perked. She could identify a specific source of this reply; it was somewhere just in front of her, barely out of reach in the dark.

“Accept it!” the anonymous voice roared again, and Rarity really felt the omnipresence of the voice this time, as if it wasn’t coming from anywhere at all, “You’ve been left behind! There’s nothing for you anymore!”

Rarity was stunned beyond the ability to speak. The two voices were identical as far as sound was concerned, but one was filled with malice and had an overbearing presence while its twin was timid and puny by comparison.

Finally, clarity washed over Rarity as she tried to associate the two voices. They were the same pony! She was actually a bystander to the battle between the subconscious and conscious of tormented mind. As this became clear to her, she also realized what she needed to do to get the both of them out of this twisted nightmare.

Rarity took a tentative step forward through the darkness. “Hey you- er, Marco!” she said audibly, trying to seize the pony’s attention, “Listen! You have to snap out of it! You’ve been hypno-”

“Look at yourself!” the anonymous voice roared, cutting Rarity off, “You’re pathetic! Weak! Worthless!”

Rarity came to terms with her position. It seemed as if she would have fight for Marco’s attention. Not an easy feat. “Don’t listen to it!” she cried, “You have to wake up!”

“Yeah, wake up!” the hateful voice blasted, “Stop pretending! This is your fault!”

“No! No it’s not!” Rarity tried valiantly to wrest control from the dark voice, “It’s not your fault!”

“If you were stronger then this wouldn’t have happened!” the voice howled once more, “Take off that damn hat! You don’t deserve it! You’re a disgrace!”

“None of this is real!” Rarity pleaded, loosing the battle, “Don’t listen!”

“Haven’t you denied it long enough?” the tormenting voice spat, “Accept the truth! They are dead because of you! Admit it!”

Rarity could barely keep up. The voice was so overpowering, so full of hate. But she couldn’t give up... wouldn’t give up. She feared for what might happen to her and the stallion if this voice was allowed dominance.

“Don’t give in!” She cried desperately, “Please... snap out of it already!

“Marco!”

* * * *

“I said...” Applejack panted, “Wait up dang-nabbit!”

The orange earth pony was breathless, having run off into the night in pursuit of Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.

The two pegasi stopped moving when they heard the plea of Applejack ring out from behind them. “A.J.?” Dash called, “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask ya’ll the same thing you know!” Applejack replied, stopping briefly to catch her breath, “I know you need to cool off, but this ain’t like you...”

Rainbow Dash paused to gave her friend the once over, but Fluttershy had yet to acknowledge her.

“Come on sugarcube, talk to me!” Applejack pleaded, We’re all friends here! Please!”

Fluttershy dragged her hooves and stared intently at the ground beneath her, the expression on her face a mixture of guilt and spite. “Oh, I know Applejack... I know. But it’s just...” she exhaled a conflicted breath, “I just... didn’t know what else to do.”

“I know it’s tough when ya’ll disagree on important stuff like this, but that’s why we have to see it through!” Applejack tilted her head tenderly as she spoke, being very gentle in her approach, “It’s important that we do the right thing here, but we can’t do that without you guys there to remind everypony of what they might’ve forgotten...

“Look. Don’t go thinking that Twi doesn’t want to help.” she continued, “Because she really does. It’s just that, well... she ain’t seen the real Marco yet. So she’s worried about us. Don’t go forgetting that at one point, I had the wrong idea too...”

Rainbow Dash became visibly less tense as she considered what her friend had just said. “A.J.’s right Fluttershy.” she said softly, “Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie... none of them know Marco like we do. They don’t know what he’s actually like!”

Applejack could see that Fluttershy was still a bit reserved. “Come on sugarcube...” she tried once more, “If it makes you feel any better, Twilight’s feeling real sour ‘bout what she said. I’ll bet you anything that the first thing she does is apologize to the both of you.”

Rainbow Dash had already been swayed, so she threw in her piece for good measure. “At least give it a try.” she said with seriousness, “If not for our sake, then do it for him. He’s counting on us you know...”

Fluttershy still felt the need to pout, but Dash had made an infallible argument. Time and time again the meek pegasus had proven the extent of her kindness, and it just wasn’t in her nature to hold back her support for any reason.

“Oh... you’re right.” she said, abandoning her resentment, “This is hardly the time to get divided over these kind of things. Okay, I think I got it. let’s head back-”

Fluttershy’s wings suddenly tucked in tightly when she realized she had wandered out into the Everfree forest, at night, without paying attention to how far she’d come. “Eek!” she squealed, pushing up against Rainbow Dash for support, “What was I thinking coming out here in the dead of night? Let’s go back okay?”

Dash rolled her eyes dramatically while Applejack just gave an honest chuckle. “Heh, well where’d you two be without me?” she said with a broad smile, “Of course I remember the way back!”

Rainbow Dash finally managed to pry herself from Fluttershy’s desperate clutches and took stance beside Applejack. “Well?” she asked mischievously, eyeing the petrified pegasus beside her, “Let’s get moving before Fluttershy gets gobbled up by some scary monster!”

Fluttershy made to make squeal in fright, but Applejack blocked the reaction by shoving a not-so-subtle hoof to her muzzle. “Stop it.” she commanded, eyes only for Rainbow Dash as she faked a pitiful innocent face.

Applejack pulled her hoof from Fluttershy’s muzzle with a pop. “Stay close sugarcube.” she said with a carefully exaggerated degree of nurture, “Applejack here’s gonna take care of you!”

“Come on!” Rainbow Dash cried out impatiently, “I’d rather get there today maybe?”

“Hold your horses Rainbow.” Applejack replied disapprovingly, “Stick to me and we’ll be there lickidy-split!”

While this had been going on, the ponies at Zecora’s hut were having difficulties of their own...

“Urrngh...” Twilight moaned, the glow of her horn occasionally wavering, “What’s taking so long? I can’t keep this up forever!”

“Oh no!” Pinkie Pie said concerned, “Did something go wrong? Are they all right? Zecora?”

The mysterious zebra pony didn’t respond at first, too busy trying to determine what the problem was. Rarity had done perfectly, and Twilight was holding up on her end, so she couldn’t figure out why the spell didn’t work instantly.

“Calm yourself, for there are no problems on appearance.” Zecora said reserved, “But it would seem your friend is dealing with... interference.”

“Interference?” Twilight repeated, questioning the vague description, “What kind of interference?”

Twilight couldn’t help but let her mind flash back to the topic of the debate earlier. Thoughts concerning the mystery surrounding her teacher’s intentions crept up on her. “Could it be something the princess did?” she asked all of a sudden, taking the room by surprise, “Some kind of preventative measure to stop us meddling?”

Zecora and Pinkie Pie simply stared at Twilight. Zecora understood and appreciated that is was hard for Twilight to speak against her teacher, and was on some level, proud of her objectivity...

Pinkie Pie on the other hoof, didn’t care much for her friend’s apparent change of heart. “There’s no way she’d do something so mean!” she said with a tinge of that awful seriousness that had consumed her earlier, “Haven’t you, like, leaned anything?”

Pinkie Pie altered her expression to one of acceptance as she re-evaluated Twilight as she strained under the effort of maintaining her spell. Even she could tell it hadn’t been an easy thing for her friend to doubt her mentor.

“Besides, aren’t you underestimating Rarity a little too much?” Pinkie continued, changing her tune, “It doesn’t matter what gets in her way, she’s not about to let it stop her!”

Twilight didn’t appear to become motivated by this. Pinkie watched as her friend twitched with discomfort from the pressure of maintaining her spell. “Just you wait!” she chimed, determined to restore her friend’s morale, “Rarity’s gonna find this guy and show that dream who’s boss!”

At almost the same moment that Pinkie Pie finished her sentence, it happened. Rarity and Marco, who had been motionless this whole time, suddenly broke free from their respective trances.

Rarity, who had been locked into a stiff standing position, drooped like an entangled marionette as she wobbled from side to side, apparently having difficulty balancing despite the fact she was remaining eerily still. She was also breathing heavily and completely unresponsive. If anypony cared to look, it would be easy to tell that she had been overwhelmed by something.

But whatever was burdening her went unnoticed. The particulars of her ‘state’ were far too subtle to recognize right away, so since she appeared fine at a glance, the attention of her friends instead went to Marco who was making his condition significantly more noticeable. The grey earth pony writhed, struggling against the bonds that were securing him to the floor. The sudden shock of breaking free of hypnosis caused him to jostle in a fit of spluttering coughs, his wriggling causing the rope to audibly strain from the resistance.

When the two ponies regained consciousness, the others reacted in different ways. Pinkie Pie jumped up in fright at the unexpected turn of events while Zecora, who was also startled, responded with a more restrained step backwards. Twilight on the other hoof didn’t have the energy for any kind of reaction; she just allowed herself to slouch as the spell she had been agonizing over was automatically cancelled.

When Pinkie Pie quickly collected herself and saw Marco struggling, she rushed over only to have a pained Twilight block her. “Wait...” she said lightly, the exhaustion clear in her voice, “Let him adjust first.”

As if in response to what Twilight had just said, Marco’s coughing fit died down as his body finally settled. He was breathing heavy in his recovery from the surprise of being woken; his chest heaved up and down as his lungs gulped in the air.

In seeing that Twilight was still keeping Pinkie Pie at bay, Zecora approached the two and raised a gentle hoof to Twilight, causing her to lower her guard. “Relax, for he is now at ease.” she pointed out, “No harm can come from his release.”

Acknowledging this, Twilight moved up closer to Marco, readying her already overexerted magic in preparation for taking the rope off of they grey earth pony. But before she could, Rarity suddenly collapsed in the background.

Alarmed, everypony crowded around her, leaving Marco tied to the floor. “Oh my gosh!” Pinkie exclaimed, “Rarity! Are you okay?”

At first, Twilight feared that Rarity had become entrapped in a hypnosis of her own, but she quickly realized her friend was still conscious. It seemed that she had simply caved into some kind of intense stress. ‘Exhaustion perhaps?’ Twilight thought, ‘Physical? Emotional? Or maybe...’

“Rarity!” she called, putting her thoughts on hold, “Can you hear me?”

There came no response. Her friend just lay there, curled up and breathing heavily, being harassed by some kind of distress that Twilight couldn’t quite identify. In seeing her friend so agonised, Twilight’s mind shifted gears. Her friend was suffering and she wanted answers, and she knew who could provide them. She spun around to face Marco, to assail the recovering pony with a volley of questions, but she forgot what she was going to ask when she saw that he had all but negotiated out of his restraints.

His expression was a mixture of confusion and concern. After he tugged his back hoof out from under the rope, he immediately trotted over to Rarity’s side. “Is Rarity okay?” he said suddenly, surprising everypony, “Hey! What’s the matter?”

“That’s what I was going to ask you!” Twilight cried out in frustration, but quickly changed her tune, “Wait, how do you know her name?”

Marco simply stared down at the agonized unicorn. When he spoke, his eyes narrowed. “We spoke. I think.” he said awkwardly, not entirely convinced of the truth of his own words, “I know it sounds strange, and I don’t really understand how or why... but I think- I think we met. Or rather, she found me.”

Pinkie Pie’s bulbous eyes darted between Marco, Rarity and Twilight as she tried to make sense of the situation. “So... Zecora’s plan worked?” she asked pointedly, “Then what’s got Rarity so spooked?”

Twilight felt the need to emphasize the importance of the second element of Pinkie Pie’s question, but in looking at Marco, she could tell that he understood. He leaned in close to Rarity, evaluating her with an odd level of interest. “She... she saw everything.” Marco said vacantly, his voice laced with regret, “Visions of so much evil. Literally forced upon her. It must have been hard. She wasn’t supposed to...”

Twilight blinked twice. Could he talking about what happened back at his hometown? But before she could think of the appropriate way to bring up such a topic, Zecora cut in, not wanting to miss the chance to interact with the pony in which she had invested so much effort.

“Indeed, of this we too are aware. These burdens were not hers to bare.” she agreed, “The spell took long for your mind to breach, you must have been hard for her to reach.”

Twilight could see that Marco was confused. Not only did he have no knowledge of the spell Zecora spoke of, but he had just met the zebra pony, and interpreting her rhymes was not a skill that came to you immediately.

“But of course she didn’t give up!” Pinkie replied with energy, “She gave it her all and wouldn’t give up on ya!”

Marco eyed the weird pony. She seemed strangely comfortable talking to him even though she shouldn’t be. “Even though she didn’t know me?” his voice suddenly darkened, enough to give Pinkie Pie the chills, “I don’t deserve any of this selflessness.”

“What are you talking about?” Twilight stepped in, “We-”

“Hey Twilight... there’s something I don’t quite understand.” Marco cut her off, that heavy darkness still tainting his voice, “I mean, I don’t understand what happened to me or what the princess did... but that’s not what’s confusing me.”

Marco stared intently into Twilight’s purple eyes. It was overpowering to say the least. “It’s you.” he hissed, “You are what’s confusing me.”

Twilight felt confused herself. She didn’t credit herself with an outstanding level of knowledge of Marco’s personality, but this tone of his... it seemed off. “What do you mean?” she questioned, her expression one of bewilderment, “What don’t you understand?”

“To be frank...” he begun, staring into her eyes as if he were searching for something inside them, “I broke into your home. I put you in danger. I got you and your friends involved in my mess...”

“Was there a question hiding in there?” Twilight smiled, trying her best to be gentle.

“Why are you still here?” Marco said accusingly, “What is your connection? After everything, why did you decide to help me?”

Twilight was shocked. She hadn’t made peace with her own intentions yet, but it was true there was still some force motivating her. “Why wouldn’t I help?” she exclaimed, “Who would just leave somepony who needed help to die?”

Marco didn’t even flinch. “I would!” he cried, “Getting involved in this is nothing short of stupidity!”

“What?!” Twilight questioned in disbelief, “Are you saying that abandoning you would have been rational? The smart thing for me to do?”

Zecora simply watched the two descend into their argument, refusing to take sides. She was committed to remaining neutral in this matter.

Pinkie Pie however, was significantly more invested. “Then I’d rather be dumb any day!” she cried out, pulling Twilight and Marco away from the beginnings of their argument, “Besides, you’re lying! You wouldn’t give up on anypony either!”

Marco raised a curious eyebrow to the outspoken pony. “I can tell!” she blurted, reading his thoughts.

Twilight suddenly realized that this was the first time the stallion had met Pinkie Pie. “Marco, this is-”

“Yeah, I know.” he said, cutting her off, “I’m not about to forget the face of anypony from that photo. Pinkamina Diane Pie, element of laughter and the final heroine I had yet to meet. Well, maybe it’s not fair to count Rarity... though we did share a unique encounter.

“Speaking of...” he continued, becoming more aware of his surroundings, “Is she okay? We can kick and scream about shoulds and shouldn’ts, but aren’t there more important matters to attend to?”

Zecora sprung up. “That there is, and I agree.” she nodded, taking charge, “Rarity is more important than any petty squabbling could be.”

Marco nodded silently, and made to walk over, but he wobbled and nearly tripped over. He barely managed to reacquire his balance before he tumbled head over hooves.

“You okay there?” Pinkie Pie asked genuinely.

“Yeah. I think-” Marco begun, but stopped short when his eyes connected with the bandaging coiled around his chest, “What the hell?”

Twilight saw the stallion about to grab at the wrapping. “Whoa, hold up!” Twilight intervened, having realizing just how disorientated Marco ought to be, “You, umm... got injured while you were unconscious. You lost a lot of blood and the stitching is kinda flimsy.”

Marco swayed slightly, taken aback by the sudden realization. Twilight thought it was for the best that she keep from mentioning how he had attained such an injury. “It honestly slipped my mind!” she continued, “You’re bound to be feeling a little nauseous. You nearly bled out after all!”

Zecora had also neglected Marco’s physical injury. “You should lie down, this is a shock no doubt.” she gestured to her own bed by the far side of the room, “Are you well? You won’t pass out?”

Marco shook his head slowly. “I’m fine.” he said unconvincingly, “I could use some water though. Where’s the kitchen?”

“Just there.” Twilight answered from Rarity’s side, pointing her hoof towards the adjacent room, “Maybe I should help-”

“I’d rather you see to Rarity.” Marco cut her off a little too quickly, “I’ll bring her some water too. It might help.”

Zecora didn’t look up from the pained unicorn before her. “Please do, but I ask you to take care searching hydration.” she warned, “You do not wish to mistake water for a potion of my creation.”

With little more than a simple nod, Marco disappeared around the corner while Twilight, Pinkie and Zecora attended to Rarity. Since her collapse earlier, the unicorn had calmed somewhat. Her breathing had slowed to a healthier rate, but she was still completely withdrawn and unresponsive. Her eyes were shut tight, and it was evident she needed more time to distance herself from whatever was haunting her.

Meanwhile, in the clutter of Zecora’s kitchen, Marco found a jug of water that had been left out and he didn’t hesitate to gulp the whole thing down in a single breath. He did his best to hide it before, but he was feeling woozy. The water helped, but he knew better than to think that blood loss was something you could just shrug off.

Marco pulled open Zecora’s fridge as he searched for more water. There had to be more than that, or at least he hoped there was. He had promised some to Rarity, but he went ahead and drunk everything he had found without thinking.

“That zebra wasn’t kidding.” he said to himself as he rummaged through the maze of pots and vials, “This place is a mess of odd potions. Are these things even organized?”

Marco’s knowledge of herbalism and alchemy allowed him to recognize quite a few of the concoctions loading the fridge. He had to take his mind off the bandage on his chest lest his thoughts cause him to faint, and while it was a habit that had little place at a time like this, he occupied his mind trying to categorize each mysterious potion he happened across in his search for water.

“A blue-green colour in a mini-vial.” Marco muttered to himself as he analysed the first potion that he didn’t immediately recognize, “If it needs refrigeration then its gotta be an anti-toxin...”

Satisfied, he put the tiny container back and picked up the next one that piqued his interest. “Yellow-purple?” he asked himself as he handled the large pot, “Anti-inflammatory perhaps? No, it’s too thin. And it’s in the fridge- whoa...”

Marco’s analysis was interrupted when he saw a much more interesting vial hiding in the corner of Zecora’s fridge. Putting the yellow-purple pot aside, he pulled out a curious medium-sized jar and held it up to his eyes.

“Deep red?” he asked as he tried to remove the lid, “Blood maybe?”

The top came free and he made to investigate further. “Don’t tell me she’s some kind of voodoo-” Marco’s face fell as he sniffed at the substance, “Oh... tomato juice. Never mind.

“Ah!” he exclaimed as he put the juice back and reached deep into Zecora’s fridge, “Finally, water. I think...”

Struggling with the cap, Marco allowed his eyes to wander. The walls surrounding him had shelves stacked high, and held up an even more diverse collection of alchemical creations. As he scanned the collection, he almost dropped the jug between his hooves when his eyes met with a particular sight...

Upon one of the shelves stood a few concoctions that Marco immediately recognized. No matter what class of alchemist he considered himself, he would be a fool if he didn’t know what these potions were or what their function was. In truth, even though he would be expected to be familiar with them, you wouldn’t find even one of these potions in an apothecary, or instructions to create them in any book. And that was because potions such as this were illegal and the punishment for making, using, or owning them were very harsh.

Marco quickly realized that Zecora enjoyed a measure of freedom away from the prying eyes of authority here in the Everfree forest.

“Oh, Zecora...” Marco said to himself, an evil grin spreading across his face, “You’ve been a bad girl.”

* * * *

“Rarity?” Pinkie Pie nudged her friend gently, “Can you hear me?”

Twilight could only sit idle, her energy drained, as her friends tended to Rarity. This wasn’t Pinkie Pie’s first attempt to get through to the unicorn, but she still wasn’t loosing any momentum.

So when Rarity finally stirred and forced her eyes open, the glee that Pinkie felt was so immense she failed to resist giving the startled unicorn one of the roughest hugs she’d ever felt. “Urgh! Pinkie...” she groaned as the pink pony squeezed the life out of her, “Get... get off of me!”

Twilight watched as Pinkie Pie immediately complied, springing up and off her friend whilst grinning from ear to ear. Zecora also watched, but she wasn’t relived like Twilight was. She couldn’t shake the rotten feeling of concern that was eating at her.

“I knew you could do it!” Pinkie Pie said cheerfully, “I told ‘em you wouldn’t give up!”

Rarity bit her lip, not quite understanding what her friend was saying. It seemed like her mind was still too preoccupied with where it had returned from to re-adapt to reality.

“You did have us worried there for a minute.” Twilight said guiltily, “But you did it! You found a way to bring him back.”

At the implication of Marco, Rarity’s eyes budged as she realized he wasn’t in the room. “Oh no.” she gasped, almost fearful, “Where-”

“It’s okay.” Twilight said, trying to relax her friend, “He’s fine. In fact, I’d say he’s taking the whole thing rather well-”

“No!” Rarity cried out suddenly, causing everypony to inch backwards, “It’s a lie! You’re being fooled!”

“Whoa, Whoa!” Pinkie exclaimed, “What are you talking about? Sure he’s a bit mean and a little depressing, but... well... I guess I don’t really know him as well as you guys... but still, even I can tell he’s not such a bad guy deep down...”

Rarity took a few deep breaths as clarity returned to her. When she finally spoke, everypony noticed her tone switch. “You’re wrong.” she said grimly, “Everything you think you know about that pony is fake. It’s just a mask. A lie.”

Zecora frowned subtly, either from concern or simple intrigue. “To say such things, what did you find?” she asked softly, not wanting the stallion in question to catch onto the commotion, “What did you see inside of his mind?”

Rarity closed her eyes sombrely, thinking back to her experience. “I saw behind the lies.” she said, her voice grim, “I saw it. I couldn’t not see it. I felt it. I couldn’t not feel it...”

Twilight was disturbed to say the least. “Saw what?” she asked, her friend’s dark tone unlike anything she had ever heard, “Felt what?”

“The hatred.” Rarity said, the emotion welling up in her voice, “Nothing but hatred! I saw it all, and it’s consumed him completely. All the pain he’s suffered, and all the evil that haunts him... he couldn’t withstand it. The darkness has twisted his mind.”

Twilight let each word out of her friends mouth act like a puzzle piece, filling the blanks in the mystery of what Celestia had said to her. “The darkness?” Twilight questioned, “The princess was saying the same thing. She was telling me that he had to confront the darkness and find the power of forgiveness...”

“Forgiveness?” Rarity said dismissively, “It’s impossible. He... he is completely fixated on revenge. He won’t change. He won’t doubt that he’s doing the right thing because he can’t. His mind won’t let him think that way! I saw it myself. He stopped looking forward long ago... he’s only got his past to rely on, and it’s constantly screaming out for him to do just one thing-”

Twilight was dumbstruck. Everything had finally come together. The reasoning behind Celestia’s actions, the motivation behind what Marco was doing... it could all be explained. And in light of this new understanding, Twilight finally discovered what her own intentions were.

“Which is why we have to step in.” she called, interrupting Rarity, “We can’t let it unfold like this... for everypony’s sake! We know the truth, so we have to help in whatever way we can...”

Twilight didn’t understand it much herself. She had until now said so much to the contrary, and at the moment, every known ‘fact’ did nothing but reinforce her previous view. So why couldn’t she couldn’t ignore this feeling rising in her gut?

“He’s beyond help...” Rarity replied, her tone becoming fearful once more, “He’s lost; lost in the shadows of a past where he knows nothing but hatred. You might not realize it, but I’ve seen what drives him to such madness. Revenge has become his reality. He can’t escape it...”

Zecora suddenly snapped her head up and looked all over the room. Until now she had been too consumed by what was happening here to think that Marco might have returned and was now listening to all of this. He would have been well out of earshot if he was still in the kitchen, but he would definitely have come back by now.

At first, she was relived when he was nowhere to be found, but then she was shocked that he was nowhere to be found. He had only left to get water, and even if he had trouble navigating through all her potions, he was taking a long time. Had he taken the opportunity to run away? Or...

The colour drained from Zecora’s face as she realized just what kind of things a pony hell-bent on revenge could find among her potions. But he’d have to know what to look for, not to mention-

Zecora’s thoughts were cut short as Rarity concluded her plea. “He’s dangerous!” she cried, “No matter what stands in the way... by using any means necessary... he won’t give up on his hatred!”

One by one, the girls came to terms with what Rarity had just said. Even Pinkie Pie, who was only a moment away from trying to derail the negativity felt her optimism waver...

“You can’t...” Rarity’s voice carried, “You can’t let him out of your sight!”

The girls snapped up, alert and alarmed. Was it true? Were they in danger?

A blur of movement caught Zecora’s eye as a small, unidentified object flew into the room. In the second before the vial hit the ground and shattered, she recognized what it was and knew what was about to happen.

The tiny glass container smashed, shards exploding outward in from the impact. It was a potion, but its contents was no liquid. The container destroyed, a sickly green cloud of what could only be gas celebrated its freedom by filling the entire room in its mass.

In her surprise, Pinkie Pie reacted with a shocked gasp. But in doing so, her lungs filled with the strange gas. The effect was instantaneous... the pink earth pony dropped like a stone, immediately unconscious.

Twilight’s reaction went from confusion to absolute horror. “Pinkie!” she cried out desperately, but then lurched as she too inhaled the green fog. As the frightened words left her lips, Twilight’s world went instantly black, having also been rendered unconscious by the gas.

Following the sound of the unicorn thumping solidly against the floor, a shuddering sigh could be heard as Rarity also went under. Already laying down, her head just fell back as she was pulled back into a world of darkness.

Zecora gritted her teeth as she saw the three ponies surrounding her pass out. This was the sleeping potion she had been brewing earlier, but it had been altered. She hadn’t gotten around to finishing it, but this was more than complete. Enhanced even.

When she saw the vial break and the gas spread, she knew not to breathe it in as the others had, but it seemed she hadn’t been able to avoid it completely. Whatever amount had crept into her lungs was already taking its toll. Her vision was blurry and her head was heavy; she wouldn’t be able to fight the drug for much longer.

Just as the potion’s influence begun to overwhelm her, Zecora’s cloudy eyes showed her the silhouette of a pony standing eerily still beyond the haze. She made to speak, move, or even continue looking, but in the next instant, her consciousness finally faded.

As the thick gas started to dissipate, Marco was standing defiantly in the centre making sure to hold his breath. He stood over the unconscious Rarity, his expression impassive. Before him lay perhaps the only pony ever to know his pains on equal terms, and thus the only one who could possibly understand why he had no choice but to do this to them.

Marco made his way outside at a brisk pace, unable to hold his breath much longer. He threw the door open and breathed deep the uncontaminated night air.

“Everfree Forest.” he said, his tone mirthless, “We meet again.”

Marco readjusted the straps fastening Zecora’s saddlebags to his back. The lightly coloured sacks, emblazoned with Zecora’s distinctive runic spiral-sun marking were barely able to close, loaded as they were by an arsenal of the zebra pony’s creations. He grunted under their weight, but Marco knew that he would need every last thing he had stuffed into the bags. He had no delusions. He was in no fit state to wage a one-pony war on Canterlot, but his options were limited. And after what he just did, tonight was his one and only chance. As long as he had a plan and his newfound ‘assets’, he remained determined to fulfil his promise.

“Okay.” he said to himself as he took his first step into the woods, “Stay focused. After what’s happened tonight, I can’t afford to underestimate Celestia. Another run-in with her will not go well, but I bet she knows that too. She knows I have to avoid her, so that means she’s also able to predict when I’m gonna make my move. And it doesn’t take a genius to guess where I’m headed-”

Marco tripped and fell mid-sentence. He quickly hefted himself up, but even that was a struggle. “I need to be stronger...” he said pained, “Too much weakness.”

He could feel the weight of Zecora’s saddlebags pushing him down and his dizziness plaguing his co-ordination. The wound on his chest throbbed with each step. “I won’t fail. I won’t lose to this.” he groaned as he voiced his resolve, “I will turn weakness... into... strength!”

Marco’s eyes glazed over with a grim determination. There were so many things holding him back. He was injured and exhausted, morning was fast approaching, and Canterlot was miles away. He had no control over the when and where of his plan, so the only thing he could still manipulate was the how.

He had no choice but to depend on tipping all these odds stacked against him in his favour. He had to find the opportunities hidden in these weaknesses. “Right...” Marco breathed as he pushed on, “The first thing I need to do is-”

Upon hearing the sound of something approaching, Marco immediately cut himself off and adopted a firm defensive stance. He was familiar with the dangers of this forest, and while he normally would have fled, he knew he wouldn’t make it in time with his body in such a state.

Whatever this sudden threat was, it was coming straight for him and would be on him any second. He readied himself for battle...

“Marco?” A tiny voice called, taking him completely by surprise, “Is that you?”

“Fluttershy?!” he answered in disbelief, “You’re here too-”

He didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence. Before he knew it, the timid pegasus raced in through the murky darkness and broke through his defences to embrace him roughly. Marco was so surprised by her appearance that he couldn’t produce a reaction...

“Oh my gosh! I was so worried!” she said, finally pulling herself away from the firm hug and looking up at Marco with an odd combination of relief and concern, “What are you doing out here?”

“Well, if I don’t believe my own two eyes!” Applejack called out, interrupting the question, “It feels like it’s been a while since I’ve seen you standing up on your own hooves...”

“Marco?!” Rainbow Dash yelled out as she raced over, “You’re, like... alive! Thank goodness!”

After he got over the initial shock, Marco just stood there dumbly, trying to figure out what was happening. ‘They’re genuinely relived...’ he thought, ‘All three of them. Why? What did I do to make them so attached to me?’

Marco snapped out of it as the seriousness of his situation dawned on him. Only moments ago, he had knocked out everypony at Zecora’s hut, and now, only a few metres from the door, the remaining three had stopped him in his tracks...

This was a slippery slope. If he didn’t get a handle on the situation, not only might the girls find out what he did to their friends, but they could go on to jeopardize his entire plan. He wouldn’t be able to stop one pegasus, let alone two, and he doubted his capacity to overpower Applejack in his current state. He had to tread carefully; any mistakes at this juncture and his whole plan would break down right here and now.

“You guys...” he said flatly, “Why... why did you come here? Actually, that isn’t important. What’s important is that you leave. You’re in the way.”

The bitterness of Marco’s voice sliced through the night air. Nopony saw it coming and it left all of the girls speechless...

All except Rainbow Dash. “Whoa, just wait would ya? Let’s just talk for a minute!” she blurted, trying her best to be comforting and assertive at the same time, “We know what you’re thinking, believe me. A lot happened while you were out, and we heard about what happened to you. We can help. It’s okay Marco... we understand-”

“Understand?!” Marco questioned, the word striking a nerve within him, “I never wanted to drag you into this! So why do you all insist on interfering? Just get out of my damn way!”

“We can’t do that!” Applejack yelled, “Just take a look at ya! You’re killing yourself!”

“Let us help you.” Fluttershy squeaked, “We can work this out... together!”

Upon seeing how the girls were trying to reach out to him, Marco suddenly realized what it was that compelled these ponies. Loyalty, honesty, kindness... they couldn’t help but to act this way. It was in their very nature to be like this, but he didn’t want any of it.

The three ponies were starting to close in on Marco, apparently trying to comfort him. But in his eyes, they were backing him into a corner. He needed to find a way to change the pace; things were getting dangerously close to collapsing in on themselves...

“Stay away!” he cried out in distress, talking two uneven steps backwards before he tripped and fell, Zecora’s saddlebags thumping heavily down beside him.

Concerned, the girls moved in even closer...

“Stay back I sai-”

Marco’s eyes budged dramatically, cutting him off mid sentence. But it was the shock of what happened next that turned everypony’s blood to ice...

Mid shout, with no warning and no apparent cause, a grim spurt of deep red fluid erupted from Marco’s muzzle. There was no reason for such a thing to happen, but there was also no reason to regard the substance as anything but blood. Frozen in horror, the girls could only watch as the grey pony collapsed face first into the red puddle. The moment of surprise eventually faded, and all three girls reacted in the exact same way. They couldn’t understand, or even comprehend what just happened or why, but their instincts took over as they rushed over to Marco’s side.

And it was these instincts that Marco exploited. The moment that all three ponies had crowded around him, he crushed a tiny vial that he had pulled from his pack when he had ‘accidentally’ tripped earlier. The familiar green gas exploded outwardly from the figure of Marco, and instantly enveloped all three of the ponies who had rushed to his side. Following the same fate as the ponies now unconscious in Zecora’s hut, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash collapsed instantly, out cold before they even hit the ground...

Applejack however, through some feat, had not yet breathed in enough of the gas and was now holding her breath the same as Marco. He instantly stood up and dismissively wiped away the red substance dripping from his muzzle. Looking directly at Applejack, he casually tossed an empty pot, a pot that had once contained Zecora’s tomato juice, to her hooves.

Marco had tricked the girls, playing on their feelings to create an opening he could use to incapacitate them. “How?” Applejack managed, wobbling as the effects of the drug begun to set in, “How could you?”

“How could I?” Marco repeated, his expression invisible through the haze, “You forced me to do this!

“Honesty... loyalty... kindness.” Marco called accusingly through the fog, “How can you privilege such things? Look at where they’ve gotten you!”

He indicated the two pegasi. “They make you weak, and I cannot afford to be weak!” Marco hissed, his voice trailing as his silhouette became blurred by the noxious fog, “Too much depends upon this. Too many are depending on me! I have to what is right, and if ‘friendship’ gets in the way... then it must be cast aside!”

Applejack felt like she was loosing the battle against the drug, but what Marco just said ignited a fire within her. “You’re wrong.” she said bravely, “Friendship doesn’t make us weak!”

“No?” Marco questioned, but Applejack couldn’t see him anymore, “Then why didn’t you end up like these two? Isn’t it because somewhere deep down, you still didn’t trust me?”

Applejack forced her eyes to concentrate. They focused enough to see, but Marco wasn’t where she though he was anymore. Then, out of nowhere, the stallion snuck up on Applejack and hit her hard with a powerful kick to the stomach, forcing her now-winded body to reflexively cry out for air. She finally dropped as the sleeping gas overwhelmed her.

Marco limped out of the radius of the potion and took a much-needed breath. His kick had not come without a cost. He had overextended, and the stitching on his chest wound had given way.

Marco grimaced as the bandage ran red. Blood, real blood, begun to steadily leak from the wrapping. “Not yet.” Marco told the night, pushing onward, “Not yet...”

It hadn’t been easy, but he’d done it. He didn’t want to do it either, but he needed them out of the picture and this was the best way to do it without truly hurting them. He told himself it was for their own good. No matter what they said, not one of them understood anything. It was because they were so kind that he had to do this to them.

Marco stopped moving forward and turned to face the trio of unconscious ponies before him, as well as the shadow of Zecora’s hut beyond the fog. His practical mind told him that they were just an obstacle that he had forced himself to overcome, but something else deeper down was weighing down on him. Guilt.

‘Twilight, Rarity, Zecora, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy...’ he thought, ‘I owed them all so much. And this is how I repay them? With betrayal?’

“In a different time...” he said solemnly, “In a different world... we could have-”

Marco took a deep breath. “We could have been friends.” his face was visibly pained, “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry... but this is goodbye.”

Marco finally tore himself from the scene before him and continued out into the night. The bonds had been broken, and it was time to close the curtain on the painful scene.

“We will never...” his voice lingered as he departed, “We will never meet again.”