The Millenium Mystery Archives. Transmission No. 1989.

...There was yet another drought in the land of Equestria.

A series of heat waves have been punishing the land with temperatures rising up to 45 °C during summer, and about 25 °C in what should be winter. Winter Wrap Ups are not what they used to be in less than three years after the first incident.

Which incident? Allow me, fellow sentient being to give you a small introduction.

As you know, we civilized ponyfolk rely on Pegasi Weather Control, which has several factories over the skies of this land, all owned by the monopolist empire of Cloudsdale Co. Of course, the headquarters of the corporation are located in the biggest sky city of Equestria, Cloudsdale, providing quality weather control to the Imperial Capital, Canterlot, and in a lesser extent, neighboring Ponyville.

The Mayor of Cloudsdale is also the president of the Confederacy of Sky Cities of Equestria and answers directly to Canterlot. Especially since Cloudsdale Co. became a state company, he also has authority to preside over Weather Control Factories in the absence of the CEO. Thus, any issue with any factory becomes quickly a national security matter.

In this context, during the first drought a Pegasus male worker of Factory Number 1: Clousdale HQ, name unknown (some unconfirmed sources define his name as “Featherhawk”) suffered from a seizure during flight, due to a heat stroke. He fell all the way and crashed into Ponyville in a rather gruesome manner. Pictures are too graphic to be shown even in this late night transmission.

In less than three minutes, not Ponyville Police, nor Cloudsdale Gendarmerie, but Canterlot Royal Guards made an appearance, picked up the poor worker’s corpse, erased his records, relocated his family, and refused to give any other public statement but: “There are no reports of any missing pegasus worker whatsoever.”

That information got leaked to our program by an anonymous source just yesterday. Its transcendence is such that I decided to inform of this in such a short time to all of you, my dear rational audience. You see, he isn’t the first victim of the hot temperatures that got covered up.

Since Featherhawk, there have been several vanishings of known and unknown pegasi in Cloudsdale and also in other sky cities. I’m in possession of a fairly big document which contains a considerable number of pegasi that have been reported missing or dead in mysterious manner.

Of course, none of the key personnel of Cloudsdale Co. have issued any public statement on this matter, not even after the unexpected passing of former CEO Mr. Air Errand who, by the way, also forms part of the list of possible casualties. The City Hall employees including mayor and possibly acting CEO Blue Halo haven't been heard from since.

Pegasi in general are evasive on the matter as well. They either play unawareness or truly ignore what is going on in their own city. That, coupled with the fact that they have unique information that is inaccessible to ground-dwelling folk or the authorities due to their unreachable heights, and natural inability to adapt to sky environments shrouds this “global warming” phenomena even deeper into mystery.

Ground living pegasi have been targeted for extrajudiciary interrogations, with torture, harassing and foal-kidnapping possibilities not so farfetched. For which other reason could there be that not even the Wonderbolts have toured in Ponyville, Appleloosa, Manehattan or any other ground city?

Pegasi are no longer welcome in the ground.

Canterlot authorities were even more uncooperative when approached. They either refused to give any information, or simply ignored all the questions I personally submitted. Audience with the Princess was denied to me for the 132th time.

What is happening?

Is there any issue with Weather Control?

Are pegasi keeping silence on purpose?

Will this get worse?

Will unicorn and earth pony folk suffer the consequences of apparent pegasi inaction?

I am Dr. Phony Falssan, from your favorite TV show “The Millennium Mystery Archives”. Everything related to the most interesting subject of the UFO phenomena, paranormal activity, the spiritual world and what the powerful do when the public eye is not present. Stay tuned, and remember: A whole world is watching us.

Don’t forget to visit our Canterlot branch of the Paranormal Taste Corner Restaurant: too tasty it has to be from another world! As you know, it is a sidebuisness which I attend personally, so you all know where to find me.

If something happens to catch your eye, don’t hesitate to visit and show me your discoveries for the world to see!…After buying a super combo of three sandwiches and a massive beverage for only twenty-four bits!

Now, after these messages: More sightings of an unknown horned creature have been report-

The TV got turned off from afar. Darn that remote control, she always keeps it somewhere. A little unicorn filly turned her head to see the remote control levitating on the air with blue magic. That confirmed her suspicions. It was her big sister, who else?

"Sweetie Belle, why are you up this late now? Didn’t I tell you that midnight TV shows are not meant for little children like you?"

"But Dr. Falssan was talking about the hot days we’re having lately…" Sweetie Belled responded. Rarity rolled her eyes.

"Oh Sweetie! That show is nothing but conspiracy theories made so anypony has somepony to blame of all the problems we have." Sweetie Belle looked at her sister while she walked to the bedroom and followed. Carefully as always Rarity snuggled into the sheets of her bed.

"...His constipacy theories kinda make sense you know…" She finally said.

"Of course they do." Said Rarity sarcastically while putting on her sleeping mask. "They are MADE to make sense. Seriously, I really don’t see what Mom and Dad see so interesting of that program." She sighed.

"Well, he always makes anything sound interesting."

"Oh, that certainly didn’t help him when he got kicked out of Equestria News because of that scandal, now did it?"

"He got fired of his job? How that happened?"

A gossip lover that she was, she was about to say Oh, where to start? It was the bomb back then... but, reconsidering, she preferred to cut the conversation for the sake of her precious beauty sleep time. "Hush, Sweetie. Wait until tomorrow...it’s the least you can do for making me wake up this late."

Sweetie Belle groaned in frustration. Then she yawned. It was about to take a deep breath when she perked up. No way she would leave the window closed again. It really was hot.

Sugarcube Corner. Beyond Midnight.

"So THAT’S why you kept me awake up until this late, Pinkie?" Twilight Sparkle blinked and turned her head to face her wide-smiling pink friend.

"Oh it’s not like you don’t stay up late with your studies, Twilight. Besides, you have no TV in the Library."

"Of course we don’t. It’s forbidden by ME."

"Well, Gummy wanted somepony else to chat with, and this guy came with a kinda inetresting idea about these HOT days we've been having…" Pinkie stretched her neck and stared into Twilight in a inquisitive manner. Twilight just facehoofed and said it.

"That guy is as nutty as his program. He simply can’t be taken seriously. I mean, is he SO desperate to announce his own restaurant in his show? Think: a late night show that has a very low rating and a low audience…how much credibility does that can possibly have? Those programs get pushed in the last places of schedules so normal ponies wouldn’t complain but still airing because it still has a profitable audience. It’s all about bits, really."

Pinkie Pie gave Twilight a blank stare. It was a wonder how she understood far more complicated things rather than simple economics.

“Either is that or maybe he really believes what he is talking about and affords a place on TV with his own bits; though that only makes him even crazier.” A curl of the smiling mare dropped.

Twilight continued. “Can you imagine this guy telling the truth after showing flat out forged evidence of so-called UFOs?” Twilight then stood up giving a disgusted look at the thought of ponies actually believing Falssan. “Ugh…such a very original way to explain the drought we are facing now. Whoops, it’s a cover-up of the government, somepony help us!” She waved her hooves in the air imitating a hysterical mare.

Pinkie sighed. She really looked for any other answer besides the most widely-accepted theory: Pegasi were responsible for this climate change. How or why was another mystery to be solved, and their silence only made things worse. “So…you still think...”

“May Fluttershy and Rainbow forgive us, but their fellow pegasi are not doing their job properly. Maybe they’re slaking, or on a strike, or even worse…it’s like they have a hidden agenda or something.”

Pinkie pie gave her a worried look. “How can you doubt Dashie and Fluttershy?”

“I didn’t mean that. But I believe that whoever is behind this is luring all pegasi to fulfill whatever goal he or she is planning. That includes them both, and we need answers to be able to help them. They’ve been silent for too long.”

"Dashie hasn't come here for almost a year. And Fluttershy just acts as if it isn't happening. Even ponies are mean to her now."

"That's why secrets are dangerous, Pinkie. Specially those who affects us all. So many secrets will make even somepony as sweet and kind like Fluttershy to be frown upon." Pinkie Pie sighed again. Twilight then speaked on a more stern tone.

"And speaking of doubt. If you are considering that Canterlot is somehow covering information, that speaks a lot for the trust you have for the Princess."

Pinkie Pie gave her a shocked look: "But, but Twilight! I trust the Princess and I trust you! But...if she could just say even a teensy-weensy bit of a command that tells us what to do...or even coming here for a split millisecond to remind us that she's there..."

"Pinkie, you're an Element Bearer! This kind of questoning is for somepony who hasn't known the Princess beyond her official visits, but not from US. She's not only my mentor. She is my friend. And she is your friend too."

"I...I..." Pinkie's fur was losing it's color and her lip began to tremble. Twilight quickly let the guilt take the better of her and embraced her friend before her hair deflated comepletely.

"Pinkie, Pinkie no. Hush, hush...it's OK." Pinkie resisted a sob. "It's not your fault. This is normal in friendships. I'm sorry having to say it that way."

"You're right, Twi. I was being so Out of Character right now. So Un-Pinkie." Twilight smiled and was about the add more of her two cents when Pinkie changed the subject. "Hey! What about some late night cake!"

Twilight broke the hug and gave her a frowned look. "Now?"

"It's NEVER too late for cake!" Twilight raised a hoof.

"No, I think I must get going now. I'll catch you tomorrow and see if we can hang out with the rest."

"Aww you betcha!"

"I suppose Fluttershy hasn't told you if Rainbow Dash will show up at all, has she?"

"Nopey."

"It's all right. She might tell us something tomorrow." Pinkie was so used to Fluttershy's silence that she gave up asking and just hoped that someday she would have some mercy and finally say anything. Besides, maybe Fluttershy knew as much as them. Not Twilight, tough. She would keep asking and investigating until Rainbow Dash finally showed up. Her status as a princess could have helped to clear up some things, but some rather hollow and ceremonial activities at the Crystal Empire had kept her busy enough.

Pinkie trotted to the door to open it. Twilight stepped outside and turned.

"But I'll tell you this: Once Rainbow shows up, she won't leave until she tells us what is going on." Twilight gave Pinkie a complicity wink, then marched to the Library.

Pinkie waved at her, bidding her friend a good night, then she gazed at Cloudsdale in the sky. The city looked pretty lively in the nighttime before, almost as another beacon besides the moon over Ponyville. Now it was different. It rarely turned the lights on and some nights it never turned on their light at all. She yawned and closed the door. Back in her room she really wished that whatever the reason, or the outcome of this situation, all of her pegasi friends, specially Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, will be alright.

Sweet Apple Acres. Early morning.

“So how bad is it, Big Mac?” Applejack was catching on her brother as he stopped to watch a yellowed tree with few and small fruits attached to them. These last droughts were hitting hard on every plantation in Equestria. Sweet Apple Acres was not the exception.

"Worst than I thought, sis." Big Macintosh said quietly and with a sense of worry only Applejack knew. She just knew something wasn't right when Mac of all ponies was worried.

"My gosh! Are we trough?"

"Nope. Not this year." Said Big Mac. Applejack sighed in relief and fanned her hat on his face.

"Sheesh, don’t scare me like that, Big Macintosh! So it’s another full Applebuck Season right?"

"Half a harvest sis. Not enough for cider festival. THEN we’ll be trough next Year." Farmers had a different perception of time and seasons. A year was a painfully short time. It was a gamble. To stay and hope for things to get better was too risky.

"Well, a lot of things can happen in a year, right?"

"Hopefully, but this weather ain’t no help."

"What in tarnation are those pegasi doing anyway?"

"They really should be where they belong thinking and doing something to sort this mess out. Any other way they are kicked out or forced to talk. Better for them."

Applejack didn't sense contempt in her brother's words, but relief. It was defintely better for them to stay away rather than showing up. The way ground-living pegasi were treated was bad enough that she believed those in the sky were having it easy.

She remembered the day Fluttershy's house was vandalized almost one year ago. Urged by her friends she issued a complaint on the City Hall. She was met with the mayor's inability to do much because it was the majority's sentiment and she could make things worse if she sanctioned earth ponies for the sake of one pegasus. Fluttershy pressed charges anyway, not for her own sake, but for the animals she was sheltering. She hoped also for the situation to catch the attention of Canterlot authorities. Twilight, as a princess was called to Canterlot. Hopes were rising up as Ponyville believed that finally actions were going to be taken.

Twilight returned disappointed with a series of new laws and recommendations to maintain the peace in Ponyville and other cities that could have any similar situations, rather than any statements about the droughts or even a command of the pegasi to talk as the townsfolk hoped.

Ponyville reluctantly took the advice, but in their own earth-pony majority way.

The vandals who stoned Fluttershy's house were put into communitarian service and repaired the damages, much to their dismay, for they thought they could get away with it since they counted with the town's apathy and with a few supporters on their side, specially earth supremacists who started to show their true colors.

From then on, natural pegasi with both pegasi parents had to escape from earth cities or else they were subject to questioning. Earth settlements then passed a law where they were obligated to provide information or else, they wouldn't be allowed to enter their cities. No natural pegasi was heard from again. Rainbow Dash had to flee, with some quick, evasive visits to her friends, getting almost caught a few times and literally with a bounty on her capture if she ever showed up.

Pegasi born from one or both groundfolk parents had to permanently wear an ID. There was no prosecution, but still, earth ponies and unicorns alike didn't want to cross words with them at all. Some had to hide their wings with clothing.

Natural pegasi that moved to the ground before the incidents like Fluttershy had to have proper identification even outside their houses, and had to proove that they didn't knew anything about the incidents, droughts or any involvement with sky pegasi or Cloudsdale CO.

Those who had family working or living in Cloudsdale had to flee as well. Earth ponies and unicorns alike had to go, for they could be used as baits for information ransom. Things started to go out of hand when pagasi foals started to disappear.

They were kidnapped for information. Those practices were heavily prosecuted and scarce, not to mention fruitless, because all of the kidnapped foals where of groundfolk parents or registered pegasi.

Pegasi weren't allowed to travel without an earth pony companion and flying over three meters was a crime. Most had to simply stop flying altogether to avoid popular confrontation, anyway.

"All of this just for refusing to talk." Thought Applejack. "I bet this half a harvest that whatever they're hiding is so big that they are willing to endure all of this." She pulled the cart with the few fruits the last tree she bucked had to offer.

"Please be alright, Rainbow Dash. We are worried sick about you."

The donkey scientist and the secret meeting.

View Online

Cloudsdale HQ. Noon.

11:45.

Mayor Blue Halo was staring at his glass of water, while sweating a bit. The central A/C stopped working long ago. He was focused on the glass. So clear. So precious. The thought of having water running in his throat was both a blessing and a torture at the same time.

11:50

Cloudsdale as a city was a mayhem. It's been three years since Featherhawk died. Then Misty Cloud. Then Icy Raindrop. All of them covered up, of course, when the Company was still powerful.

Then Air Errand died. Poor old pegasus was driven mad of thirst due to the rules he designed himself. He flied and searched frantically for water. The blazing sun did the rest. His body was never recovered from Everfree Forest.

11:55

The rules were simple. Fountains ceased to work, any ill use of water was punishable, and water was rationed, with no more than two liters a day per citizen. Foals and elders were forbidden to expose themselves to the sun. Work shifts indoors where normal, but for the physical, most important work outdoors there was a single, night-only shift.

11:56

Since the loss of Air Errand, Vice-president Cumulus took over the headquarters, but he had to lead all of the Company and the city affairs. It was a very exhausting work. The first thing he did was to expose his priorities to the board of executives. Secrecy, control of information, the safety of workers and inhabitants were all priorities over profit from then on. Many refused, but they weren´t safe on the ground to actually leave the company with their wealth.

11:57

And they kept working, gradually making changes on their daily routines as days got warmer. Profits turned into tragic financial losses. First year was for keeping the status quo. Second year was to avoid mass panic.

“This year is for surviving“, the mayor told himself. “Damn it, Air Errand. You should have stayed home and rest when I told you. Now I need you more than ever. Cumulus is too short-tempered for this work, and now…we may hear even more bad news.”

11:58

Blue Halo was fond of Air Errand’s junior Cumulus, but he may have doomed the entire pegasi race when he kicked out of Cloudsdale Co. headquarters somepony that tried to warn them of a possible “global warming” effect that would render Pegasi Weather Control ineffective against it. That happened three years ago. And according to several witnesses among the board members that were present at the moment, everything happened as it was foretold by this doomsday scientist.

11:59

The mayor just found that out the day before. He was furious. If that scientist knew what would happen, the he could hold the key to the solution. And Cumulus kicked him away. Blue Halo gave him the task to find him right away. Surprisingly, he did. The only few things that the mayor knew about him were that he was a loner, living in Everfree and educated in Trottingham and Canterlot.

Thankfully, he agreed to return. He would be there anytime.

I was 12:00 o'clock and the speaker network of the facility turned on. A dry cough was heard in every office in Cloudsdale HQ and it was also broadcasted in the whole city:

Good afternoon, everypony, it´s 12:00 o`clock now… The voice gurgled a little bit, and then coughed again. Then it spoke more clearly:

We may now proceed to drink another cup of our individual share of water. Make it last, folks; remember we can’t drink again until six o’clock. Until then let me remind you that foals and elders most remain indoors at all times. Don´t venture outside unless necessary. Don´t expose for too long to broad daylight. Remain in the shade as long as possible.

This is Cloudsdale Co. Stay tuned and keep yourselves safe.

Even if he tried to give little sips to the water to make it last, the mayor drank all of his water by the time the voice coughed the first time. He let two drops fell to the floor. He cursed himself for that.

Blue Halo considered the suggestions of some of the board members. He could easily just take a little more water for himself. After all he was the mayor and the acting CEO. He knew some of the members did that, very few of them showed up at their meetings looking as thirsty as everypony else. He shook his head. No way in hell he would do something so damnable. Cumulus, even the short-tempered fool he was wouldn´t do it either. He would take care of that matter later.

The speaker in his desk startled him.

“Sir, the scientist is here.” A feminine voice was heard from the speaker.

“Let him in as quickly as you can. There is no time for protocol now.”

“Um…yes sir. About that…” The voice paused. “Security tells me that this fellow can’t walk on clouds.” Blue Halo blinked.

“If he is no pegasus, then our guest must be an unicorn. If he is a unicorn then he should be able to cast a spell on himself. If he can´t do that, then his scientist status is very questionable. ” Blue Halo hoof-combed his gray mane. It was logical, really. An earth pony scientist was not very common, after all.

“Actually, sir, the scientist is a donkey. He came here on a floating device. Like a small dirigible.”

The mayor was caught off-guard. “Make them prepare the earth pony platform. That’ll have to do.”

“Yes, right away, sir.”

Outside the facility a small dirigible was hovering over the main entrance. Inside there was a donkey with a white coat and sunglasses holding his parasol, waiting. Damn it was hot outside. He hoped that those security officers would let him in quickly or else he would cook under the blazing sun. The parasol he was holding offered little relief.

He just knew that Ponyville locals saw his small dirigible heading to Cloudsdale. Thankfully, his Everfree residence was unlikely to be found. They would never venture inside that dense forest.

He saw one guard acting like he was receiving a call, and then glanced at him. He talked to his partner and then received him.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. We just had to be sure it wasn’t another unwelcome journalist or an earth pony snitch. We haven’t seen them in a while tough.” The bulkiest one said. “My partner here will prepare a safe spot for you to stand on until you reach the main building entrance.”

“Thank you.” The donkey answered.

The other pegasus returned with a small cloud with a solid metal platform on its top. It had several little sparks moving in between the platform and the cloud. The donkey stepped on it.

“Say, you don´t happen to have any water, do you?” One of the guards asked in a not so friendly manner.

“Pardon me?”

“Water. You must have some.”

“Well, I usually carry two small bottles when I do a conference…” The bulkier one didn´t let him finish.

“Give them. Now.”

“Excuse me?”

“It´s against the law to carry more water than what it was assigned to you; if you have extra water it has to be confiscated to ration it with everypony else.” The donkey looked baffled.

“I am not a Cloudsdale citizen. Besides, you haven’t even assigned me any ration. I am not even staying here for long, so I really doubt this would apply to me.”

“Oh my, aren´t you a little far away from your balloon there?” The one that prepared the platform pointed mockingly. “It would be terrible if your platform started to malfunction.”

The donkey raised an eyebrow. Pegasi were really so thirsty that guards, soldiers and the gendarmerie had to push their authority to drink more water than the other skyfolk. That confirmed his suspicions. Since his life was on the line, he played along. He reached his saddlebag and took two bottles. Of course they wouldn't "ration it with everypony else."

“Move it. We don´t want to bring any attention.” The bulky prompted nervously.

“Don´t you miss bribery for bits instead of water? We still do that in the ground, you know” The donkey spitefully said. Desperate situation or not, he despised corruption among the authority.

He expected a frown, an insult or even a slap. What he received was a look of thankfulness from the guard. “Damn, we do.” He said. “It’s just that…well, you’ll see once you get in there and talk with the bosses.”

The donkey continued hovering in the platform toward the main building. He heard behind him those two guards quarreling over the last bottle of water. Way to go not bringing any attention.

"Oh, but I DO know." He whispered.

He safely stepped down the platform to walk in the building halls and was guided to the meeting room where the executive board of Cloudsdale Co. was gathered. He recognized a few.

“Greetings. It’s had been a while since I’ve come here the last time. I have to say that last time wasn`t very pleasant.” He began. Some awkward coughs and angry sighs were heard. “For those who don’t know me, my name is Dr. Wisely Cooper Donkey.”

“Thank you for coming willingly in such a short notice, Dr. Wisely.” Mayor Blue Halo welcomed. “Please, our time is very short, and as you can see, we are in a very desperate situation.”

“Thank you, Mayor. Now, you might not be entirely aware of the details I addressed to this board because I was literally kicked out of Cloudsdale before having an audience with you…” Wisely stared at the gray, middle-aged pegasus named Cumulus. He just grinded his teeth. “…and I assume you only heard a very small fraction of what I actually pointed out then. So, basically, let me start telling you in general terms what I said then:” Wisely took a breath and continued:

“I said then that Cloudsdale and all of the sky over five hundred meters above the sea level was going to face a gradual, but steady increase of temperature that will make Pegasi Weather Control facilities to be insufficient to handle and in a matter of years, to collapse.” The mayor nodded in agreement. He knew that part.

“The most sensible part was that not only Cloudsdale, but Las Pegasus, Windsoar and other sky settlements were going to suffer several heat waves, and in the short term, massive droughts in Equestria as a whole. And that pegasi race, with their reputation of controlling weather would be held responsible and blamed for that.”

Cumulus rolled his eyes. Blue Halo stared at him demanding an answer.

“Yes. It’s true.” Cumulus said.

“And it’s happening just as he said, right before our eyes.” Blue Halo answered.

Cumulus stood up angrily. “That´s because somehow he is involved! Don´t you think it´s too coincidental that he came here threatening us and suddenly everything is happening as he said?” Wisely smirked.

“I propose to detain him and sent him to Canterlot for questioning. For an act of nature he knows too much of it so it´s obvious he has something to do with it.”

“Canterlot?” Wisely laughed openly. “Canterlot is as impotent as you are. Or tell me, has your precious Princess has even received anypony of you in her castle?” The board whispered among themselves and Cumulus just looked away. Even Blue Halo looked nervous.

“Please let me finish with the last part of my message before you threat me: it will get worse.”

“What do you mean?” A random member asked.

“In two months, the sky will be simply too hot to live. Nothing will survive in this environment. If you want to survive a little longer, you will all have to move to the ground.”

“Stop being unreasonable! You know what groundfolk think of us!” Cumulus said. "They would never recieve us!"

Blue Halo picked up, however, in another, more important detail: “What do you mean with surviving a little longer?”

Wisely speaked more casually: “Well, the effects of this global warming will be felt in the ground as well. And in about…two more years all of Equestrian life forms will be pretty much dead.”

The board remained silent. One female member started to cry.

“How the hell can you say this so calmly? It’s the end of the world as we know it!” Cumulus exclaimed. Blue Halo raised a hoof to calm him down. Then he asked a very good question:

“Can it be stopped?”.

Wisely C. Donkey just teasingly stared and gave a faint nod.

“Have in mind that we all spend our fortunes trying to keep Weather Control as functional as possible. We have nothing left now.” The weeping pegasus remarked, using her handkerchief to wipe her tears off.

“I really don’t think dying is in your plans, Dr.” The mayor added. "You must know something."

“I’m not here for money, I assure you.” Wisely confirmed. After a moment of silence, Cumulus took the initiative, less infuriated:

“Why is this happening, Dr.?”

Wisely smiled so hard he grinded his teeth. “That, Vice-president, is the best question I’ve ever been asked.”

Fluttershy's house, around midnight.

A mass of winged ponyfolk gathered inside the small house. It took up to two hours and half for all of them to enter, since the secrecy of the gathering required them to come in pairs or groups of three pegasi at a time.

Thankfully the authorities were more relaxed than before: Despite their efforts, not a single pegasus got to talk and those who could were far away from anyone to question them. They got so used to it that they simply gave up. It was those vicious earth supremacist volunteers that they had to be careful of now.

Inside the house, there was tension.

"What do you want us to hide for you all now, Rainbow Dash? " A young female pegasus asked.

"Look at the thermometer today! It just hit forty-two degrees, again! This has been for three weeks straight and WE HAVEN'T REACHED THE DOG DAYS YET." Said a male, older pegasus. Then other joined him in his complaints, while Rainbow Dash was hearing, with her hooves crossed.

"I almost got beaten up at Market Row this morning!"

"My little brother Rumble is being bullied constantly at school!"

Rainbow Dash raised her hooves to calm the crowd. "OK, that's enough. Calm down! Remember that pegasi meetings are being outlawed as we speak. We don't want to bring any attention on oursleves." The crowed lowered their tone; some were shaky at this revelation.

The older male then speaked. "Dash, we must tell them about the situation. If we can't do it due to our sky oaths, then we should pack our stuff and leave ground for good. At least until this drought is over." Most of them agreed. Rainbow Dash nodded in understanding.

"That's why I told everypony to come tonight. This will get worse. Way worse."

"What did you say?" Asked the first young female. Others whispered their surprise.

"I received a letter from Cloudsdale today and got instructed to share it with you all tonight." Rainbow Dash unfolded the letter and was about to read it aloud. Ugh, many letters. She opted against it. They will be able to read it after the meeting and her time was short. Reading aloud was boring, too.

"It's a bit long, so to make it snappy I'll tell you what it says: Cloudsdale won't survive if this keeps up for two more months. Even if we are hopeful that something will magically fix this in that time, the Mayor and the Boss won't risk those who are working there. So...they are coming to the ground in a week."

"They are coming? Here to the ground?" Another female asked.

"Most of them, yes. Only the higher-ups and few workers will remain there until there’s no doubt that Cloudsdale is done for good."

"Then what about us? We can't stay in Ponyville!" Thunderlane objected.

"No!" Rainbow Dash replied with some worry in her voice. Her tone made some to shut up and pay more attention. She continued more calmly.

"No we can't. And we won't. Big shelters are being prepared for all of us in the outskirts of every major city. These shelters must keep secret from everypony else besides authorities. The Company will provide money for us to buy food, and we'll have to think of something to disguise it; a relief effort, charity, commercial stunt, whatever. Our shelter will definitely be the biggest and it will be located two miles outside Ponyville, south of Sweet Apple Acres. A perimeter has been already stablished and mist will cover perpetually this sector to prevent unwanted exploration and to conceal our position."

Many just couldn't believe their ears. Somewhere else to go was great news. Others tough expected more details. Rainbow Dash catched her breath and opened some cardboard boxes. She took a pile of papers from one of them and placed them on a table nearby.

"So, listen up! We'll go and distribute these flyers dropping them from above. It is an official bulletin which says that everything is under control, but the remaining pegasi in the ground will have to part to the sky city to help in the work. Then we'll disappear to join the others coming from the sky.

Those with little colts and fillies must stop sending them to school and keep them close in the meantime; we don't want them to be targets for questioning or something worse to be used to take out more information than must be officially told. Talk to no Earth Pony. Talk with no Unicorn about this. Don't worry, once in the shelter, they'll provide education. Those with wife, husband, girlfriend or whatever that isn't a pegasus don't worry either. They can come with us, too."

More sighs of relief and some cheering was heard in the crowd. Some of the crowd hushed among themselves. Dash then proceeded to read the last paragraph of the letter. It explained things better than she would. "OK, now the words of the Mayor that I think are the most important. Here we go:

Remember, all of this is a temporary transition. Canterlot and Cloudsdale have been in touch with every municipality authority, and they will have to comply sheltering us without the non-pegasi general public knowledge. Legally they can't take any action either since this is a direct order from the Princess. Keep calm, the Princess is wise, and tough we have incidents with our groundfolk brothers and sisters, it's her wish for us to remain together in harmony. Be assured, she knows what to do, and what is best for us.

Blue Halo, Mayor of Cloudsdale and Acting CEO of Cloudsdale Co.

Cumulus, Director of Cloudsdale Co. Factory No. 1."

Cloudsdale HQ. A few hours earlier

"...a direct order from the Princess, Blue Halo? Seriously?" Cumulus asked the mayor when he finished reading the letter he just ordered to be printed by thousands.

"What did you expect? We are running out of options now. We just took advice from...well, a separatist, for goodnes sake!"

"Canterlot will not take this lightly if they find out."

"Well, at least we'll have their attention. Not only our race is in the line now. What would Air Errand do?"

Cumulus just stayd silent, thinking about that. Then he answered "I don't know. He would do the right thing, I believe. If you think this is the right thing, then you can count on me, old friend." Cumulus placed his hoof on Blue Halo's shoulder. "I'll follow you to the end."

Blue Halo nodded and headed to his desk. Cumulus was not satisfied. "At least promise me you'll tell the messengers that we are doing this in our own initiative."

Blue Halo picked up the phone. "Get me in touch with each ground city authority. Start with the mayor of Ponyville."

Fluttershy's house, beyond midnight.

After reading, Rainbow Dash gave instructions to the crowd on how to leave the house silently as they came. Three hours later, Thunderlane and Rumble where the last to quickly leave Fluttershy's house.

"See you in the shelter then. Thank you for everything, Rainbow Dash." Said Thunderlane while he was waking up Rumble.

"Don't sweat it. We'll catch up there and see a way out of this. Without those earth kissers breathing in our necks we can have a clearer mind to think." Answered Rainbow Dash. She then whispered in his ear.

"Scootaloo stayed, right?"

"She is with Cloudchaser. We'll give her the letter and tell her of this." Answered Rumble, now fully awake.

"OK, but only in the right time. I don't want her to know too soon or else she could spill the beans with her friends." Of course, she meant Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. Those three were something to worry about if they knew even a small bit of information.

After they left, Rainbow Dash sighed and finally turned to face Fluttershy.

"Hi, by the way."

Fluttershy flied and squeezed her with almost all of her might. Rainbow returned the embrace happily.

"Rainbow, Rainbow I was so worried!" She finally said, not letting go. "I thought we would never hear from you again...and then I got that message from you and couldn't believe it!"

"Yeah, um… Sorry for making you risk yourself letting this meeting to be at your house. I didn't want you to do it, but I had no other choice."

"It's OK, Dashie. After all I've been trough at first, nothing can be worse." She chuckled. Rainbow Dash gave her a worried look.

"Hey, you are coming with us, right? You can't stay here after all of ground pegasi leave. You'll be an easy target."

"I'll be fine, Rainbow"

"What the heck are you talking about? You won't!"

"The animals in my shelter need somepony to look after them. Who will if I'm not here?"

"Fluttershy...please." Fluttershy turned. She wasn't used to hear Rainbow Dash pleading in a soft, vulnerable manner. This wasn't like her at all. She reconsidered.

"The girls might help; the shelter will be temporary, right?"

"No Flutters. We can't tell them. We had this same discussion when I left. You haven't said anything, right?" Fluttershy shook her head.

"I kept my promise. But they asked me about you again today...". Rainbow Dash stood up and sulked in the living room, then she took a quick glance over the window. She was making sure nopony was looking their way. Fluttershy noticed, but she kept talking.

"They are really worried about you. You need to talk to them."

"Fluttershy, listen to me. There are good reasons why I'm keeping this from them. Specially from Twilight."

"What? Why?"

"She is our friend and all, but she is a Princess now. If she knows what I'm about to tell you she'll go straight to Canterlot to spill the beans to the Princess."

"But...you said that Canterlot is involved..."

"They aren't, Fluttershy. The Company is moving this on its own. Canterlot...is as if they didn't care."

Fluttershy didn't know what to think. Was the situation far more dangerous than implied by Rainbow at the meeting? "I think you must explain some of this to me, but whatever it is I don't think Twilight would just tell on us."

"Hey, I know Twilight, OK? She is our best friend, but even with the best of intentions she could go and ask for her advice like she always does. In the last three years she had nothing as response. No reason why this could be different, besides that any Canterlot spy will tell some earth kissers and blow our cover."

Fluttershy just flied to the kitchen. A long explanation was in order. "I'll prepare some coffee and you tell me what you know, OK?"

Rainbow Dash stretched. This was going to be a long night, but it felt great to have a friend to chat and share the burden of secrets she had for a piece of mind. Plus, she would probably add some of her home-made cookies. She smiled and rubbed an eye.

"Flutters, it's great to have a friend. You have no idea,"

Cutie Mark Crusaders Missing Filly Finders

View Online

Ponyville Schoolhouse. Two weeks later.

“Apple Bloom?”

“Here, Miss Cheerilee.”

“Diamond Tiara?”

“Here.”

“Dinky?”

“Here.”

“Featherweight?”

“Here, miss.”

Teacher Cheerlilee as every morning was giving a roll call. She paused for a few seconds and continued.

“…Sweetie Belle?”

“Here, Miss Cheerilee.”

Apple Bloom looked at Sweetie Belle. Apple Bloom shrugged.

Scootaloo, Rumble and other schoolmates got skipped off the list, again. Her friends looked for her and asked to anypony who knew her, but nopony knew what was going on.

Two weeks ago hundreds of pamphlets rained from the sky during class. Only adults were allowed to pick those up, and before classes were over, the streets got clean of them. That was the first day that Scootaloo got absent. Apple Bloom found one of those flyers stuck in a tree in her house. It didn’t say much, but she thought that together with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo they could investigate the matter as a Cutie Mark Crusade.

But they never found Scootaloo. When the pair went to her house it was deserted. Even the door was open. Some stuff was there, but most of the house looked like it was ransacked. Even her scooter was left behind.

The days passed and Scootaloo never reported to the schoolhouse. It was as if she vanished. Others were as concerned as them, Applejack and Rarity for example. Fluttershy asked as a favor to Applejack to look after her house for a while and she never came back since. Rainbow Dash was as absent as ever, but Fluttershy simply leaving was a total mystery.

“Miss Cheerilee, what happened to Scootaloo? She hasn’t come in two weeks and you’ve been skipping her from the list.” Asked Sweetie Belle. Miss Cheerilee paid no heed to her question.

“Ok class; please open your books on page fifty-seven…”

“Miss?” Apple Bloom raised her hoof.

“…and I’ll guide you to the complex forms of speech…”

“Miss Cheerilee, excuse me.” Sweetie Belle insisted.

“…which make our language rich and diverse…”

“Miss, please…”

Suddenly, Cheerilee lost her temper: “Girls, please stop asking!”. The class got dead-silent.

“I know you are worried about them and so am I, but I can’t give you any information because I am not entirely sure myself. All we know is that those who aren’t in class are with their parents and are safe. I wish I had more to tell you, but I don’t.”

The classroom was filled with whispers and gossip. Cheerilee cut them short. “Quiet! Let’s continue.”

And with that, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom just stared at their desk and at each other. They nodded. That was it. They were going to investigate what the hay was going on. It was time to look at the pamphlet Apple Bloom found.

Something caught Sweetie Belle’s eye. It was as if somepony behind was staring at them. She turned and only saw Featherweight. The awkward pegasus was one of the only two known pegasi who remained at Ponyville. He had his great-uncle as his only known relative. The pegasus colt of the Cakes, Pound Cake, was the other.

The class went by. The recess was as usual, just with fewer foals to play with.

“Some answer we got from Miss Cheerilee, right?” commented Apple Bloom.

“I know, right? She really didn’t want to talk about it at all!” answered Sweetie Belle as they got closer to the playground. “Still, that answer didn’t say much.”

Apple Bloom unpacked her lunch. It contained, surprisingly, apples. “Well, we have no other choice but to stick with clue number one, again.”

“When do we start?”

“Right now, after school.” said Apple Bloom, as she gave her sandwich a bite. “Applejack will go to Fluttershy’s house to look after her animals again. She won’t bother us.”

Sweetie Belle was about to tell her about other classmate who mysteriously disappeared too, but again, something caught her eye. “Hey, is it me or Featherweight is looking too much this way?”

Apple Bloom looked over her shoulder as she drank from her juice box. There he was, hiding his face with a newspaper. He glanced at them, and looked as if he knew he got busted. A group of foals galloped in front of their eyes, leaving a trail of dust and dirt. Once the foals crossed, only the paper and the chair were there.

“Sneaky boy. Looks like he left the Foal Free Press just to keep stalking ponies again.”

“Maybe he is as curious as we are.”

“Then why he doesn’t talk to us? Ah think he is stalking you!” said Apple Bloom with a mischievous smile.

“What?” squeaked Sweetie Belle.

“It’s obvious Featherweight likes you and your pretty mane!” kept teasing Apple Bloom while combing her mane imitating a refined mare. Sweetie Belle just frowned.

“No, maybe he is stalking you and your funny accent!” Now Apple Bloom was caught off guard.

“Are you sayin’ ah talk funny?

From behind a tree Featherweight was hearing everything. Besides the childish fight, romantic allegations and name-calling exchange of the two fillies, he heard that they will be at Sweet Apple Acres after school.

He knew them. Thanks to them he held the Chief Editor position of the Foal Free Press for a few months after the Gabby Gumms incident. He resigned to go back to the field, not exactly gathering information for the school paper. He just knew that behind a desk the thrill was not the same.

Observation was his talent. That’s why he knew that those three fillies had more that meets the eye. One day he saw them sneaking into the train bound to the Crystal Empire, along with a small dragon and a bunch of crazy animals. If they could do it, he could do it too. And the Crystal Empire was where he needed to go. Alone.
-

Sweet Apple Acres. Afternoon.

“So we've been reading this pamphlet over an hour, and besides some words we had to consult a dictionary to get, we are pretty much still confused.” said Sweetie Belle with a bored expression.

“To recap” Apple Bloom walked in circles, holding the pamphlet “, the pegasus ponies are in Cloudsdale workin’ and they needed more ponies to work, so that’s why everypony had to go there.”

“But two weeks? Without even coming back to look at their homes?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“Not even Fluttershy, who cares about her animals more than anything.” Said Apple Bloom as a matter of fact manner, as she placed a pin on her picture.

They had a board with pictures of everypony they knew. Those who disappeared were circled with a red crayon. Those who weren’t were classified as adults or classmates who had a close relative who disappeared, and those who didn’t knew or cared what happened, along with a small description. Childish, but very thorough work of investigation they had. The pictures where united with a line on basis of what they assumed they shared in common. Things as the flavor of milkshakes they preferred was a line that Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon shared, along with a description that read: proceed with caution.

Fluttershy’s picture was encircled with red, along with the line: unlikely to leave her animal house. This alone means that something is fishy.

Rainbow Dash’s picture was also encircled with red. Her description reads: key pony. Missing from a long time. Unconfirmed sighting one day before Scootaloo’s vanishing.

Scootaloo’s picture was circled with red many times, and her description read: Number One Objective. Find at all costs.

Sweetie Belle crossed Miss Cheerilee picture with a green crayon. “She doesn`t know a thing either.” Others they knew and trust that weren’t able to help included Rarity and Applejack, Big Mac, Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle, Granny Smith and Spike. All of them where crossed with a green crayon.

“Looks like we will have to put some missing filly posters across town.” said Apple Bloom with a bunch of papers and a stapler.

“Yeah, this board thingy didn’t help.” Sweetie Belle sighed. They really were at a dead end.
-

Near Ponyville City Hall. Late afternoon.

The two fillies covered every post and wall they could find to place a missing filly poster with the picture of Scootaloo in it. The adults who were watching just shook their heads with pity. Some just sadly whispered among each other. Suddenly across the street a few ponies gathered, completely ignoring them.

“Hey boy, where’s your daddy?”, a blue coated stallion asked a small white pegasus colt. The boy ignored him and kept walking.

“Hey brat! I asked you a question!” the stallion demanded, walking faster. The pegasus colt noticed and attempted to fly.

“That’s it! A pegasus! Bring the ropes! We got ourselves one! Catch that colt!”

The colt whimpered while flying as fast as his wings let him. “Hey! He is the Cakes’ son, you idiot!” somepony shouted. The boy finally stopped and hid behind his father’s legs.

“HE IS MY SON, YOU MORON!” Mr. Cake looked angrily at the blue stallion. “What the hell where you trying to do?”

“Pegasi shouldn’t be seen alone or they would be subject to question.” answered with little remorse.

“Are you the law now? Why should we answer to a bunch of racist vigilantes?” Mr. Cake was losing his temper. Mrs. Cake placed a hoof on his shoulder to try and calm him down.

The stallion turned and defiantly looked into his eyes. “Now you should watch your mouth, Cake. I give a damn how good your reputation is here, but as soon as this weak local government is down, we, the descendants of the true founders of this town will make some changes around. And if you want to remain here, you should keep that feathery pest close, because neither their kind nor those who defend them will be welcome here.”

Mr. Cake delivered a swift hoof to his jaw, much to the horror of Mrs. Cake. Seeing his usually laid-back husband in a fit of rage was quite a sighting. “Honey, no! Stop it!”

“NOPONY THREATS MY SON OR MY FAMILY!” said Carrot Cake, while pummeling the blue stallion’s face after each word. Two of the blue stallion’s collaborators separated them, while everypony else watched in shock, some agreeing, others disapproving, most being awkwardly indecisive.

The bruised stallion stood up and challenged. “This is it, Cake! You are betraying your race! Consider yourself banished!”, and he left. His goons stared at Mrs. Cake, then at Pound Cake, while walking away. “So…are you sure it’s your son?” asked one of them, mockingly.

Mr. Cake was about to tackle him but Mrs. Cake stopped him. “Honey, please don't. It’s not worth it.”

“HE IS MY SON! I’m as sure as I’m alive, you bastards!” shouted at him, walking towards Sugarcube Corner, with a bruised hoof and reassuring his wife.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked in disbelief. They have never seen Mr. Cake so angry.

“Serves them earth-kissers right for messin' with their foal.” said Apple Bloom. “Stupid Rickshaw and his crazy friends. They are like the black sheep of the family.” The two kept covering every wall they saw with the picture of their friend.
-

Unbeknownst to them, they were watched by those three stallions.

“Yo Rickshaw, check this out.” a pale brown stallion pointed out to them. “Those fillies are placing this in the walls.”

Rickshaw looked at Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle on the distance and looked at the ripped paper. He had to focus more to notice the picture was a pegasus due to his bruises. “Looks like my niece there is looking for her pegasus friend”, he finally said.

“Poor girls. So young and naïve.” said other of his goons, a white stallion with a cap. Then he pointed out: “They shouldn’t advertise there. It’s like, littering”.

“Let them be, Root Beer. I’m thinking of something.”

“What now?” asked the brown one.

“No foal should be worried ‘bout this thing if they didn’t know about the pamphlet in the first place. You know, the one no kid was allowed to read?”

“Your point?” asked Root Beer.

“Well, if they ignored their parents and found out anyway, then they can ignore law and try and find their friend on their own. I think we should keep an eye on them. Never underestimate kids when they want to find something.”

“Whoa, whoa Rickshaw” Root Beer contradicted. “We can’t just stalk two fillies! We are already tagged after that Fluttershy house thing you ordered.”

“Are you being coward now? More reckless things we must do for this town our ancestors work so hard to build! I don’t care about my bruises; I wear them with pride if I took a beating for our pure earth children’s sake.”

Root Beer sweated, considering the words of his boss.

“Besides, I’m sure if we find one, we’ll find them all. I don’t buy that crap that they went to the sky to fix stuff.” Rickshaw turned to the brown one. “Stainmudd, what you say?”

“I say we go. Just to be clear: we won’t do harm to them fillies, right?”

Rickshaw found himself lost in thought. Then he vaguely said: “…if they stay out of our way when we purify the land of that feathered vermin, they have nuthin' to worry about. It’s my niece we are talking about, after all.”

Root Beer just shook his head. “This better be worthy of our necks if anypony finds out, Rickshaw!”

Sweetie Belle placed the last staple in a big suitcase which was in a sidewalk. “I’m done!” shouted to Apple Bloom who was a block away.

“I’m done too. Let’s go back to my place!”

Then from the suitcase Sweetie Belle heard something. She turned to see the suitcase opening from the inside and a colt whispering.

“Psst, girls! Over here!” Then he closed shut the suitcase.

“Featherweight?”, Sweetie Belle turned and walked towards the big suitcase. It was placed over a cart right in the middle of the sidewalk.

“Hey Sweetie Belle. I need your help”, whispered gently from the suitcase. “Apple Bloom’s too, so please call her in”. “Don’t you dare shouting out to her!” he clarified just as Sweetie Belle was inhaling deeply to shout at her friend.

“She’s coming. Hey, are you stalking us?”

“Looks like it, but I was just looking at the right time to talk to you.”

Sweetie Belle felt a faint blush in her cheeks.

“Not what you think. I need your help.” It seemed that Featherweight could see from a small hole in the suitcase. She pouted.

“What’s goin’ on?” Apple Bloom caught with them. “What’s with that suitcase?”

“Apple Bloom.” was heard from the suitcase.

“My stars, it talks!”

“Shhhh! It’s me, Featherweight! Nopony must know I’m here!”

“What the hay are you doing in a suitcase? Don’t you need air or something?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I equipped it with air, food and stuff, so I’ll be fine. Now, can you please let me talk?”

“Yeah, he needs our help in something.” Nodded Sweetie Belle.

“Our help?”

“Yeah. I’m inside this suitcase because I need to go to the Crystal Empire.”

“And why do you think we can help?” Apple Bloom chuckled.

“I know you sneaked into the train with a bunch of pets.” The girls just awkwardly rubbed the back of their heads when they remembered that incident. They really didn't know somepony was watching closely.

“But that’s no brainer!” Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes. “Just bribe the conductor and he’ll let you pass. That’s how we got there.”

“…the thing is, nopony must know I’m going there. Not even bribing the conductor. I got the money, but he can’t know I’m there, you get me?”

“What’s your plan, then?” asked Apple Bloom, a little confused.

“Pull this suitcase to the station, bribe the conductor with the bits I’ll give you, place the suitcase in a wagon and get off before it leaves.

“Sounds like a plan to me!” Sweetie Belle agreed. Apple Bloom wasn’t very convinced.

“That’s good an’ all, but what’s in it for us?”

The suitcase opened a little and Featherweight sticked out a pair of hundred bits bills.

“Clever, boy. But mah sister will definitely notice if I suddenly appear with a new doll or with a stuffed tummy after eating a lot of candy.”

Sweetie Belle pouted again after Featherweight pulled the bills back inside at Apple Bloom’s answer. She really wanted a new doll and to stuff her tummy with candy. She sighed and asked “Why are you going to the Crystal Empire, anyway? Are you running away?”

“I can’t tell you that. It’s confidential.”

“Come on, Featherwight!” Sweetie Belle pleaded.

“You don’t need to beg, dumbhorn! He can’t go nowhere without our help.”

“I don’t like where this is going.” Featherwight lamented.

“Tell us or you can just stay there ‘till you melt!”

“Not fair, girls! I really really can’t tell you!”

“Tell us what you can, then!” Sweetie Belle offered.

“It’s a mission, alright? I must go there on a mission to collect…information.”

“On your own?”

“Technically I have my great-uncles’s permission to go there.”

“Why inside a suitcase?”

“...I have his permission to break the law, alright? The fewer ponies know I’m going, the better. I am labeled a sneaker after Gabby Gumms with that Princess picture, so if anypony finds out I’m at the Crystal Empire they’ll be hunting me. If I bribe the conductor he’ll spill the beans for a higher price. That’s how snitching works.”

Sweetie Belle stared at Apple Bloom.“And what kind of information?”

“Can’t tell you that.”

“We can just leave you here”

“Sorry, it’s very, very confidential”

“Is it about a treasure?”

“Maybe”

“Is it about a celebrity?”

"Maybe”

“What about the weather? Is it about the weather?”

“No.”

“Tell us.”

“Not gonna happen.”

“That’s it! You try to sneak into the train in your own!” Apple Bloom angrily gave a faint buck to the suitcase. “Let’s go, Sweetie Belle!”

From inside the suitcase, Featherweight panicked as he heard the girl’s trotting. He had to find something to convince them. He looked through the holes. He saw the pair leaving, but couldn’t see clearly since there was something obscuring his vision.

He opened the suitcase and sticked a hoof out to reach whatever was blocking is sight. He grasped a piece of paper and tore it away. Back inside he looked at the paper… and slammed his head to the padded wall of the suitcase. That was it!

“I see you are looking for Scootaloo, right?”

Silence.

“Girls?”

More silence. He got nervous. He couldn’t shout or speak louder or somepony would notice him.

“This is bad.”

He suddenly heard a fast trotting coming his way. He peeked through the holes and saw Apple Bloom’s eyes staring back at him. Next thing he knew he felt the cart the suitcase was in to move.

“Bits.” Apple Bloom demanded.

“Here you go. Thanks!” Featherweight handed the bribe bits to her.

“Now, what do you know about Scootaloo?” Apple Bloom asked, while Sweetie Belle pulled the cart.

“More information once I’m in the train station. Try to leave me again and I won’t say a thing!”

“That’s where we are heading, right Sweetie Belle?”

“Yeah right, Ah’ll be the one interrogating while you are the pulling mule!” Sweetie Belle squeaked annoyed at her, imitating her accent. “At least 75 percent of what I’m pulling is your rump!”

Apple Bloom looked at her tummy. Was she really that fat? Featherweight interrupted.

“Right, in the meantime, I’ll brief you with this: the night before pegasi dropped the pamphlets over Ponyville, there was a secret reunion at Fluttershy’s house. You’ll never guess who was there.”

Apple Bloom reacted quickly: “My gosh! Rainbow Dash?”

“Exactly.”

“What happened at that reunion?”

“Couldn’t hear all of it but I can tell you this much: pegasi aren’t on the sky.”

“Then where?”

“Where Scootaloo is.”

“Featherwight!”

“Sorry, can’t tell you that until I’m sure I’m inside the train bound to the Crystal Empire. And don’t close my eyeholes.”

Apple Bloom had her cheeks red with frustration, and then gave up. “Argh, fine!"

After a few minutes, the station could be seen in the distance.

“Why did you bother investigating that? Did you knew that anypony, especially those earth-kissers will do anything for that information?”

“My great-uncle had this hunch, that pegasi were up to something, and he commissioned me to check it out. Once I had this information and passed it up to him he confirmed his suspicions.”

“Will he make it public?”

“That was his intention at first, but when he gave me the mission I’m going now, he told me to give that information to somepony which I trust.”

She looked at the suitcase. “And you choose us?”

“Well if I’m entrusting my whole being hoping that you will sneak me to the station, then I think I can say I trust you right? If I trust you, then I can give it away with no fear. Besides, it must be awful to know that a dear friend of yours is missing.”

“No kiddin’”

“I know you three have been the best of friends since day one. It wouldn’t be fair of me to keep quiet.”
-

Ponyville Train Staition. Evening.

“Hey, we are here. Quiet you two.” whispered Sweetie Belle as they entered the waiting hallway.

Apple Bloom jumped off the cart and joined her friend.

“The train bound to the Crystal Empire will leave in ten minutes!” a conductor was heard shouting. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle sprinted to him, dragging the suitcase with them. The speed flipped it to a side.

“Ow.”

“Good afternoon, ladies. Is that your luggage?”

“Yes sir!” Sweetie Belle answered. Just a few girls stuff.

“I see, well can you show me your tickets?”

“Oh my, let me see…I think I lost them!”

“…where are your parents or an adult I can talk with?” the conductor asked suspiciously.

“Oh look, I have them right here!”

“Well I still need an adult to confirm that…oh” he said as he was handed two bills of five hundred bits.

“You are too young to be running away from home. Can’t say I approve it….”

Apple Bloom showed him some puppy eyes. So did Sweetie Belle.

“…can’t stay in the way of love. On board little ladies, this earns your luggage an inspection-free pass.”, finally said with a wink, folding the bills in his pocket.

A sturdy pony grabbed the suitcase and went towards the luggage wagon where it tossed it. Sweetie Belle gave a pained expression when she heard the suitcase loudly crashing into the rest of the luggage. After this, they were on board.

They ran towards the luggage wagon to find Featherweight. In the way Apple Bloom finally asked: “Did the conductor just said…?”

“Yeah”

“Because he thinks that you and I…”

“Oh yeah he did.”

She blushed a bit. Then she laughed.

“What a dummy.”

They sneaked inside the luggage wagon and searched for Featherweight.“Featherwight!” Sweetie Belle whispered loudly, if it was even possible.

“Owwwww….” a pained moan was heard from the suitcase. “What the hell was that?”

“You are now inside the train, and it will leave soon. Now tell us as you promised.”

“Right, about that.”, he answered, still dizzy.

“Come on, we need to get off in time before the train leaves!” Sweetie Belle urged.

“Remember when you said that those earth-kissers would do anything for this information?”, Featherwight began.

“Yes.”

“Well, three things before I tell you: one, don’t tell anypony else about it; two, keep in mind that pegasi don’t want to be found. If they catch you, you won’t be able to leave; and three: please DON’T’ let anypony follow you.”

The two fillies looked at eachother and nodded.

“Got it. Anything else?”

A whistle was heard and the train slowly began to move.

“Oh BUCK! Featherweight, come on!”

The suitcase opened and Featherwight handed Apple Bloom a piece of paper. It was Scootaloo’s poster with some scribbling behind. It looked like a sketchy map.

“There you go. Don’t trail off or you’ll be lost!” He closed the suitcase and secured himself in.

The train slowly increased the speed. It was time to make a jump.

Apple Bloom looked at the map. it didn't look like anywhere she knew. “What the hay, Featherweight! Where are we supposed to search?”

“Your house, Apple Bloom!”

“What?”

“Two miles south! Don’t let the mist to confuse you!”

“We gotta jump now!” Sweetie Belle squeaked, as she climbed a plie of luggage that leaded to a window.

“Remember what I said you two, and thanks!”

“Thank you Featherweight. We owe you big time.”

And yelling, they jumped off the train as it headed full speed to the Crystal Empire.

“Where are we heading now?”, asked Sweetie Belle, panting.

“Looks like we’ll have a sleepover in my house.”, she answered, looking at the map. Finally they ran off the station heading to Sweet Apple Acres, as they where watched closely by Stainmudd.
-

Friendship Express Train. Evening.

Inside the suitcaise Featherweight heard clearly the announcement:

Thank you for choosing the Friendship Express! You are on board of the train heading to the Crystal Empire with a stop on Canterlot. Enjoy your trip!

He sighed in relief. After making himself comfortable as the small space inside offered he picked an envelope from inside his bag. He tore it and pulled a folder with a letter of instructions.

Hello, Son.

The reason of this much secrecy is because of the delicate nature of the information you have to get, and because the stability of Equestria is at stake now, so you must protect that information at all costs.

Do not worry, I have confidence of you, but do not take any unnecessary risks.

Love you boy.

Uncle Phony.

Featherweight rolled his eyes. “Unnecessary risks, right.”

He turned the page and he felt a cold shiver.

Mission:

Stick to Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and follow her every move. EVERY MOVE. Find any chance to photograph her and take it.

Captain Shining Armor is suspecting adultery. Any time she leaves her palace you must follow. Everypony who speaks to her is a suspect. Overlook nothing.

Secondary mission:

While The Princess is priority, try to observe any suspicious activity from the captain as well and take any chance to photograph him.

Third mission:

Keep yourself from being caught.

“This is going to be fun. Life-threatening fun.” Featherweight thought with a smirk.

About kidnapping and riling up a town.

View Online

Two miles South Apple Acres. Late night.

Among the rock formations beyond the town of Ponyville, two small figures could be seen in the moonlight. Apple Bloom was looking at the sketchy map with a small flashlight in her forehead.

"Well, we are here now, but we can´t see anything that looks like a camp", Apple Bloom said. "Help me will ya?"

Sweetie Belle dragged her tired legs and stopped. "Did we cross the small creek?" she asked in the middle of a yawn.

"Yep." Apple Bloom confirmed.

"Did we turn left on the oak tree with those yellow ribbons tied on it?"

"Yeah."

"And we found a dangerous slope we have no idea how to climb when we get back."

The scratches on Apple Bloom's knee ached; "Yeah”

“We walked across a road with some weird yellow bricks too", continued Sweetie Belle.

"And we got ourselves into a creepy cavern." Apple Bloom quickly remarked.

"Which we navigated going north, east, north, east, north, north, west, and north to find the exit."

"Yes, right after you cried when that bat nest startled you", pointed out Apple Bloom, giggling.

Sweetie Belle shivered after remembering those bats. "And after the exit, an open field as far as the eye can see…”, she sighed.

“And that’s where we are right now.” Apple Bloom finished.

Walking after a few minutes Sweetie Belle spoke again "Aren't we walking in circles around here?"

"I don’t think so; you remember where did we come from, right?"

"I could if there wasn't this mist all around here!"

They walked long enough that they suddenly found themselves surrounded with a thick mist. They panicked. "Ooooh this ain't good. This ain't good at all!" Apple Bloom said sweating.

"What does the map say?"

"It just says don't let the mist to confuse you heck, I can't even see anything confusing with this mist!"

"We might as well keep heading north as the map eeeeeeeeeek! - " Sweetie Belle walked straight to a cliff.

"Sweetie Belle!" Apple Bloom halted. Then she quickly tiptoed to the cliff to see where it ended. From the deep a crying voice relieved her.

"Oh, I just want to go home!" The unicorn filly managed to grab a root that grew outside the land formation. It was a fairly big drop if she let go.

"Hang in there! I'll pull you here!" Apple Bloom reached for her and pulled her to safety. She did her best to pull, and Sweetie Belle used her magic to pull herself upward too. "Whoa, it was a big cliff." She finally said when they took a peek down below.

“This is getting so on my nerves! This better be cutie mark worthy!” Sweetie Belle said after catching her breath.

“Ah think there’s more to it than our cutie marks, Sweetie. It’s Scootaloo we are talking about.”

Sweetie Belle panted again. She reconsidered her words. ”Yeah, I know. The spur of the moment, I guess”. Then she look towards the mist, it looked as if some kind of lights were moving from inside.

They lied down in the grass for a couple of minutes, when she pointed out: "Are those fireflies?"

Apple Bloom looked at her hoof, and then looked at the direction she was pointing. "...they look too big for fireflies."

They came near to the cliff and observed. As the night was deepening, more and more lights could be seen from the mist.

"Should we jump off the cliff?" Sweetie Belle asked, as a manner of a joke. Certainly they would find a way to surround the cliff and…

"Well, ah got Applejack's rope..." Apple Bloom answered quietly when she looked at Sweetie Belle's expression going paler and paler.

Rickshaw and his goons were following the trail closely until they stopped. They hid behind a huge boulder and kept observing.

"The hell are they up to now?" Rickshaw said.

"They look pretty confused. Maybe they don't know what they are doing, after all." Root Beer whispered.

"Wait, they look like they are tying a rope on that tree. Guess they will rappel on that cliff." Rickshaw interrupted.

"We'll follow once they are down, then." Stainmudd observed as they disappeared on the misty cliff.

Pegasi Shelter Camp. Night.

Some pegasi were guarding the borders of the mist with torches. It was nearly midnight and there was plenty of activity in the camp.

And there was Scootaloo, looking from outside her family's tent. She couldn’t be used to her new life as a refugee, especially when she wasn’t sure who were they fleeing from.

“Hey Scoots, will you get a nap or what?” Rainbow Dash landed in front of her. “All little fillies and colts must be up early for school tomorrow.”

“That’s not my school”, she dryly answered. She simply got dragged by her parents when she was getting ready for Ponyville Schoolhouse two weeks ago and found herself attending another with almost nopony she’s ever seen before.

“It is while you are here.” Rainbow Dash firmly stated. “Hey, I know how you feel, but trust me when I tell you it’s only for a little while. Your mom and dad are with you, ok? ”

“Yeah.” She curled back into position. “I just don’t understand what we are waiting for.”

“Ok, it’s true that we may look a little too suspicious, but we really haven’t had much of a choice…also-”

Scootaloo interrupted “I’m also wondering why my friends aren’t here with me.”

“Well they have a big mouth for starters.” The filly stared at Rainbow Dash with disbelief. Damn! She thought, thinking aloud. “…and really, we can’t have this shelter simply discovered, you got me?”

“So, let me see if I understand: I am here, on my own, boring myself to death in a place that nopony outside from us should find, attending a so-called school with ponies I have never met, all of this as long as whatever thing that of course I can’t know because I’m a filly sorts out.”

Her rant made Rainbow Dash step backwards until she felt a wall on her flank.

“Am I right?”

“Y…yeah…pretty much…” She sweated a bit. Why the hell did she came to see her, anyway? “But… but you are with your parents, right?”

“Oh for crying out loud…” Scootaloo rolled her eyes and turned back to her tent. “Seriously, Rainbow Dash, you are cool and all but you are not helping here…”

“Hey kid, don’t think you are the only one with a rough time with all of this!”

“Well I seem to be the only one with no information. It’s sad, cuz when my parents kept silent on anything, I could always trust in you….”

Rainbow Dash looked away. Damn those secrets she had to keep.

“Now it looks like I can’t count on you either.” Scootaloo entered her tent and turned her back.

“Look…sorry. I wish I can tell everypony all what I know. But as I told you…you are not alone. I miss my friends too. ”

And with that she left. “Try and get some sleep. Angry or not, you must carry on.”

Scootaloo spitted. You miss your friends? At least you know why!

Her tent was deep inside the camp, but she could always walk to the edges. She had to be sneaky, tough. At least there she could think clearly.

The camp was almost like a big fair. There were the vast majority of pegasi jumping from tent to tent buying or simply taking the variety of food and water that arrived in huge quantities. Apples from Sweet Apple Acres were mandatory and the big loads arrived daily. For being two weeks, things got prepared very thoroughly.

Why aren’t my friends here? she thought.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were the only ones she could share this odd moment with. Maybe investigate it as another crusade. But now precisely because of their curious nature, they had to be separated and with no information.

What were they doing?

Are they worried about her?

Did they wonder about her whereabouts as she was?

Maybe they decided to keep going crusading without her?

Or maybe, just maybe, knowing them the way she did, they couldn’t just stay still and investigating the matter somehow those two found a way to sneak into the misty camp, climbing down a rope, covered head to toe in bristles and dirt, and clumsily falling the last inch right into the ground before her?

What?

Scootaloo didn’t even react.

“Ow, I told you it was too short!” Sweetie Belle stood up and Apple Bloom gasped for air, for she landed on her flank right on her face.

“And you said I was fat!”

“Apple Bloom! Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo finally said. “How did you found me?”

“Scoots!” Sweetie Belle squeaked and ran towards her. Apple Bloom followed.

“We were looking for ya for a whole lot, girl.”

I have the best of friends she thought. So they really care about me. Her joy almost overtook her. She shook her head. She needed to look cool.

“Are you ok?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Yeah, just…hay fever.”

“So…why are you here?” Apple Bloom started.

“Trust me, I really want to know that myself. Just suddenly, out of the blue on my way to class my parents dragged me here.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, they told me not to worry, that everything was alright, and that this stuff was only for a while. Maybe they wanted me to believe that this was some sort of boot camp.”

“Ugh, parents love to say all that. I bet you only got more stressed.” Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes.

“Hell I did.”

Apple Bloom commented. “Well let me tell ya, the day you left a lot of pamphlets were dropped all over Ponyville during class. When we returned home nopony would let us read them. Applejack was even playing dumb when I asked her.”

“Typical, why the hell do they act like that?”

“Beats me. But ah managed to find one. And Sweetie Belle and I analyzed it.”

They handed the pamphlet over to Scootaloo. She remembered the format pretty well. But she never got able to finally read it until now.

“This is a load of crap. It’s not true in the least.”

“We know that. But why lying?”

“Girls, we got ourselves a big mystery we have to solve.” Scootaloo declared.

“Yeah, we just needed our third member here.” Sweetie Belle patted her shoulder.

“Time for another crusade” Apple Bloom happily whispered.

“For now we all need to keep low. They can’t see you sneaking here or else…” Scootaloo guided them within the camp.

“We know, but if they do catch us, our families will be looking for us like crazy. Damn if you do, damn if you don’t kinda thing” Apple Bloom whispered. Scootaloo processed that order of events and shook her head.

“Geez girls, you really have guts to have come and find me here. You have any idea how to get back?”

“We um… didn’t have time to plan that part.” Sweetie Belle nervously admitted.

“You two are already in trouble! I don’t think you’ll make it ‘till morning back to Ponyville and you have to pull a very good explanation!”

“We’ll chew on that later! For now we can’t do much but to keep going until we find out what’s going on.” Apple Bloom urged, and then she stopped. She forgot one small detail.

“Where are we going again?”

“To Rainbow Dash’s tent.” Scootaloo answered. “Whatever is going on, she knows enough to be terrible at hiding it. And here we are.” They were in front of a middle-sized white tent.

Not sure exactly what to look for inside the coolest mare’s tent they sneaked in. Rainbow Dash was in her comfy bed, snoring pleasantly. Where to start? Drawers? That board over there? Maybe that shelf besides her bed?

Scootaloo hinted the fillies behind them to split. Stealthily they navigated the tent.

Apple Bloom looked at the board with some documents pinned on it. Some looked like invoices that declared large quantities of food with a huge total in bits. Funny thing, there were several bank documents that showed a lot of data. She didn’t understand much of it, but they all had something in common: it had the signature and seal of Cloudsdale CO.

Sweetie Belle carefully looked inside the drawer. There was nothing much to see, just personal hygiene stuff. Then her hoof touched a small book. It looked like a journal.

Scootaloo moved book after book of her Daring Do collection in the shelf to see anything interesting. Seriously, Rainbow Dash had no sense of organization whatsoever. Then she found a loose sheet from inside the book. Was it a separator? She opened the book and looked at the sheet. It looked like a map of the camp.

Sweetie Belle slowly read with the little visibility the moon could offer:

…Fluttershy. She is finally with us now. She had to pull a convincing story with Applejack to take care of her animal shelter, tough. She still believes that this is temporary. I will hate to brake it for her when she finds out the truth.

The Company is still sending us enough bits to pay for our needs but I don’t think it will last for long. They are getting poor.

It’s great to have Fluttershy here…but I really wish to have all of my friends with me now. This feeling grows stronger once you know that you are only buying time before all of Eq…

“Oh the hell you didn’t…”

The three jumped and turned to see Rainbow Dash awake, staring right at them, steam coming out of her nostrils. “WHAT. ARE. YOU. DOING. IN. MY. TENT!?”

“Scootaloo!” Sweetie Belle squeaked at Scootaloo when she sprinted out of the tent, terrified at Rainbow Dash’s rage.

They were about to run towards her when Rainbow Dash tackled and brought them both to the ground.

“I’m gonna get her, but you two stay inside. You’ve caused enough trouble by showing up here!” she snarled at them, and quickly flied out of her tent. She knew Scootaloo wouldn’t make it far with her obvious flight problems.

“Now what do we do? What do we do?” Sweetie Belle panicked.

“The hell we are stayin’ here. Let’s move!”

They exited the tent and looked to the sides to check if the coast was clear. It wasn’t. Scootaloo emerged from behind the tent there with a mischievous smirk on her face.

“We gotta go. I’ll see you out of the mist.”

“Well, we have a bunch of food buying, a lot of money from Cloudsdale Factory and Rainbow Dash feeling nostalgic. That doesn’t say much. ” Said Apple Bloom, again in a matter of fact manner.

“Seems like we are not that good at investigating at all. All we got were more questions and a pissed off Rainbow Dash looking for us!”, continued Sweetie Belle while running to the mist.

“Hey, at least you found me!” said Scootaloo, stopping to contemplate the mist that marked the boundary between the open wilderness and the pegasi camp. They finally got there.

However…

“Oh damn right they have!” a gruff voice was heard from behind a tree. Next thing they knew they got surrounded by three earth pony stallions.

“Good gracious Apple Bloom, sweetheart. Does Applejack know you’re outdoors this late?” Rickshaw talked first.

“…Rickshaw?” Apple Bloom sweated cold. How the hay did they follow?

“Shucks girl, just call me uncle! Anyway, we were looking for your little friend too, you know! We are so happy to find ‘er thanks to y’all.” He nodded at Root Beer and Stainmudd who quickly threw a lasso at her. She yelped when she fell in the ground.

“Scootaloo! Let her go!” Apple Bloom cried.

“Now hush, hush. We’ll do no harm to her! We just want her to answer a couple of easy questions, how about that?” Rickshaw mockingly looked at Scootaloo like a bargainer.

“Tell you what: you two can tell whoever wants this girl back where we are. They should come alone, and willing to answer our questions to have’er back.” Stainmudd tied her body to immobilize her wings while Root Beer tied her neck like a leash to pull her.

Root Beer felt terrible. He tried to ask her if the rope was too tight for her, but she was being kidnapped for goodness sake! He just looked at her shocked, tearful eyes and turned away, ashamed.

“Better be yer mommy or daddy, girl. Then you’ll see how much they care ‘bout ya…it must really suck to be you if they prefer to keep this crazy game over you!” Rickshaw chuckled as he pulled Scootaloo to walk along.

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom just stayed there, shocked, not knowing what to do for her friend as she was dragged away, screaming and resisting the leash.

“Feeling unloved by ma’ and pa’ will be the least of yer worries, tough!” Rickshaw continued. “Because if they don’t come in an hour to the first cave you find up north…” He stared at the two fillies, clearly giving instructions. “…they’ll pick up one of her wings instead.”

Root Beer’s ear perked and looked at Rickshaw in disbelief.

“One half hour later, you’ll pick up the other one.”

Even Stainmudd looked uneasy.

“Make us wait two hours… and y’all pick up a corpse. Understand?”

Scootaloo looked pale and glanced at her friends with urgency.

“But I don’t think that will be necessary, ‘cuz this filly is smart and knows what’s good for her and she’ll answer right away, right?” Rickshaw looked at Scootaloo with a creepy smile and with that they abandoned the mist.

“Make sure to give Ma’ Smith my love, will ya?” Rickshaw screamed once out of sight.

It took a few seconds that seemed like an eternity for Apple Bloom to process all of what just occurred. A few moments ago they were chatting, frustrated as usual but happily once again as three friends, the next one Scootaloo got kidnapped by the worst earth-kissers she had the displeasure of knowing. And the leader was no one but her father’s older brother: the crazy one, the black sheep, the disgrace of the whole Apple Family. And he just took her best friend in such a…criminal manner, for the lack of a better word. As tears finally ran through her eyes she could only imagine what they could do to her…and she was sure it was her fault.

“Rickshaw you sack of shit!” cursed Apple Bloom at top of her lungs. Then she collapsed and cried. Sweetie Belle cried too once she finally recovered from her shock, but she reacted more quickly.

“Apple Bloom, we can’t stay here. We must go back to the camp and find Rainbow Dash!”, she quickly said.

“This is my damn fault. My damn FAULT!”, sobbed Apple Bloom as she got dragged to stand up.

Sweet Apple Acres. Few hours before sunrise.

Applejack suddenly woke up. It was that sense of dread she felt when something was definitely wrong with anypony she cared about. She peeked at the window and saw that everything looked in order. She sighed deeply. Maybe it was the hot weather. Night time offered little relief these days.

Those animals Fluttershy left her to take care of for two weeks got on her nerves very quickly and she only had to feed them and clean their occasional mess. Minimal time compared to the whole seasons Fluttershy spent with them.

It was a very tiring week. Almost all of Sweet Apple Acres harvest got bought by a mysterious customer. They even brought their own trucks and carts to pick the loads of apples. There was nothing wrong or odd with that until they offered to pay for the next year’s harvest in advance. We don’t know even if there will be a harvest next year.

She considered going to Apple Bloom’s bedroom. Then she shook her head. “Ah would if there wasn’t any visitor with her. Just breaking into her room, disturbing their sleep to check her out would be rude…” she scolded herself.

Then again, she was with Sweetie Belle. Anything could happen with them together.

Applejack smiled, got off her bed and calmly trotted her way to her little sister’s bedroom. What was the worst that could happen, after all?

Pegasi shelter camp. About the same time

“You have to be kidding me! ...agh!” Rainbow Dash was running across her tent in circles, tossing some of the books, and flipping tables. She was THAT mad.

“Rainbow Dash, please calm down!”

“You could just have stayed calmly in Ponyville. But NO, you REALLY had to come HERE! And YOU allowed yourselves to be followed! And those who followed you happen to be the VERY SAME EARTH-KISSERS that we are running away from! DAMN IT!” she flipped another table as Apple Bloom stood by and waited for her to stop her rants to plan something to get Scootaloo back. Sweetie Belle was bawling her eyes out, tough.

“And now they have Scootaloo. Damn it they are good. They finally got some leverage on us.” She calmed down and spitted.

“What do we do now?” Apple Bloom risked asking. Dash stared angrily at her.

“Nopony in this camp must know about this. The last thing we need is to panic them. Her parents must be looking for her right now…and they will start looking for her here.”

She stood up. “If they don’t see us they’ll assume we are together, sigh in relief and leave. They trust me that much already.” Rainbow Dash sarcastically chuckled out of spite for herself. She after all failed to protect her.

“So…”

“No chance in hell I will let those bastards hurt Scootaloo.”

Sweetie Belle sniffled and turned. Rainbow Dash approached the exit.

“They know about this place. They know where is located and probably Scootaloo will tell them all she knows out of panic. I can only imagine how much information they could get if she knew what the average refugee knows already!” she rubbed her eyes to shake out the thought.

“Wha-what are we gonna do then?” Apple Bloom stuttered.

“I am going to bring her back. I will take care of those bastards and I will keep you here. Just like them you know too much about this camp and no way I'll let you walk freely out.”

“No. We are going back home.” Apple Bloom resisted.

“No you are not.” Rainbow Dash answered back.

“We came here to look for Scootaloo. We have nothing to do with your sneaky business!” she retorted.

“Really? Then what the hay were you doing sneaking into my tent and reading my diary?”

“…um…we…that’s a good question.” Apple Bloom sweated.

“It was another cutie mark quest isn’t it?”

Apple Bloom stayed quiet. Sweetie Belle started crying again.

“Even if you just wanted to cool off your curiosity, if those earth-kissers find you they will make you sing! And you live with them! You are staying and that’s final!”

Apple Bloom was in no mood of taking any of that. “Applejack and Rarity will look all over the world for us. You can’t keep us here without making yourselves look even more suspicious!” Apple Bloom challenged. Rainbow Dash grunted and snarled at Apple Bloom. She wasn’t afraid. “And those earth-kissers will use that for their advantage!”

That was it. Rainbow Dash lost it. “Curse your ability to make things complicated.” Rainbow Dash pointed her hoof right at their faces. “If you three ever get a cutie mark it will be for always SCREWING THINGS UP!” And she stormed out of her tent to the direction they provided.

She was angry. She really felt that they deserved all the hurtful things she yelled at them but hell, their little childish game endangered the whole mission she was entrusted with. There were lives in the line.

“I swear I’ll kill those bastards or die trying!”

Outside the camp, somewhere in the wilderness.

Whap!

“Yo Rickshaw, don’t ya think you got a little carried away with this? Can’t we just leave this filly and wait for one of them pegasi to come here?” Root Beer offered as Rickshaw was interrogating Scootaloo, frightening her with the whipping of his rope on the floor after each question.

“The hell you mean with “I don’t know”, you brat?”

“I swear, I told you all I know! I only got dragged out of my house by my parents and I ended up in the camp!” Scootaloo pleadingly responded.

“A camp, alright. We saw that ourselves from afar. Tell me, how many pegasi are there?”

“I…I have no idea” Whap! “Ah! Many…too many! A few hundreds, I know very few of them!”

Rickshaw turned to Root Beer.

“We can’t take any chances Root Beer. Only like this we can have some answers.”

“Rickshaw, it’s already a crime to kidnap this filly, but what you are doing here is torture!”

“Damn it Root Beer man up!” Rickshaw screamed at his face “I have heard nothing from you but second-guesses and complaints! You should be as pissed off as me or even more! Somewhere in that camp are your wife and kids…and”

“Please don’t bring that up”

“Hey, if your wife left you because you screwed up it’s her choice, but taking away your kids was something lowly, and you know it! Serves you right for marrying a pegasus. ”

Root Beer looked at the floor.

“Don’t you want to see your kids, too?”

“I…yeah. More than anything.” Root Beer finally said. “But not at the expense of the torment of somepony else’s baby!”

“Psh, come on…I’m just asking and she’s answering, nothing should go wrong as long as she cooperates!” Rickshaw dismissed his concern, turned and went back to Scootaloo.

“Oi Rickshaw, ah thought you gave your word that we wouldn’t do harm to them fillies” Stainmudd said after seeing Root Beer urging him to say anything.

“Good gracious, you too?”

“Ah was just sayin’ since you…well you threatened to clip her li’l wings off.” he sweated a little as he said that. Rickshaw got lost in thought.

“Well, we DO need to show them that we are not fooling around, Stainmudd.”

“What? Rickshaw, we are crossing the line here!” Root Beer said.

“Boss, ah think that qualifies as harming”

“As far as I can see a pegasus can survive without wings.” Rickshaw smirked as he turned to look Scootaloo as her coat turned pale, and her eyes opened wide with sheer terror.

“Stainmudd, talk some sense to him please!” Root Beer urged. Rickshaw turned his head to them and gave an annoyed look.

“You two shut up. Whoever comes here still has half an hour. Let’s not jump to conclusions and let’s hope that they are smart enough to come within that time, alright?”

The other two stallions looked at each other breathing heavily.

“Now, I am curious about something, luv.” Rickshaw came near Scootaloo and pulled a chair. “How the hay do you manage to survive if you can’t harvest anything for yourselves?”

“There is always food and water in the camp.” Scootaloo managed to respond. She was terrified.

Rickshaw blinked. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Seriously? YOU have enough food and water while everypony else is dealing with a drought?”

“I just know what I saw, I swear.”

“Well of course you do, you’re a kid after all, but at least you know what kind of food is inside that camp of yours!” He said grabbing the rope again.

“Plenty of grain and vegetables, fruits and other stuff”, Scootaloo said, begging for that traumatizing experience to end. Each time he opened the mouth was to insult, threaten or asking something she maybe didn’t knew how to answer. And God help her if she couldn’t answer.

Rickshaw stood up infuriated and looked at his two goons.

“They are eating our food. Those feathered sons of bitches are eating our FOOD! Do you see now why I act the way I do? We are in the middle of a drought THEY make and now they are eating our food while OUR children are starving!”

Root Beer feared that Rickshaw would lose his mind and take his anger with the poor filly. “We can always ask the one who will come why this is happening.”

“Hell it’s already clear to me that they are up to no good. Why is now irrelevant! I could gut this pest out for all I care! But that won’t do.”

Once he heard that Root Beer trotted to Scootaloo, to check her bindings as an excuse. There was always the possibility of Rickshaw losing it, and he knew he shouldn’t let him do anything to her.

“Please help me…” he heard her whispering to him.

“Unless somepony older comes here we can’t use her as an example.” Rickshaw admitted.

A rustling was heard outside the cave. That perked everypony up. Stainmudd was the first to react and headed to the entrance.

“Alright whoever you are, if you came for the girl you better show yourself.” Stainmudd yelled.

“Shhh…don’t rile him up, Stainmudd.” Rickshaw whispered. “You better use your head.”

“What’s going on?” Root Beer asked.

“I’ll tell you what is going on: whoever’s out there is going for a dramatic entrance. Catch us off-guard.”

“What’s the plan, then?”

“We need to flush him out. And I know exactly how. Go get the girl.”

Root Beer sighed in relief. The girl was about to go free. “Yeah.”

As he approached her he could hear Scootaloo whispering panicked at him. “Help me…please help me!”

“It’ll be over soon, kid. There’s somepony out there who cares ‘bout cha.” He tried to reassure her before Rickshaw could hear him. He was relieved that Scootaloo’s torment was to end, or so he thought.

Once he dragged her to the cave’s entrance, Rickshaw handed him a pair of heavy kitchen shears.

“All right, if you like surprises we’ll give you one!” Rickshaw shouted in the open. “If you don’t show your face in ten seconds maybe her screaming will talk some sense into you!” Root Beer opened his eyes wide. What the hell was he up to?

“Clip one of her wings at my signal.” Rickshaw whispered to him.

“What the hell? We don’t know if anypony is out there!” He protested.

“Five seconds!”

“You know what? Fuck this. I’m no damn criminal.” Root Beer tossed the scissors away. Rickshaw slapped him across the face.

“You goddamn pussy!” Rickshaw growled at him, then picked the scissors up. “If you don’t have the balls to do what’s necessary for our race, then I’ll do it!” He leaned to pick up the scissors. He never got able to.

“You really think that it takes BALLS to kick your racist asses?”

Rainbow Dash rapidly dived her way into the cave and crashed into Rickshaw. She dragged him to the deepest. Stainmudd was too slow to react and approached her back. Bad call. She bucked him with all her might and he hit the floor clumsily.

“Run for it, Scoots!” She yelled at Scootaloo. “Go to my tent and STAY there!”

Not that Scootaloo needed to be told twice. She attempted to run, but a piece of rope was still tied to a heavy cart. Root Beer, recovering from the slap courtesy of his boss untied the rope. “Get the hell out.”

“The kid’s getting away!” Stainmudd stood back up and tried to pursue.

“Stainmudd chill the fuck down, son!” Rickshaw yelled at him as he was standing up and sweeping the dust off his coat. “Let her go.” Stainmudd looked over his shoulder to see his boss and he pointed with his gaze at the entrance of the cave. “Look out there.”

Rainbow Dash was hovering from the outside looking at the trio from the air. She wasn’t going anywhere. She was just staring menacingly at them.

“Howdy there, cupcake”, Rickshaw started. “Ain’t you gonna scream and fly back to your camp?”

“You saw the camp.” It wasn’t a question.

“Damn right, we did. And all of Ponyville will know about it.”

“Can’t let you do that. You won’t leave this cave alive.”

Rickshaw laughed. “Oh my, ain’t you a ballsy one! So you want to kill us, right?”

“You had the nerve to kidnap and torment a little one who has nothing to do with this. I’ll make you pay.”

“Oh, but we both are kidnappers. I don’t think you’ll let go those two fillies anytime soon, right? They saw your camp too!”

“They are stupid, I give you that. But we’ll never do with them what you did with Scootaloo, you bastards.”

Rickshaw assumed a defensive stance.

“Damn you are right for once. And you’ll better have a good plan to take us three down, cuz you’ll regret it if we lay hooves on you! And if you run away all of Ponyville and true sons of Equestria will be all over you! I swear on Celestia we will!”

“Sorry, miss?” Root Beer interrupted. That broke their respective bravado. He sheepishly continued, in an awkward manner. “Um, just sayin’. You have nothing to worry about me, I quit.”

“You have no choice but to stick with us”. Rickshaw growled at him. “She’ll kill you too if she has the chance, dumbass!”

Perfect distraction: Rainbow was looking which one to take first. Sadly the first option was Root Beer.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if you fall first, being the pussy you are.”

Last thing Root Beer knew he found himself tackled to the ground by Rainbow Dash.

“And the only one who will.” Rickshaw assured.

“Up we go!” she pulled him and flied away.

Root Beer panicked and held to dear life on Rainbow’s body. She was going to let him go after flying forty meters. Deadly fall. “Damn it, have mercy! I just wanted to see my boys again!” Root Beer cried at her.

“And you kidnapped a filly to be able to, right?” Rainbow shouted back.

“I know I was a dumbass for joining that prick of Rickshaw, but I swear I didn’t let him do harm to her!” He answered. Rainbow reconsidered and dropped him ten meters. At least he’ll broke some bones.

“She dropped Root Beer, boss.” Stainmudd said, back in the ground.

“Serves him right for being a coward. Now, on my signal you retreat to the cave. I’ll be the bait.”

In the air, Rainbow Dash was scanning the terrain. That bastard couldn’t be far from the cave. Then she saw him. Each one of them was heavy enough, but she decided that Rickshaw would be the one she’ll drop from the highest. She dived to snatch him up but something was off. It didn’t matter. She’ll be too fast for them. She was always too fast for anypony.

“Kick!” He yelled when he ducked her attack. Rainbow’s speed didn’t stop her to enter the cave and was received by a strong kick in the face by Stainmudd. Before she could stand up Rickshaw tackled her and pinned her to the ground.

“We got ourselves another mule!” He yelled happily. Stainmudd tied her wings tightly.

“Seriously, what the hell where you thinking?” Rickshaw mocked in her ear. “To take on three stallions? One pegasus mare?”

“Got her all tied as a present, boss.”

“Let’s go to Ponyville. It’ll be sunrise soon and everypony must see this wench and hear what she’ll have to say.”

Ponyville. Very Early morning.

“Rarity! Rarity, open up please! It’s an emergency!”

Applejack almost bucked Carrousel Boutique’s door open.

“I’m coming! Seriously what’s the hurry?” Rarity yelled from her bedroom. She went downstairs and opening the door saw Applejack horrendously un-kept. She wasn’t the most fashionable of mares after all, but the look of her simply bordered on fashion murder.Her mane was a mess, not even her hat could conceal that. She looked as if she didn’t sleep all night and her eyes were all red and slightly puffy.

“My goodness, darling! What’s wrong with you?”

“Sugarcube, grab whatever you have and come look for our sisters.”

Those words found a long way in her brain’s understanding. “Wait, what?”

“I woke up in the middle of the night to check for the girls. They weren’t in mah sister’s bedroom.”

Rarity stuttered in shock. “But…but…Sweetie Belle?”

“Rarity, they are both missing! They haven’t appeared in all night!”

Sweetie Belle, missing? How could that be possible? Rarity even felt dizzy at the thought. “Where have you been looking?” she managed to say.

“Mah brother and I combed all of Sweet Apple Acres, went to their clubhouse, to Scootaloo’s abandoned house, but we were just about to go to Everfree now. Since it’s Everfree we need to be more than just us.”

Rarity didn’t even took off her nightgown, she closed the door and followed Applejack. “And any clues?”

“Well, ah saw some funny board with our pictures in their clubhouse, and a bunch of posters with Scootaloo’s picture across the streets.”

“Could it be that they went to look for her?”

“Ah suspect the very same thing, but looking where?”

As they were approaching the city hall, a lot of ponyfolk where seen gathering in the main street; strange sight for that time of the day. Shouts were heard among the murmuring of the mass.

“Make way! Dead mare walking! Dead mare walking! Make way, folks!”

Rarity ignored the mob and continued but stopped after some steps. She turned and saw Applejack dumbfounded looking at the crowd behind her.

“Applejack? What are you looking at that crowd? Let’s go and find our sisters!”

“I’ll be damned, Rarity. It’s Rainbow Dash.”

“What?”

Stainmudd and Rickshaw pulled Rainbow Dash to a platform. The murmuring intensified.

“Citizens of Ponyville! Good mornin’ to y’all.” Rickshaw addressed and the crowd got quiet to listen. “Today we have gathered you here to bear witness of this important event.” He cleared his throat and continued. “We rejoice in announcing that finally we caught one pegasus! And not just any pegasus, but the one and only Rainbow Dash of Cloudsdale!”

The crowd resumed their murmuring and some discreet gasps were heard.

“Say hi, sweetheart. You see by the look of sheer shock in their faces that they missed you.” Stainmudd taunted.

“Too bad nopony of you will be able to claim the bounty on this wench’s capture! Oh well, we didn’t have the bits to pay ya anyway” He chuckled.

“What the hay? Why is she tied up like that? Is Uncle Rick losing a few marbles?” Applejack questioned.

“Wench? How rude!” Rarity exclaimed. “How is this ruffian your uncle, Applejack?”

“Y’see, he is the kind of member we never talk ‘bout, you get me?”

“Don’t be fooled by the vulnerable appearances, my brothers and sisters! She is part of a big scheme to hurt our pure earth community!”

“…here we go....” one stallion said loudly among the crowd, making some of them giggle.

Rickshaw looked at him and pointed with his hoof. “Oh, laugh all you want! But first let me tell you what we saw with our own eyes! Two miles south of Sweet Apple Acres a lot of you saw or heard about a mysterious fog that covered a wide area, didn’t ya?”

The crowd (or most of them) agreed with a nod.

“Well you can be all sure that we’ve been decieved! The fog is caused by them! And inside the fog there is this huge, massive complex of tents where these pests live off by our hard work and the future of our children!”

The crowd was dumbfounded and others began to wonder, not quite understanding much.

“Oh yes citizens of Ponyville, believe it! While we are facing the worst droughts in our history, with our children and elderly starving, they are in their camps, eating away our resources and neglecting their duty as weather control!”

“Eating away? We’ve been paying you!” Rainbow Dash responded. Rickshaw slapped her with the back of his hoof. That riled the crowd with unease, some protesting, others throwing stuff at the platform. Hitting a mare at all, let alone in public was something that couldn’t be accepted.

“Do we look like we eat bits, you bitch?” Rickshaw angrily yelled at her. Then he turned at the crowd. “You’ve heard it from her very own mouth, people!”

Applejack suddenly remembered the loads and loads of apples her family harvested. So it was them who bought them! She was more shocked at the slap that her uncle placed on her friend, tough. And oh she wouldn’t let that slip away.

“Hey, Rick you like to hit mares? Untie her right at this instant!” Applejack bumped her way across the crowd towards the platform with Rarity closely following.

“She doesn’t deserve to be treated this way, mister! Untie her or else we’ll hand your flank to the true authorities here!” Rarity demanded.

“My, oh my, perfect timing, sweetheart!” Rickshaw grinned. “Ah was ‘bout to get to the best part.”

Rainbow Dash looked at the ground. As much as she was glad to see her friends back after so long she regretted it had to be like this.

“Hey luv, isn’t it true that my little niece and her little unicorn friend also managed to venture into that camp and got caught?”

Silence.

Applejack opened her eyes wide and looked for Rainbow Dash’s gaze.

“Rainbow, what is he sayin’?”

“AJ, Rarity, your sisters are fine. Don’t mind this prick.”

“Where is my sister, Rainbow Dash?” Rarity asked.

“Sorry, I can’t tell you that.” She coldly answered.

“Rainbow! If y’all do this secret stuff you must have some good reasons, but don’t drag innocent fillies into this!” Applejack pleaded.

“They dragged themselves into this, AJ.”

The crowd whispered among themselves. Rickshaw smiled. Applejack didn’t know what to say or do, neither didn’t Rarity. They never minded too much Rainbow’s silence, but now it was their families in the line.

“But trust me…”

“How do you expect us to trust you if you are hiding their whereabouts from us?”, Applejack cried out.

"How can we be sure they’ll be safe with you, when we don’t know what are you up to, Rainbow Dash?” Rarity sounded desperate too.

Their pleas didn’t faze her. “…trust me when I tell you that we won’t do harm to them as they would if they catch any of us.” Rainbow continued.

“People, now you see it! They lie, slack, eat and kidnap!” Rickshaw interrupted.

“Them being in Cloudsdale to clean their mess? Lies! Droughts that devastate our harvests? Slack! Buying the very few of our food leaving us with only coins for breakfast? Eat! This poor ladies’ family caught and held against their will in their camp! Kidnap! Four charges here and she already pleaded guilty for all of them!”

Rickshaw ran out of air, breathing again continued, now addressing her directly and loudly for the crowd to hear. “Now, you still have a chance to get out of this alive. Be thankful that we are merciful enough: in front of all of Ponyville, confess! Why are pegasi doing all this disturbing conspiracy?”

Silence.

“We let the doors of this town open for all of you and you betray us. Tell us why.”

Silence.

“You abandoned this community, this drought intensifies and now you try to starve us to death. We want an answer!”

By then a part of the crowd started chanting “Speak! Speak! Speak!”.

And Rainbow remained silent.

Rickshaw was losing his patience. “Damn it girl, can’t you see that your neck is in the line?”

Then somepony appeared in the picture.

“No neck is in the line, Mr. Rickshaw!” The Mayor stood on the platform. “What you are suggesting is a lynching, and it’s a crime! Holding somepony against her will without a warrant is also a crime, so I ask you to dissolve this meeting and leave this young mare be!”

Rickshaw didn’t get intimidated by that. In fact he got some confidence. “I’ll tell you what a crime is. Condoning the foul acts of a race that has little respect for this town and its laws! A crime is to threaten me with jail for denouncing it to the people and saying the truth! A crime is to let her walk freely when a pair of fillies is missing and she is the primary suspect!” He pointed a hoof at her “Don’t forget who elected you, mayor! We the people!”. He turned to the crowd and yelled “We the People!” The crowd cheered and chanted that phrase.

“This is a weak government after all. She should resign!” Some said.

“Step out of office, Mayor!” others shouted.

Never before Rickshaw felt this ecstasy…to be taken seriously by a huge mass of ponyfolk. To direct a massive force of ponies and to inject into them his passion, hatred, ideals and make crowd to obey. He felt invincible. His eyes reflected pure madness and his smirk was almost too disturbing.

The Mayor and her guards did very little to stop a portion of the crowd to surround them and keep them at bay.

“He is losing it, Rarity!” Applejack said. “We must do something or he will hang her!”

“Are you really going to let her be killed by that insane stallion?” Rarity screamed to whoever might hear.

“Hush, of course he won’t kill her.” A mare in front of her said.

“Yeah, he is just bluffing to scare her and make her talk.” A young stallion added.

“Ah can’t believe you!” Applejack faced her. “You know her as much as I do. You used to do business with her, for pete’s sake”

“Applejack, this may be the only chance for us to know what is happening. Might as well take it!”

“At what cost?” Rarity said. The mare dismissed her shaking her hoof and turning back.

“Let’s just…wait until she says anything. The camp thing is disturbing enough, so I think it’s fair to say she owes us that much.”

Pegasi Shelter. Around the same time.

Wonderbolt leader Spitfire came to Rainbow Dash’s tent as quickly as she knew. She found Scootaloo with her parents along with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.

“I hope you are happy to have pulled this stunt, risking the lives of us who are living here, girls.” She coldly said to them.

“We already had enough scolding from Rainbow Dash and we are still waiting the scolding from our respective families, thank you very much.” Apple Bloom responded annoyed, still hurt on Rainbow Dash’s words from few hours ago.

“You’ll have to wait for their scolding enough for you to long for it.” Spitfire stated. “You might as well have killed us all; we won’t make that mistake again.”

“There has to be something we can do for her!” Scootaloo said.

“And expose ourselves to even more animosity from the locals? No way. Now you three will have to bear with her death in your consciences for a while.”

“Death?” The word brought a shiver on Apple Bloom’s back.

“Since our cover got compromised, we have nothing else to do but leave to another spot. If the locals decide to come and look here, they will only find a bunch of empty tents. And you will come with us.” She said.

“But Rainbow Dash? Why? There has to be something! Anything!” Scootaloo sobbed as her father reassured her. “She saved me from that cave! Why can’t we do the same?”

“Girl, we are LUCKY that it’s Rainbow Dash the one who got caught. Her sense of honor and loyalty is good enough that she’ll rather DIE before compromising our situation any more than it is.”

“She can’t die!” “You need her!” “I need her!” Scootaloo screamed at her with all of her might. She tried to let go of her parent’s grip to go after Spitfire, who turned her back and walked away.

“All right, gather the skyfolk and their families, and pack your stuff. We are leaving!”

Suddenly, from the sky a small aircraft made a loud noise and landed before them. A young donkey with a white coat and round glasses made an appearance and descended the aircraft. Mayor Blue Halo followed.

“That won’t be necessary.” He said. “Today we go public. No turning back.”

Twilight Sparkle was with Spike and their chariot as she was returning from yet another meeting in the Crystal Empire. Things were the same, tough. Canterlot kept silent about the drought issue, and she just gave up on bringing it up. Her visit was more personal, tough.

The Royal Couple wasn’t in the best of shapes. She could tell even if their ceremonial activities and posing for the press showed them as the ultimate example of a happy marriage. What she wasn’t sure about is what was wrong. They appeared with the best of smiles and their displays of affection showed care and love, but there was something off with them. Specially with Cadance. It was a look in her eyes, sadness, perhaps? Guilt? Disgust?

She preferred to ignore that and focus in the present. The principal issue was of course the weather and the sudden disappearing of most of the pegasi population around all of Equestria. She promised to herself she would get deep in the issue.

“Geez I could use some glass of water now” Spike complained.

“Hold on, Spike. We are almost there.”

“What are we going to do once we get in the library?”

“Well, if I stick to the list I did during the trip, it’s re-shelving day, replace the sheets, hanging out with our friends aaaaand… writing this week’s Friendship Report to the Princess.”

“But you have to attend the Canterlot meeting tomorrow! You can’t handle all the pressure after coming here and moving again!”

“Ah, don’t worry Spike. I can handle it pretty well! Besides, I promised them I would be available.”

“Aren’t you considering…you know, moving back to Canterlot?”

“Not a chance Spike. I might be a Princess now, but I still got a lot to learn. Unless the Princess tells me so, I will remain here. I must be here for my friends, after all.”

“You could skip the Friendship Report in exchange of a little sleep. You know that the Princess rarely responds to them now. There’s no way to know if she actually reads the- ow!”

Spike received a hoof over his head. “What was that for?”

“It’s the last time you suggest such a thing Spike. I know the Princess must be busy but she READS what I send her because she CARES.”

“All right, all right!” Spike waved his hands, defeated. “But you must skip at least one of the activities for you to rest. You know you can’t last for long if you keep on like this.”

After some thought, Twilight answered. “Fine. Let’s skip re-shelving day.”

“I’m not saying that I am also tired as hell and need desperately a brake too, you know.” Spike hinted.

“Oh, right. It’s ok, I never suggested that you were, Spike. You are always so reliable.” She brightly answered.

Spike sighed. She really was bad at taking any hints.

“Don’t lose sight of your belongings, Highness. We are crossing in a bank of mist below.” One of guards pulling the chariot said.

“This is odd.”

From the mist she saw on the distance emerging a small dirigible moving full speed towards Ponyville.

“What is that? Are aircraft allowed to navigate this area?” She asked.

“We are the only ones confirmed to enter Ponyville aerial space. That thing is breaking the law. Should we ask for pursuit?”

“Well, it’s heading to Ponyville.” She answered. “We’ll see what it is once we get there.”

Back to Ponyville.

Rickshaw wasn’t about to end. “So you still refuse to talk, am I right girl?”

“Kiss my flank, moron.”

“Your race is a race of weaklings. You can feel proud of the loyalty you have towards them, but they have no problem with leaving you alone, here in my hooves and about to die. ”

She spat on him.

“Alrightie then. Stainmudd! Tie yerself into that rope! Then jump off the platform when I tell ya!” The rope was knotted into her neck. And it was tensed up in a fence over the platform.

The crowd started slowly to realize what was going on. Applejack panicked.

“Somepony do something!”

“Rainbow Dash!” Rarity screamed.

“It’s all right guys. It’s necessary, you’ll thank me later!” Rainbow Dash shouted at them.

“Screw this, I’m going to get her off myself.” Applejack resolved and walked towards there. She got held by some in the crowd.

“What the hay Applejack, stay down!” One said.

“Let me go or you’ll be sorry!”

“We’ve been waiting years for this! You won’t free her when we know she won’t be back!”

“Let. Me. Go.”

“No. You won’t ruin this moment.”

“I said let GO!” AJ punched into his snout. Once free she proceeded quickly but got overpowered by others from the crowd.

“Rarity! Help her!”

Rarity was already dragged out of the crowd, some were bruised themselves.

“Somepony help! They are going to kill her!”

“I told you, they are going to scare her to talk!” another mare said.

“Are you blind or just damn stupid?! That stallion up there is insane! He’ll kill her! LET THE BUCK GO!”

“Hold her off!” The crowd said; the noisiest ones, actually. The vast majority stayed still, eager to see the outcome, but too neutral to decide anything.

“Consider this a message for all pegasi in that camp!” Rickshaw declared. “We are not fooling around! You can hide, you can run away, but eventually justice will reach you, and treat you just like this wretch over here!”

Rickshaw was about to signal Stainmudd but at the end of the crowd he saw what it looked like a royal chariot landing behind. A winged purple mare jumped out of it.

Worst timing ever. But he knew he couldn’t hold back now even with a Canterlot princess witnessing the execution!

“What is this madness?” Twilight Sparkle shouted at them. The crowd didn’t flinch.

Thank goodness, it was that new weird princess nopony took seriously in Ponyville.

“Consider this a message for Canterlot too! The people wants answers! We demand answers! PONYVILLE DEMANDS ANSWERS!” Rickshaw shouted at the top of his lungs.

“Damn it Rainbow Dash, have mercy on yourself and say something, please!” Applejack cried out for her.

Twilight Sparkle had no time to react. The events were just too overwhelming for her. Was there some sort of kangaroo trial?

Rarity crawled out to go to her. “Twilight, for goodness sake, help her!”

“But who?”

“It’s Rainbow Dash!”

Twilight froze for a second. There was no time to lose. She had to save her.

Use a teleport spell!

Blast the rope!

Why is she there?

Why did she took so long?

Teleport now!

Is the crowd encouraging this?

Focus on the rope and shoot!

Where the hay is the Mayor!

Distance is about fifteen meters…

What will the Princess say about this?

What was the teleportation spell, again?

“Rainbow Dash! NO!” Rarity squealed as she saw Stainmudd reluctantly jumping the platform and the rope tensed up.

Applejack opened her eyes wide, tears flowing freely, too shocked to shout. Some of the crowd finally realized the killing intent of Richshaw too late.

The rope snapped on its own.

Stainmudd was sent flying a few meters away, crashing into a cart.

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes and only saw a very surprised Rickshaw.

Twilight blinked. She didn’t charge a spell at all.

“Over there!” Spike pointed out.

In the middle of the street there was a massive shadow, which materialized into a bull. A donkey was standing in his right side. Both walked towards the crowd.

“And you are not alone, citizens of Ponyville.” The bull said.

END OF PART I

Enter Bashan

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Rainbow Dash didn’t know what was going on. Everything happened so quickly. She was going about to be hanged, but a few seconds later, opening her eyes the rope has hanging loose from her neck. There was something she was sure: she was leaving the hay out of there. Nopony would make a fuss about that now. Not when a strange creature was getting the attention of the entire crowd. She ran away, after bumping Rickshaw out of the way. She would worry about untying her wings later.

“Who the hay is that?” asked Applejack, who trotted out of the crowd towards Rarity and Twilight.

“Is he a bull?” Rarity asked. “He looks a little bit…different.”

“Oh goodness, a bull!” some of the cows coming nearby got fascinated at the sight of him.

He looked bigger than the average cart-pulling ox, but he looked older as well. His hair and beard were gray and unkempt; his horns looked dulled and worn-out. Even his coat, which may have looked pitch black during his prime was now dark gray. Even stranger was the fact that he was also wearing a heavy, but rusted armor. Ominous or not, he saved Rainbow Dash from certain death.

“And who do you think you are to obstruct justice from being done, you unwelcome piece of cattle?” Rickshaw screamed at him.

“I am known as the Bull of Bashan.” He addressed the crowd as he walked near the platform where Rickshaw was standing.

“But you may call me Bashan for short.”

“Alright, thanks to you our culprit is now gone and you may have blew our only chance for our voice to be heard!” Rickshaw responded a little baffled at the size of Bashan as he got closer to him.

“Is lynching your way to speak?”

“It’s justice!”

“No, it’s desperation.”

“Yeah, desperation of being ignored!”

“Rather your desperation for being taken seriously.”

“There is nothing but truth in my words!”

“Wrong again. It’s a talent for riling up a town to do their worst in a moment of crisis.”

“Oh, so you think hanging a criminal is the worst we can do?”

“The…indifference of the town while you kill somepony else is.”

The bull turned and faced the crowd. Rickshaw lost his resolve to argue: the bull’s expression looked calm, but not like someone he would want to quarrel with.

“I now see that here in Ponyville the crisis has escalated at its peak. A completely innocent mare was about to be hanged at the hoofs of smooth talkers…and you were alright with it.” Ponies in the crowd kept looking at him; some were a bit scared, others with their consciences a bit heavy.

“While what it was about to happen was damnable, I can say it’s understandable, tough. After all, most of Cloudsdale pegasi decided to keep silent and leave when you needed them the most.”

The crowd nodded amongst themselves.

“And in your desperation, you took advice from this unscrupulous racist leader who only stirred animosity between groundfolk and skyfolk.”

“All I did I did for my people…” Rickshaw snarled at the bull.

“And I don’t doubt you energy.” Bashan said. “But you choose a path that has caused the worst of our natures to be manifest for ages.”

Bashan opened his eyes after a reflexive sigh and stepped closer to the edge of the platform. “I am here to tell you Ponyville, that you are not alone. I have the answers you seek and the solution of this problem.”

“The town just got cooled off from a big-mouthed troublemaker! Why should we listen to you?” a stallion asked. Bashan turned to his donkey assistant, and nodded.

“All this time you’ve pinned this drought on the wrong ponies; Cloudsdale, the pegasi, the weather factories across Equestria haven’t solved this problem not because they didn’t want to: it’s because they CAN’T.” The bull said. “Most of all of the sky cities are running on key personnel only. This situation is not exclusive to Ponyville. To avoid mass panic they decided to keep the matter quiet, even if it meant the resent of unicorns and ground ponies.”

“Mass panic?” Applejack turned to Twilight. “What is he talking about?”

“I don’t know.” She answered.

Bashan continued. “This drought is the beginning of the end of Equestria as we know it. The sky is getting warmer and soon will not be able to sustain life. Pegasi decided to come down to survive for longer, but the ground will not be any safer either in a few years. It is a scientific certainty.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Rickshaw interrupted. “Are we going all to die?”

“Yes. This civilization is doomed to perish.”

The crowd gasped and murmured.

“Twilight, did you knew any of this?” Rarity asked.

“No, Rarity, this can’t be true…”

“Those meetings you were going lately have anything to do with this?” Applejack seconded.

“This bull has to be lying. And I am going to unmask him.” She resolved and took off to the platform.

“But it doesn’t have to end like this, people!” The bull calmed the crowd. “As I said before, I have come here with solutions!”

“Wait a minute!” Twilight landed in front of him. She almost lost her resolve when she found out herself tiny in comparison to him.

“Yes?”

“What is this so-called scientific certainty you are talking about? How can you be so sure that this drought will kill us all?”

“Oh… very good question!” Bashan responded. “I will let my assistant to answer that.” Bashan pointed the donkey and he stepped aside.

Impressive. Twilight rolled her eyes. “A donkey scientist? What are your credentials?” she sorely asked. Not because he was a donkey, but rather because his obscurity left doubts for his scientific background. He didn’t look like any scientist she had ever read about. A donkey could clearly stand up.

“Look at the evidence first, ask more important questions later, miss.” The donkey unfolded a huge banner. It featured some diagrams and pictures of the sun.

“I’ll explain in a manner that is understandable for everypony. But I’ll start saying that this drought is not of meteorological, but astronomical nature.”

The baffled look of the first row of the crowd said a lot. Bashan coughed.

“…Ok. Please look at figure number one.” He pointed to a diagram. “It shows the normal translation movement of our sun during the last ten years. Do you notice the difference right…here?” He said when he pointed a drastic drop in a line. “This is constant with the time when the first rising of temperature began.”

Some “ooohs” and “aaahs” were heard. Applejack looked as baffled as ever.

“Fancy astronomy!” She whispered.

“And look at these images taken from a telescope during the last five years. It clearly shows that the sun is altering its appearance.”

“Is the sun…getting bigger?” Twilight asked, now worried.

“No, the sun is coming nearer.” The donkey answered.

“More accurately, our world is getting closer.” Bashan completed. “But yes, the sun is gradually making the world to raise its temperature until no living organism will survive.”

“But…but…how?” Twilight asked.

“How? That’s why we are here!” Bashan declared. “Everypony knows WHO makes the sun to rise above our heads…”

Twilight raised her head and gasped. She didn’t like what she was hearing at all. The crowd by then got very surprised.

“It’s the most logical answer if you think about it. Inside Canterlot there is a being from an outdated form of government who is sliding slowly into madness… this is caused by nopony else but Princess Celestia!”

“What?”

The crowed voiced their protest. Anyone could badmouth anypony, but publicly berating Princess Celestia herself needed a bit of nerve.

“Before condemning me hear me out! Her rule was one of the greatest ages Equestria has ever had. But now, as her mind is fading away, her power has now become a threat to our very existence! Look at the evidence! If she hasn’t been able to stop it when it is her call to do so, then we have nothing to do but take matters into our hooves.”

“Let’s say we believe you. What do you propose then?” Rickshaw ventured to ask. Even he couldn’t imagine the Princess neglecting her subjects like that.

“We need to depose her and abolish monarchy altogether. The mighty bloodline she comes from will be nullified and nature will take its course again. No intermediaries. No royalty. We shall establish a government for all of ponyfolk!” He raised his voice in an almost demonic manner. “What I am offering to you is to take control of your own destinies! I proclaim the People’s Republic of Equestria! Everypony is welcome to join!” The bull solemnly stated. The scientist donkey was packing up, when he finished he descended the platform.

“That’s the most idiotic thing I have ever heard in a public space.” Twilight said. “A coup that’s what it is. After deposing her, then what? Who is going to look after the harmony of this world? Who is going to rule from Canterlot?” she asked in a sarcastic manner. “You?”.

Bashan lowered his gaze until he met her eyes. “Do you have a better idea? Or would you prefer us to wait for your precious princess to burn this land to ashes?”

“She doesn’t have such absurd intentions!”

“No, she doesn’t! But with a mental illness there is no guarantee that she has control over her own power. “

“She has NO mental illness!”

“Are you sure? When was the last time you personally saw her? Or anypony?”

Twilight got caught off guard. She really hasn’t spoke directly to the Princess in a long time, and her only communication was from letters. The crowd turned their heads to Mayor Mare, tough.

“Uh…I…I won’t say it here.” The mayor stuttered. The crowd murmured angrily among themselves.

“Don’t be mad at your mayor. She has done a great job by keeping the peace in this town even with the racist lobby breathing in her neck. A lobby of only one member…”, said Bashan, addressing the multitude. Rickshaw gulped. He just lost his momentum.

“That stallion will receive a proper punishment, but in the meantime Canterlot will hear about this.” Twilight talked back. “If you have any thread of logic with you, you will flee far away before the Princess finds you and punish you accordingly as well.”

Bashan nodded. He knew he shouldn’t stay there any longer.

“Think about it, people. We are growing strong; we have reason and an increasing number of volunteers in our side. Of course the last thing we want is to go to an open revolt, and we will exhaust all of our diplomatic resources first. We have rallied from town to town and our paths will lead us back here. By then Ponyville must pick up a side.”

“Ponyville! Don’t listen to these separatists. They are taking advantage of this vulnerable moment to spread venomous lies against our Princess and to shatter our resolve. We ponies are stronger and more faithful than that! We shall overcome this crisis just as all others that had come against us!” Twilight Sparkle spoke up to the multitude.

Two sides. Two options. What would the people decide? The crowd for the first time got dead-silent.

Bashan stepped down from the platform and the crowd opened way for him to pass, his assistant following. “Our mission doesn’t involve death. We are not overthrowing a tyrant, miss. We are only deposing someone who is no longer fit to rule.” The Bull and the donkey boarded the flying device which took off out of Ponyville. From there Bashan shouted: “Think about it, Ponyville! I shall return!”. Once they were gone hundreds of pegasi landed in the plaza. The pegasi population of the town had returned.

Twilight kept her sight on the device, completely sure that she was facing another threat against Equestria. Yet another being whose only presence disrupted harmony. Where the hell were they coming from?

She then told the mayor: “We need to talk.”

“Yes, princess. First let me take care of Rickshaw and his injured partner.”

Her guards quickly apprehended Rickshaw and Stainmudd. Rickshaw sheepishly let himself to be chained and pulled away, as he was baffled about the outcome of that early morning. Stainmudd had to be carried away in a pallet.

“What just happened? What just HAPPENED?” Rickshaw was murmuring.

“Come on, walk along you troublemaker. You go to the local dungeon!” The guard said.

“Sir?”, Wisely addressed Bashan. “You realize that after this there is no going back.”

The old bull sighed. “I know. Our plan is set into motion.”

“Why did you approach Ponyville differently, my I ask?”

“The Bearers of Harmony are here, lad.”

The donkey looked down at Ponyville, amazed. Then Bashan completed, referring to that winged, purple mare that dared to step and talk back against him.

“And SHE is one of them.”

Inside Ponyville City Hall.

“Well, what you have to say for yerselves?” Applejack, being better at scolding than Rarity, stared at the two young fillies. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom weren’t the only ones being scolded, tough.

“Alright Mayor, Mr. Blue Halo, Spitfire and Rainbow Dash…” Twilight began. “What the hay happened?”

“Well Highness, this situation is more complicated than what we thought.” Blue Halo answered. “Cloudsdale. Co is bankrupt, we depleted our resources trying to control the rising temperature in the populated areas, but our very Modus Vivendi was severely altered.”

“And you lot decided to keep quiet about it?”

“Three years ago we got approached by Dr. Wisely C. Donkey, who warned us about this drought to happen. We dismissed him and after everything he said occurred spot-on we realized that he was right all along. We didn’t question his words after and agreed to initiate the Refugee Camp Program. We then decided to leave because the animosity toward our kin was already there. Besides, we wanted to avoid mass panic at all costs.”

“You realize your silence has damaged severely the trust we have among all of ponykind and almost costs the life of my friend Rainbow Dash here?”

“We shouldn’t have come to this point if Canterlot had cared about the matter since the first hate crime happened.” Spitfire countered. Twilight looked at her in the eye.

“That is exactly what that Bull is suggesting. I assume that you lot made your mind already, don’t you?”

“No, not in the least, Highness!” Blue Halo interrupted. “We are loyal with Princess Celestia to the end. We took the measures we took just to keep the peace at the cost of trust, that’s all.” He then realized something. “Then again, you are the only one of the Princesses to actively take heed to our peril.” Blue Halo pointed out. Twilight shook her head.

“Princess Celestia does nothing without a purpose. Who knows what she has in her mind right now, but I wouldn’t dare to question her judgment. She must trust what we as a society are mature and intelligent enough to have sorted this mess out by ourselves, but sadly we only managed to take the poorest choices.”

“I personally don’t think that waiting for three years without something as simple as an official statement means that she trusts us.”

“Spitfire, you are talking out of line. Should I worry about your allegiance and this situation at the same time? ”

“Please understand Highness, that we only took Dr. Wisely’s advice for the sake of survival. Neither of us thought that pulling his strings was this ominous character, stirring a revolution.”

“We didn’t think that Mr. Bashan would reveal those intentions so actively.” Spitfire talked again. “He is obviously taking advantage of this situation to seize power for himself, but it’s foolhardy to go straight against the Princess so openly. Even that changeling queen was more discreet.”

“I wouldn’t worry about him. He is nothing but another threat like Discord, Sombra, Chrysallis and Nightmare Moon. We will deal with him like we did with them. Even if he looks for redemption, he should have it. We should answer the worst of them with the best of our own.” Twilight said, then she took a deep breath and sadly added: “No, what worries me the most is the general state of mistrust and suspicion towards the Princess. Why having so little faith?”

“Wouldn’t you ask the very same questions if Rainbow Dash here were hanged for real?” Spitfire asked.

“That didn’t happen.”

“If it weren’t for the bull’s intervention. You got so panicked you weren’t able to cast a spell!”

“You are judging me now? Do you really think I didn’t ask for guidance or answers on my constant trips to Canterlot and the Crystal Empire?”

“And I bet you got ditched as anypony else would.”

“As I told you, I have no authority to question her judgment. She is not only my mentor, she is also my friend. It takes faith and patience to learn the ways of harmony, and I assure you I learnt this the hard way. ”

Spitfire said no more. Whatever arguments she wanted to point out, at least somepony was taking heed to their problem, as Blue Halo had said. She wouldn’t blew it with a pointless discussion.

“Mayor Mare, I think you pointed out that you might have seen Princess Celestia recently. When was that?” Twilight turned to the mayor.

“Oh dear, I don’t think it will help at this situation at all….”

“Please, Mayor. We need all information you can give us.”

Mayor Mare nodded and looked at the table.

“It was around three months ago. The Galloping Gala was suspended yet again, but every municipality authority was needed for a meeting with the Princess. We were in this huge chamber and she appeared, as regal and beautiful as ever, but still…”

“…still what? Please don’t stop, Mayor.”

“She only gave us two orders: ‘prepare for a world shaking test’ and ‘keep your cities calm at all costs’; she didn’t give any detail, no information, only those words and we got dismissed after that.”

Reason dawned on her. Of course. A test for the loyalty of Equestria? A test of faith?

That had to be this drought. Or the Bull. Or both.

With a smile Twilight said: “Don’t you see? The Princess knew this was going to happen. Is another test where we can prove that each pony of Equestria is also an active element for the Harmony of this world.”

Twilight left the table and hovered over the group.

“Have faith. Let’s forgive and forget this sour event. We are together now. And together we will face this new threat. Everything will be just fine!”

The first smiles in months showed across the ones sitting on the table.

This SO could be Letter Report Material! Twilight thought, beaming.

Suddenly Spike’s stomach grew. “Whoa. It was a while”

Then he belched a scroll.

Canterlot I

View Online

Ponyville, long before this mess ever happened

Knock on the door.

“Who the hay is it?”, an old, gruff voice was heard.

“Guess.”

The door was opened.

“Oh my.”

“Brother.” The younger, bespectacled donkey nodded to his almost elderly brother.

“Dear me, Wisely!” Cranky Doodle gave him a hug. Wisely was taken by surprise.

“Oh? Brother, are you alright?”

“Can’t an old ass feel happy to see his brother?”

“Actually I was expecting you to close the door on my snout.”

“Not anymore, boy.”

“Right.” He stressed, not quite convinced.

“So how was school there in Trottingham, come in, come in!” He let his brother pass.

“Brother I went to Trottingham only for the career scholarship. And it was years ago.” Cranky Doodle turned annoyed.

“Oh, so where the heck have you been all this time then?”

“Now you sound like your formal self. You were acting unusually light-spirited today.”

“Ah, drop that. Tell me.” The old donkey sat in his couch, inviting Wisely to take the other one. He declined.

“I was in Canterlot. At the Magic Science Academy.”

Cranky Doodle burst in laughter. “Hoohoohohoo. Don’t play with me. I would notice if you were actually there. All graduation photos are published in the newspaper. You don’t appear in anyone.”

“Certainly you didn’t notice the cropped one.” Wisely said, sipping a cup of tea he got handed.

“What?” Cranky blinked.

“Indeed. Those blithering snobby unicorn bastards….” Wisely whispered the insults. Cranky shook his head.

“Well, what did you expect? It’s a MAGIC academy and you…well…you are not even a pony to begin with.”

“But I do have the brains to make a change. They accepted me because of my higher grades, and only under the condition that I won’t appear in any public official photograph. Actual photos are deep into the archive.”

“Well, that was rude. Still your degree is valid tough, right?”

“They will deny its existence if it’s made public. They said so themselves. To protect their image and reputation; quoting their words.”

“Then why the hell did you applied there if nopony will acknowledge your specialty there?”

“Donkey stereotypes aside, that Academy has a massive library and data useful for research. Also, inside I was able to study and question what others dared not to. That helped me to get through all the mockery I was subject to inside that damn city.”

“Did you even get to meet the Princess?”

“No. Another condition for my acceptance was to lock myself into my laboratory or room whenever she was nearby. Even during the classes they dismissed me whenever she was scheduled to visit.” He said, as if it was the most unimportant thing in the world.

“Well baby bro, I’m glad that you at least got able to achieve higher than most donkeys have, even myself.” He said with a warm smile that again, caught Wisely by surprise.

“You…glad? How come?”

“Well, yes! I’m happy for you to finally visit your old brother now a full, smart and complete adult donkey.”

“You, happy?”

Cranky looked annoyed, again. “What now?”

“I’m baffled to hear those words coming from you.” Wisely turned and kept drinking his tea.

“Oh I know. Yes, old Cranky Doodle is a sour ass. Well, not anymore!”

“What exactly…” he said and almost choked in his tea when he saw the reason of his older brother’s newfound happiness.

“Hello little Wisely…”

“…miss. Miss Matilda.” he said, now taking the seat he refused not long ago. He remembered his old brother’s sweetheart from long ago.

“Oh, thank you for the compliment dearie. Always so smart and polite, you. Now I’m Mrs. Doodle.”

Cranky, married? The young donkey smiled and turned to his brother.

“You finally found her. That explains a lot of things.”

“Now you see why I’m so happy nowadays!”

“I’m so glad for you two.”

Matilda interrupted. “What brings you here? Are you staying for a while or just for a holiday?”

“Ah, blimey. I was…meaning to tell you.” Wisely felt a bit anxious.

“Tell us, tell us!” The couple demanded.

“Well, right now I’m working in something big. Monumental. I dare saying even death defying.”

“My goodness, what is it?” Matilda asked. Wisely stressed the “death defying” part even more.

“As I said, is death defying. So to protect myself and you I rather not reveal it. Don’t worry, you’ll eventually find out by yourselves, and by then I’ll be far gone.”

The look of concern of his brother and Matilda demanded more information than that. He continued, looking at the other side. It was not in his nature to ask for things.

“The thing is, all of my resources have been spent on equipment and a vehicle. And I’m being funded from a great source, but yet…I have to stretch my economic resources the most. So I was wondering…If I you let me stay in your house for a while. Not for yonks, I assure you.” He said, quickly making clear he wasn’t staying for too long.

“You have nothing to worry about! Of course you can stay. Right, dear?” Cranky said, turning to his wife to make sure they both agreed to it. Taking unilateral decisions was now out of the question for Cranky. Matilda nodded.

“Definitely, you’ll be like our grown up son.”

Wisely blushed a little and chuckled. He nervously raised a hoof to cut her potentially dangerous maternal tendencies. “Please don’t. I can sustain myself and provide you with all commodities science can offer in exchange. Also…” he stopped, glancing at every corner of the house.

“What is it?” his brother asked.

“I wonder if you have a basement.”

“Wisely, no. You are not living in a basement!”

“I need a hidden space to accommodate all my devices and to function as a temporary laboratory.”

“Oh…well. If that’s the case…” Matilda turned to her husband and nodded.

“Besides, you are now a married donkey, brother. I believe you both need privacy. I can accommodate the laboratory to be my dormitory as well.” Wisely finished, resuming his tea drinking.

“But Wisely, when are you going to go out and look around Ponyville?” Matilda asked, worried.

“Oh Matilda, this is how this boy is: workaholic, no friends, all numbers and sciency stuff.” Cranky told her, causing Wisely to roll his eyes and sigh. “Still, it is unhealthy to be shut inside a laboratory without a break for fresh air every now and then.” He pointed out. Wisely placed the empty cup on a nearby table.

“I’m working hard to change history, brother. I have no time for social interactions.”

“Well I bet that you are working your ass to make everypony’s lives better don’t you?”

The young donkey put his glasses back on place. His brother was also so used to use “everypony” as a general, inclusive word. He hated it. He vowed he would never use the term to refer to everyone when amongst Equestria’s sentient beings were donkeys, griffins, mules, elks and even intelligent beasts. Besides, he was somewhat of a grammar nazi. “Not just every pony, brother. Everybody has the right of a better life.”

“Well, whatever! The point is to get out there and meet some of those whose lives you’re trying to improve!” Cranky Doodle stood up to talk some reason into him. Wisely just smirked and turned away.

“I…know already what they need. They would never take me seriously unless they realize that I did what I did. And to get there it has to be done first. I’m not stalling this legacy for such a distraction.”

That did it. Cranky gave up. “Fine brother. Do as you like. You’ll have our support and our house if you need it. But at least give it a try. By the way, don’t you wonder how did I find Matilda?” That sparked Wiseley’s interest.

“Hah, I am actually curious.” He said, with a smile.

“Well if it wasn’t for this great friend of ours, I might be still the mean donkey you grew up with!”

“And I’ll still be that old unmarried hag in town.” Matilda added.

“A friend, you say?” Wisley quickly lost interest. If he wanted to be incognito he needed to move fast and unload all his equipment into the Doodles basement as quickly as he could. He stood up and walked to the door.

“Oh, I hope you meet her someday, she is a gem! Yeah a bit annoying at times, but she knows when to put a smile on anypony’s face.”

“Yeah, a blast alright. Oi, do you mind helping me to unload my equipment from my dirigible?” Wisely said, not even turning around. Cranky sighed and followed him.

“Doodles, this boy really is stubborn, isn’t he?” Matilda whispered.

“He’s a donkey. Of course he is.”

“Has he resigned to have a friend at least?”

“Looks that way. But don’t worry. There is the friendliest mare in Ponyville around. She’ll find him first.”

Of course Pinkie Pie knew about him. She somehow found the family album and he had little choice but to tell her about him. It was better telling her about little Wisely than about himself as a baby.

Train bound to Canterlot.

There was an uneasy feeling inside the train which transported the six mares and Spike, bound to Canterlot.

As if there wasn’t enough mystery already, the letter Princess Celestia sent to Twilight didn’t say much:

My Dear Twilight,
First thing in the morning tomorrow, there will be a transport for you and your friends. I need you to come to the Castle and discuss a very delicate matter.

Love,

Princess Celestia.

“Rainbow Dash, you okay?” asked Applejack. She noticed Rainbow nodding off in her seat.

She jumped. “Huh…? Oh sorry. Where you guys talking about something?”

“Yeah…We were catching up about each other these last days… ”

Right…. Well, besides that I was about to be GODDAMN HANGED, there was nothing new, really.

“Sorry, I haven’t been sleeping well, that’s all.” She replied.

“I can’t blame you. Such a stressful event certainly took a toll on your nerves, darling.” Rarity said empathically.

“You don’t really have to worry about me, guys. I’m OK.” She was of course lying. Adrenaline might helped her to flee away, but once she realized how close she was of being killed…that dreadful sense kept her from feeling any relief, even after being out of danger.

Pinkie Pie was unusually more silent. After knowing the news she felt terrible. To think that those cheerful inhabitants, those almost carefree residents of Ponyville… the very same dwellers she knew and considered her friends too and would often join her in her singing flash mobs were actually in that crowd, taking indifferently the death of one of her best friends.

To imagine that there were even among those who demanded for harm to be done on her ponies she smiled and laughed with…it was that feel of being betrayed.

High-spirited or at least smiling as always, she asked to all of those who brought the news to her to NEVER include names. “Yes, I know they did wrong but please, don’t tell me who was in the crowd. I don’t want to know.” she told everyone.

Of course, being Pinkie, she managed to prepare a welcome party for both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy in the little time she had available before parting to Canterlot. She vowed to make something bigger for those of her pegasi friends who returned to Ponyville too. She definitely meant it.

“I swear Fluttershy, your rodent friends have a real overfeeding problem!” Applejack said.

“They do if they still have more food to eat. They have their rations already set. Tough I left you alone with this responsibility…”

“You needed to leave Fluttershy, I understand.”

“Speaking of rodent friends, what is with that bull guy, anyway?” Pinkie asked.

“Another power-hungry nuisance”, Twilight said. “That guy and his pseudo-intellectual friend are the least of our concerns right now.”

“A psycho-what?”

“…that donkey scientist wannabe. A Wisely something”

“Oh my gosh, Wisely is with the Bull!?” She hopped in the air, beaming. “That donkey is the brainiest of scientists I’ve ever met! I know because I never understood a think about his nerdy talks!”

The five ponies gasped.

“What? You KNOW HIM?” Applejack said, shocked.

“Of course, silly! He is Cranky’s little brother! He’s been staying in his place for like...lotsa’ months I think.”

Twilight stuttered. “Are-are-are you telling me that a NATIONAL THREAT was staying under our very snouts and not only that, but you BEFRIENDED HIM?”

“Well, duh. Cranky is my bestest old donkey friend and I just HAVE to know if something new is going on with him. So this nerdy donkey guy crashed into his place and I was like OH MY GOSH you have a little brother! I MUST DO A PARTY FOR HIM!”

“And you did?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Of course I did. But he didn’t attend. Remember that party when Gummy was so drunk he barfed into your drink?”

“WHAT! I DRANK ALLIGATOR BARF AND YOU DIDN’T TELL ME?”

“Oh wait; it wasn’t that one…” said Pinkie, taking a thinking pose. “I know I gave him a good scolding for not coming after he Pinkie Promised…”

“Girls, girls!” Twilight interrupted. “I…am still coping with the fact that we lost one of our primary suspects with no evidence, no incriminating letters no…NO NOTHING arrrgh!” she slammed her hooves on the window.

“Of course you do, silly! I’ve sent you with Spike lots and lots of papers he did because I wanted to keep up when chatting with him. You know, to know what he was talking about.”

“You did WHAT? Spike! WHY YOU DIDN’T…!” She turned to Spike ready to scold and demand an answer at the same time. Spike stopped her on her tracks while still drinking his lemonade, not taking his eyes off his book.

“I did. But you told me to shove all Pinkie correspondence into the SPAM folder. Fortunately for you I never throw away anything until you read it.”

“What is SPAM?” Pinkie happily asked.

“Pinkie, listen to me” , said Twilight grabbing Pinkie by her shoulders. “I need you to tell me anything suspicious you remember seeing from this Wisely character.”

“But I said everything on notes! You didn’t read them?” Her curls started to shake.

“Yes! I mean…no. But the point is…” Twilight was feeling nervous. She never took anything Pinkie sent her seriously. She usually sent her chain mails of the who-knows-how-she-kept-track-of-them kind…

“You…IGNORED me?” her pink color began to go darker, while whimpering a little bit.

“Pinkie! That’s not important right now!” Twilight’s eyes went shifty, while sweating and biting her lip.

“But…”

Twilight gave her a stern look. She was sorry, she vowed she would take her friend more seriously (again), but her information was now vital. Pinkie returned to normal, but took a more serious tone.

“Alright. But I still resent that.” She said, her snout now up. She happily started to talk about the donkey scientist:

“So Wisely was in Ponyville right, and I was like oooh, a lot of nice metal devices with lots of wires and buttons and screens and stuff…like you, Twilight!” said, somehow mimicking a lifeless apparatus. It’s a wonder how she managed to do that.

“Alright?” said Twilight, catching on.

“He used to go out with this nice ballooney thing he had to Cloudsdale, the forest, and other nice places…I even managed to sneak into his saddlebag in a trip around the Ghastly Gorge.”

Twilight and her friends cringed at the fact that she took all of this “stalking somepony” very casually. She was thankful for that, tough.

“Then he often talked about his lord here…his lord there…funny he didn’t mention much besides the “Stay away from me” line.” She kept saying, dismissive.

“Yes, he enjoyed sometimes calling me names like “Pink Menace”, “That unwelcome guest” and my favorite: “immature pest”…but he was nice overall.” She finished with, a wide, victorious smile.

She really doesn’t get it even if somepony is OPENLY disliking her, does she? Was the general thought.

“He even said that my twitchy tail is remarkable” she remembered.

Twilight sighed. She definitely needed whatever Pinkie managed to write/copy (not steal, that would’ve been outrageous) about this donkey. She turned to Spike, who already was waiting for Twilight to speak to him.

“Spike, I need you to give me all of Pinkie correspondence about this donkey.”

“Gee, I would love to, but, since the SPAM folder is too crammed, I can only manage to give you one letter each five hours. Besides, I’m underfed.”

“Spike, you are not helping me here!” She turned, annoyed.

“Maybe once back home I can get access to the physical copies I got. If you need them NOW, that’s all I can do. Take it or leave it.” He said, crossing his arms.

“Fine. Start with the earliest one.”

“Hmm…I think I got this one. W.C.D Log. You want this?”

“Perfect, that’ll have to do.”

He burped the scroll and handed it to Twilight. She opened it and began to read.

Wisely’s Log. First Entry.

Finally, some peace and quiet today. No fleeing. No running.

Still not wanting to be found, tough. Sadly, it’s no longer the case.

My older brother’s friend, an annoying character to put it out nicely, this young mare called Pinkie Pie came to visit. Even though it’s the first time we’ve met she talks to me as if we knew each other for years. I disliked her immediately. She is rude, obnoxious and hyperactive. Bad combination for a top secret laboratory run by a misunderstood genius. I wonder why Lord Bashan wanted me to finish my Magic code research here, but fortunately in this town I had someone I could stay with.

It’s embarrassing to disturb the peace of a married couple, no matter how familiar you’re with them.

I don’t like this Pinkie Pie. She insisted on inviting me on a party in my honor. I assured her first that I would rather let myself be mauled by a reptile before attending a social gathering. Then she showed me a pet alligator. A PET.

Is it there any thread of logic running inside this mare’s brain?

After so much insisting I agreed to attend. She even made me to participate in a subjective ritual she dubbed “Pinkie Promise”. Strange superstition. Of course, I have no intentions in attending.

I am close. Close to finish the code. Once I finish I will present this to the only reliable public figure chosen by Lord Bashan himself. A disgraced conspiracy journalist called Phony Falssan. For some reason his name doesn’t give me too much confidence, but I will not question my Lord’s decision.

Enough about me and the foolhardy notion of socializing. Today I will resume working.

To recap, and to keep my brain memory functional I will brief myself and this journal about my research.

All equines share a common nervous system and brain functions, according to anatomy dissections and various experiments carried out before my time. With this as a starting point there are several aspects to be considered about the nature of magic…

Canterlot

“We are here! “ the train conductor announced, much to the displeasure of Twilight.

As the train entered the tunnels to reach the Canterlot station, the sight of the castle filled the six mares with hope.

The Castle opened its gates and the six went through all security measures. The guard was at full alert. Did they knew about the bull and his plan already?

In the throne room, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were in their thrones, waiting for them. Looking at them put Twilight Sparkle’s heart at ease. It really was a long time.

“My faithful student. I hope these days were treating you well.” Princess Celestia greeted.

“Princess.” That was all what Twilight could manage to say. She bowed with respect. Her friends awkwardly did the same.

“Come now. We are all friends here. Let’s be all less formal.” The princess chuckled. Pinkie Pie was the first to oblige.

“’Sup, Luna!” she greeted cheerfully.

“Not THAT informal.” Princess Luna coughed. “We are pleased to see you all today.” , she said in a more serious tone.

“We received this letter and came as soon as we could, Princess. We are so relieved to finally be able to talk to you directly after so long.” Twilight said.

“So am I. Finally now it’s the time to break the silence. But first, tell me. What is troubling you now?” she said, eyes closed, as if waiting for a wrong answer.

“Princess, I don’t know if…” Twilight doubted. She looked back at her friends. They urged her to take the initiative and speak up. Rainbow Dash didn’t want to wait that long.

“Cloudsdale is in the brink of collapse.” She said.

“The drought is causing a food shortage all around Equestria.” Applejack seconded.

“Our friends are now being mean to each other!” Pinkie Pie declared next.

“Pegasi were blamed and hunted for this drought.” Flutteshy said, she had to repeat herself because of her low volume.

“Some fear for their lives.” Rarity said, now without much left to add, everypony else said the most important points anyway.

Twilight grew some confidence. “And now, there are those who are spreading lies across Equestria. Trying to make us question…” she stopped. Was she really going to tell the Princess this outrageous thought?

“Yes?” the Princess demanded. Twilight sighed.

“To question your… care.” She awkwardly completed.

“I’ve heard enough. Thank you.” Princess Celestia said. She stood up.

“The reason why I gathered you is to advise you of things to come. Contrary of what the public may think, I am aware of all that’s happening outside Canterlot walls. Yet, I have refrained to intervene because we no longer are the only ones who look for the Harmony of this world. You, as the bearers of the Elements have to share with us that part as well.”

Twilight blinked. “But…”

“We are the rulers of this land. We are a symbol of unity and take the decisions that will steer this world to its rightful place. But we are no mothers. What have you as bearers of harmony done to ease this situation?”

“We…” Twilight stuttered.

“What about you two, Highness?” said Rainbow Dash, looking down, not taking any part of that illogical remark.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight turned, shocked.

“Hey, I had to keep my mouth quiet for a while to take all pegasi I could out of that racial meltdown on Ponyville and almost got killed. We had to do that because no official statement came from here. Now that finally we are about to hear from you…we are being asked that?”

Dash snapped out of her trance when the Princess asked her: “…what about you, Rainbow Dash?” she turned to see her friends staring at her, hoping if she had, unlike all of them, anything to say.

“Well…I was about to be hanged…trying to…save a fellow pegasi.” she said slowly.

“And that certainly was unacceptable; I trust the Mayor took care of that issue, didn’t she?” Luna was quick to say.

“Yes, but…” Rainbow Dash found a small bit of nerve to talk back, but she was cut short by Princess Celestia’s remark.

“This world is going through a phase of transformation, in which we all have to be ready, little ones.”

“What kind of transformation?” Applejack asked.

“Not even we can foresee it, but we know that it will affect the lives of everypony in this world. The weather issue is nothing compared to what is to come…” she declared.

“Why did you summon us, princess?” Twilight finally brought that important question.

“This world will need you all more than ever. We will do our part, but the population needs to look up at you all as a fixed, unmovable role model. I need you all to be true to your Elements and keep the optimism in these dire times.” Well that didn’t say much.

“We can do that!” Pinkie Pie leapt.

Rainbow Dash wasn’t very convinced. “Isn’t there anything else we can do? Being optimistic doesn’t seem to change much about…”

“Now, tell us about this bull.” Princess Celestia interrupted. Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash who only nodded.

“He showed up in Ponyville telling lies about you. That the droughts are being caused by a…poor sun management?” she said the last sentence very awkwardly, she tried to explain the situation the best as she could.

“Is he rallying ponies to his cause?” Luna asked.

“So he said. He also promised to return to Ponyville as well.”

“This character is luring precious subjects into his scheme and all those who were hurt and prosecuted will be the first ones to be persuaded.” Princess Celestia said in the most serious tone they all have heard.

“There must be something we still can do. It’s not too late, is it?” Twilight asked, very worried.

“I’ve already dispatched a group of soldiers to find this bull and bring him to me. If all he can do is to spread lies, I don’t think he is much of a threat. Not like Discord or Sombra in their time.”

Luna was caught by surprise, she turned at Celestia. “You did, sister?”

“Yes. I’m not taking any chance. Not with what is coming. Once they bring this bull I…”

The throne room burst open and a group of soldiers were taken aback.

“That won’t be necessary, highness. I’ve turned myself in.” The Bull mockingly said. He walked towards the throne and the six who quickly ran toward the thrones, seeking refuge under the two princesses.

That sight made him laugh.

Princess Celestia was far from amused. “I don’t see the fun in this matter.”

“I was joking. I needed to come here. As you probably know, I-” Pinkie Pie recognized immediately the Bull’s underling who was following him closely.

“Hi, Wisely!” she waved from behind Applejack.

“Oh bloody hell….” The young donkey was caught by surprise. Of all places (where she probably would be as well) she was right THERE. “um…hi.” He said while covering his face with his coat.

“You...know this mare?” The bull turned to him, baffled.

“I’m afraid so, sir.” He sighed. “Not to worry, she is just a…” the donkey glanced at the crowd where Pinkie was VERY expectantly staring at him. The Princesses where just looking at each other. “…fffffffffffffriend of mine.” He completed, defeated. He litteraly fighted to say those words.

“Yay!” Pinkie whispered. “How are you…!” Pinkie was about to greet him the noisy, usual way, but she saw his “slow-down-not-now-we-talk-later” face she learnt to read. “Oh, right!” she covered her mouth with her hooves.

“I see.” The Bull said. He then returned to his defiant pose: “Please forgive my faithful assistant here.” The Princess nodded, more relaxed. “This unusual icebreaker must be enough proof that we have come peacefully.” He finished.

“Who are you, and why are you here?” The princess asked, not wanting to beat around the bush.

“I am the Bull of Bashan. I come here in the name of the People’s Republic of Equestria to offer our terms.”

“Terms? You are the first one to offer terms to us. It’s a good start.” The Princess responded, a bit hopeful.

“As civilized and sentient beings it should be natural for us to engage in talks to prevent a disaster while it’s in our hooves to do so.”

“And for that I thank you.”

The Bull was about to declare his terms when somepony called his attention: that rainbow mane which belonged to a poor mare he happened to save when she was to be lynched by that racist bastard just the day before. Coincidence?

“Hello, young one. Are you ok now?” he asked her. She wasn’t too surprised now, she knew who he was.

Luna was getting impatient. “Do you have any business with Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow Dash nodded at him. “…yeah. I’m fine now. Thanks.”

“Good to hear.” He smiled.

“I asked you a question.” Luna demanded again.

Rainbow Dash interfered. “Sorry Princess, it’s just that…that bull there saved me just before getting hanged yesterday.”

Princess Celestia was taken by surprise. Maybe there was hope after all. “Is that so? Well, I must thank you too for that.” She gave a small bow.

“Princess, if you are ready, I’ll give you my terms” the bull said. There was once again tension in the room.

“I’m listening.” She sighed.

“Abdicate and surrender your ruling powers to more fit hooves.” He solemnly demanded. Twilight Sparkle could swear that she heard a faint snort coming from the throne.

“If only I get a bit every time an enemy asks this…” she whispered at Luna.

“Fear not, the P.R.E. will not harm you or any noble in Canterlot, but the nobility will be abolished altogether.”

He was cut short. “Enough of your nonsense. Tell us your motivation.” Celestia responded, in a stern manner.

“You, Highness, are no longer fit to rule.” The nerve the Bull had to question her rule was infuriating. How dared he, if he was an outsider? Did he even know her?

“Only my people have the right to judge that.” She calmly said. It was too long since the last time she had her ruling wisdom put into question, but she was not going to play along now.

“Well, if you stick your head outside the walls for a moment you can see that they are unhappy. Also, this drought is beyond any logical thought.” He taunted.

“That is a matter I’m not discussing with you.” She was losing her temper. Was that normal?

“You have no excuse. Either you are powerless to ease this drought or else, you are doing it on PURPOSE! ” he lifted an accusative hoof at her. She was not going to take that.

“I have no idea who you are, but what you want is clear to me. And we will protect our world from the likes of you like before!”

The Bull gave her a very disturbing smile.

Twilight Sparkle felt the necessity to activate the Elements. Was it her? Were the Elements acting on their own? A force of magical energy and a flash of light engulfed the entire room. As unexpected as it was, the other girls joined her with their Elements as well.

Wisely, who was taking cover behind his Lord, glanced at the scene. “Pinkie?” he asked. It was not possible. All this time he, the most analytical scientist (his perception) was in front of an Element Bearer all this time?

“Teehee, sorry Wisely. I gotta stick with Twilight in this one.” She shouted at him.

“Well bugger-me. She is one of the Elements.” He said, before taking cover again. Who knows what kind of psychological meltdown or personality brainwashing effect that magic could muster.

Their eyes, opened to reveal a white, pure light and the elements irradiated a massive, palpable rainbow of pure energy. Just like in previous battles, the rainbow was directed right at Bashan.

It hit him directly.

The bull grunted, his body taking the whole blow, taking a few steps back at the force of the attack. Suddenly he stood his ground. The attack lost its momentum and the rainbow was reduced to a faint orb of light in the middle of his horns that vanished in a small burst. The bull was panting heavily and said:

“Ineffective.”

The girls and the Princesses couldn’t believe it.

“What? How…? Why…?” Twilight managed to stutter.

“Shame, really. It would make things a lot easier.” Bashan said, more recovered.

Twilight turned and desperately turned to Celestia. “Princess, I didn’t…”

Bashan raised his voice to make a point clear. “Well, I see now that negotiations are over. You deliberately attacked a messenger AND a commander with peaceful terms. Needless to say this is an act of war.”

Celestia looked unfazed “It’s a shame we had to come to this. But we will answer to any aggression accordingly.” The bull turned to Luna first, then to the whole group.

“You’ll know where to find me.” “I’ll see you in the battlefield.”

Princess Celestia gave him a final plea, which sounded more a final warning. “Please reconsider. You lack the strength and support to wage war against us, even after a long peacetime.”

“You’ll be surprised.” The bull turned away and walked to the door.

“Just like a power hungry mad being. You have my pity.” She said, saddened. By then the bull and his underling were outside the throne room. It was foolish to attempt against them, if he withstood a direct attack with the very Elements of Harmony.

Twilight Sparkle was very disturbed by what just happened; so were the other girls, however, the thought of failing in front of the Princess was much for her to bear. She turned to her in tears.

“Princess, I am so sorry…” she sobbed. An assuring wing lifted her chin.

“My faithful student, don’t feel down.”

“But we failed you! What are we supposed to do now that the Elements are not working with us?” What was going to happen now? Were new bearers a possibility?

“Go outside and you six work on it. Together. Equestria is not in ruins yet. You still have time.” She calmly exhorted them. Of course. Maybe their friendship was once again a bit rusty and needed to be reaffirmed. Twilight glanced at her friends who nodded at her. Good. They all agreed. It was a good start.

“Princess, I swear that I won’t let the power of our friendship to wane. Or let Bashan to set foot again in this Castle!” she declared, as convinced as she was the Princess most Faithful Student.

They all left the throne room, not quite sure where to start. Her only clue is whatever that donkey has written. “Girls, we have another challenge in front of us.”

“Darling, you can count on us.” Rarity said.

“Not that we have any other choice.” Rainbow Dash added. “We need to stick together.”

“We are going to the Library to get all the information Pinkie got. We have no time to lose!” Twilight urged.

Once they got to the station, they got greeted by Spike, who was waiting for them.

“Hey there. How did it go?”

“Not now, Spike, we have to go back to Ponyville at once. I’ll tell you everything in the way.”

“Ponyville? Are you sure?”

“Yes! Why?”

“Well, I got handed this note by a donkey guy a few minutes ago…” he showed a note that was quickly snatched by Twilight.

“Some friends you make, Pinkie!” Applejack teased Pinkie Pie.

“What does it say?” Fluttershy asked. Twilight dropped the note and almost fainted.

“Twilight!” Rarity catched her.

The note read:

To whom may it concern (and yes, I mean you girls):

You may want to join us in our victorious taking of the Crystal City. We already have a sizeable force, just waiting for our orders to attack. Oh, in case you were wondering, the capture of high-ranking officials and nobles are within our objectives.

Be wise and take the best decision with this information!

Bashan.

PS: Wonder why the Elements didn’t work on me?

Regarding the Bull of Bashan Affair

by Lisboa

The Millenium Mystery Archives. Transmission No. 1989.

The donkey scientist and the secret meeting.

Cutie Mark Crusaders Missing Filly Finders

About kidnapping and riling up a town.

Enter Bashan

Canterlot I