"It is better to discuss things, to argue and engage in polemics than make perfidious plans of mutual destruction."- Mikhail Gorbachev

"Ah can't believe they just stormed off lak dat!" scowled Applejack.

"Honestly, we're nothing more that a mere insignificant joke to those scoundrels." hissed Rarity.

"There was just so much I wanted to show them." whimpered Fluttershy.

Twilight could no longer hold it in. "To be fair girls, I really think we should be helping the humans with their experiment. What they'll uncover might be important to ponykind too. Besides, it would show them we're just as rational minded as they are. In fact, they might even form a little respect for us."

"Aw phooey." spat Applejack. "If they can't accept the word of the creator, than why should ah help them?"

"Besides, haven't they heard of acceptance?" added Rainbow Dash. "If I found out there was pony world like ours, I'd be like 'oh cool' and move on! I wouldn't be busting my brain for some egg head stuff."

The alicorn puffed. "Rainbow Dash, this is the kind of behavior that-"

"HEY GIRLS!"

The startled Mane 5 turned to their right to find Pinkie Pie standing perfectly still with a bright smile on her face.

"Pinky Pie, you must stop doing that." complained Rarity. "You're just as unnerving as Shadow when you just appear out of nowhere."

Pinkie Pie giggled. "Yeah, now that I know the source of my powers, I'm never gonna stop." the pink mare chucked an energy drink muffin into her mouth. "So where's Shadow? Are they playing hide and seek? They'd be so hard to find because they can cloak and-"

Rainbow Dash cut Pinkie off. "They're gone solving science or some random egg head junk."

"Oh that's super good!" chirped Pinkie. "That means we can discuss the surprise party without getting caught!"

"Yeah, how 'bout we cancel dat party?" sneered Applejack.

Pinkie's eyes shot open. "But why?"

"Well, other than being kind of mean," began Fluttershy.

"They totally don't have interest in us! Why should we care about them?" ended Rainbow Dash.

"Oh they're just cranky because they think we hate them." justified Pinkie. "If we throw them a surprise party, we'd show them how wanted they really are."

"Pinkie Pie, I don't think they want to be wanted. In fact, they'd probably like it more if we left them alone." insisted Twilight.

"Don't be such a silly filly Twilight." Pinkie formed a blank smile while gritting her teeth. "Do you really want to risk getting them mad and calling for a global invasion?"

"Why must humanity be so sensitive?" groaned Rarity.

"No offense sugar cube, but ah think Shadow already knows you're throwing them a surprise party." said Applejack.

Pinkie levitated in the air. "It's a surprise party Applejack. You can't know about a surprise party unless you don't want it to be a surprise."

"A party still sounds like fun." whispered Fluttershy.

Rainbow dash shrugged. "Oh well, if Pinkie Pie is gonna throw a surprise party, you can't change her mind."

Rarity twirled her mane. "I'll attend, if only for the sake of a social gathering."

The pink mare's smile brightened. "Alright, the party's at 7 'o' clock! Twilight, I need you to get music and try to see if you can get the town hall booked. Rarity, you handle catering. Applejack, you should get your family to bring some cider. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, you spread the word."

"How many ponies are we inviting?" asked Twilight.

"Why the whole town of course!" cheered Pinkie Pie.

---------------------

Twilight and her friends reluctantly got to work setting up the party. In an hour's time, she had managed to secure the Town Hall for the party and along with Pinkie, assemble a team to prepare the building for the festivities.

Luckily, Twilight knew a couple that could provide both music and lighting. She thought about the music humans would listen too. They'd clearly debunk classical as 'primitive', so party music was the way.

The purple mare readied her wings and flew on over to the eastern section of Ponyville. It was just like any other part of town, with the notable exception of a house that was shaking due to the obnoxiously loud music.

Inside that house resided a mare named Vinyl Scratch who sometimes went by her stage name: DJ-PON3. She was quite the cheerful and energetic mare, getting along with Pinkie Pie just fine. However, she had the tendency to take matters up to elven with her music. She meant well, but her music obsession was nuisance.

Even from a respectable distance, the techno music was painfully noticeable. How this did not damage the DJ's ears with a mystery. At first, ponies tried to get Vinyl to lower the volume she played her music, but this proved to be an unachievable outcome. Instead, all homes in the area were renovated to be sound proof.

Twilight landed in front of the DJ's home and used her telekinesis to open the door.

Despite her untamable nature, Vinyl's home was in remarkable condition....other than the over abundance of speakers and musician posters of course.

As Twilight trotted to the living room, she saw Vinyl Scratch, making non hardcore love to her colt friend Neon Lights*. Like her, Neon was a DJ, but he worked primarily in Coltifornia as a lights show producer. Both ponies would be a valuable asset to the organization of the party.

Twilight tried to resist the loud dubstep and called out the DJ.

"Vinyl."

There was no response. Evidentially the music was too loud for the couple to hear her.

"Vinyl."

"Oh Neon! Buck me to next Tuesday."

"Vinyl!"

"I wub you my little DJ!"

"VINYL!" screamed the alicorn. Twilight's horn expelled an EMP that disabled the speakers.

After a few seconds of kissing, the couple realized no music was playing. The two unglued their lips and turned to see a bemused Twilight staring at them.

Vinyl squealed and slumped to her hooves, bowing as low as possible. "Please, don't hurt me you're majesty! I should have known better that to-"

"It's okay Vinyl, you don't have to be formal with me." laughed the alicorn.

The blue maned unicorn brightened up. "Oh thank goodness! I hate all that princess junk. So what's up Twi?"

The purple mare smiled. "Well, Pinkie Pie is throwing a party at 7:00 and we need music so-"

"Say no more Twi. You know I can't resist a request to play music." assured the DJ.

"Why so nervous?" noted Neon Lights.

Twilight inhaled. "Well, it's a welcome party for the humans."

Vinyl's sunglasses fell off, revealing her magenta eyes. "Oh I don't know Twi. Those aliens are scary. If I play music they don't like, I swear they're gonna feed me to their overlords."

"I don't blame them, you're delicious." beamed Neon. Vinyl blushed in return.

"First off, humans don't have overlords." began Twilight. "Second, they've made it clear that they'll only kill if you threaten them or committed a crime. Third, we really need to do this. If we show them that we care, maybe they'll stop being so critical of us."

The DJ put on her glasses. "Well, that makes sense. I can ready the music in 10 minutes."

"And I'll handle the lighting." added Neon.

"Perfect!" exclaimed Twilight. Just as she headed out the door, a music blast wave thrusted her forward and slammed the alicorn into a wall.

"Why..."

-----------------

As 6:30 approached, the sun began to set. Ponies all over the settlement, uncaring who the party was planned for, were getting ready to flock on over to town hall.

Despite the extravagant size of the facility, the hall was no where near enough to provide enough room for the entire town. As a result, many ponies would have to enjoy the celebration from outside.

"This gonna be the best party ever!" cheered Pinkie Pie.

"Ah don' think we ever had a crowd this big." remarked Applejack.

"I don't mean to be haughty, but I believe Shadow will absolutely love the catering I hired." gloated Rarity.

"Say, where is Shadow anyway?" brought up Rainbow Dash.

"I d-don't think they've left the library." whimpered Fluttershy.

"How 'bout we just have this party without 'em?" proposed Applejack.

"WHAT!" screamed Pinkie Pie. "That is the one rule of partying you can't break!"

"To be fair Pinkie, I really think they'd be happy if we just partied and left them alone." insisted Twilight. "Besides, isn't Scarecrow sociophobic or something?"

"C-can't we at least t-tell them, we're throwing a party for them? If t-they don't show up it would be their choice." said Fluttershy.

"Who's gonna go tell them to show up though?" questioned Rainbow Dash.

"Don't worry darling." piped up Rarity. "I'll see to it-"

Twilight interrupted her. "Actually, I'll be the one to get them to move. They're in my house after all."

------------------

Twilight teleported and reappeared right in front of her home. She didn't exactly know how she'd get Shadow out of her home, but by Celestia she was going to try.

She took a deep breath and knocked on the door. To her surprise, the door opened in an instant. The alicorn looked down to fin her dragon assistant smiling gleefully.

"Twilight! I thought you were never gonna show up!" greeted Spike.

"Glad to see you're in one piece." thanked Twilight. "Tell me, what is Shadow doing in OUR house?"

"It's amazing. You really, have to check it out." insisted Spike.

"I don't have time to see what they're doing, I need to get them to Pinkie's party."

Spike looked disappointed and annoyed. "Wow, their working on a huge discovery and you're planning a party. Gee, friends are necessary, but that doesn't mean you have to give up intellectual pursuit. What happened to you?"

Twilight face hoofed. "Don't tell me they've affected you."

Twilight walked into the library and her mouth dropped at the sight. For starters, there was random pony equipment and materials scattered across the room. Then there was Shadow. Scarecrow was busy at work trying to correct a school textbook of superstition and writing a series of tests to be administered to the children. Scorch was analyzing and experimenting on the blood samples they had taken while looking at a hologram of pony anatomy. X-ray was taking various notes on the artifacts they had collected on his tablet. Finally Overwatch was typing a report on the probability of each of their theories.

The primary weapons of Shadow had been discarded to the side. There were holographic posters placed everywhere detailing all the observations Shadow had recorded. Twilight could not believe how observant they had been.

Unicorn Horn Analysis:
*Absorbs electromagnetisms, infrared, ultra violet, gamma, x-ray, microwave, gravitational (?) and cryo radiation.
*Element 195(?)

Government system:
*Monarchy (X)
*Aristorcaracy (X)
*Final conclusions suggest that Equestria is a theocracy with meritocratic elements where the title of royalty are earned (based on Twilight's story)

Animation theories:
*Drawn (x)
*Intelligent Design (x)
*Semi molecular structure (?)
*Perfectly aligned (?)

Anachronisms:
*Renaissance: philosophy, scientific understanding, politics, lack of conventional electricity, architecture, instruments, traditions
*Industrial Revolution: Railroad, musical choice, factories (?), Applejack's family, farming
*20th century: Cleaning products, furniture, phonographs (1930s), medical knowledge (1990's),
*21st century: Dialect and accents, Dubstep (?)

Electrical source:
*Solar (x)
*Fossil fuel (Due to the planet merely being thousands of years old, formation of natural gasses from fossils in unfeasible.)
*Nuclear (debunked due to Equines lacking a knowledge in atoms)
*Hydro (Dam spotted, does not use orthodox methods of electrical extraction by turning of turbines. In fact, dam may only be used for water collection)
*Solar (x)
*Unicorn horn (see above)

Technology meant to be operated by bi-peds:
Chairs, pencils, doorknobs, anything with buttons, drawers and closets requiring push and pull.

Creation:
*Gods (x)
*Human creation (possibly debunked due to planet being older than human space age.)
*Human influence (x)

Timeline analysis:
*Artifacts at the museum suggest ponies did indeed start out (see creation) as an ancient greek like culture. Due to various human elements (see anachronisms) ponies are thought to be evolving culturally as humans. However, this would imply the equines being a space faring species ahead of humanity by now. The renaissance-like period appears to be bloated and there seems to have been a lack of an enlightenment, but there is the notable presence of various industrial revolution artifacts.
*Pony figures appeared further apart through the timeline (by centuries) compared to human counterparts.

Twilight tried to sink in all the information that the holograms displayed. However, the more she looked at Shadow's notes, the more she felt her mind being overwhelmed by an unthinkable amount of data. It was as if she was being persuaded instinctively to disregard anything Shadow had recorded.

The purple mare cleared her throat. "Scarecrow, Overwatch, X-ray, Scorch. I need to talk to you four."

To her surprise, the 4 humans simply turned off their holograms, switched on the lights and looked straight at her.

Twilight was less than pleased. "First off, who gave you 4 permission to use my house as a research facility?"

Scarecrow smirked under his mask. "Your previous claim is invalid. Before we began, we had Spike get over the mortgage for the facility and it is clearly stated that the library is not privately owned but publicly owned. You just happen to sleep here. Second of all, a library is meant to be the center of knowledge and discovery, so we're not violating any rules."

Scorch folded his arms. "Besides, what are you going to do about it?"

Twilight knitted her eyebrows. "The whole chastising sounded better in my head."

"Moving on, is there something you require?" inquired X-ray.

Twilight tried to hold back her laugh. "I can't tell you why, but I need you 4 to get on over to the town hall-"

"For the surprise party?" growled Overwatch.

The purple mare's eyes shot open. "How did you-"

"Twilight, with sensor grenades, magnetic vision, drones, motion trackers and advanced radio equipment, you can't hide anything from a 23rd unit." smirked X-ray.

"Speaking of secrets." Scorch moved on over to Twilight and yanked the nano recorder buried in her coat.

Twilight jumped as she felt something rip from her skin. "What was that!" she shrieked.

"Nano audio recorder. Pretty fucking stylish." answered Scorch. He flipped the device.

"How long was that on me?" questioned Twilight.

"For a while." replied Scarecrow. "Celestia has quite a motherly voice, no?"

The princess of magic boiled red. "YOU WERE SPYING ON ME! That is a violation of privacy."

X-ray placed a finger on Twilight's mouth. "While it would have been a violation of the UTF constitution to be spying on somepony's private property, you were addressing a leader which most likely would have been relevant to our presence. As a result, we were inclined to be informed. Besides, ever heard of transparent government?"

"Surely a well minded pony like you would be compelled to be aware of every government decision being made about you?" added Scarecrow.

Twilight blushed. "You think I'm rational?"

Scarecrow pinched Twilight's cheeks. "Of course. But to be spending so much time on festivities when we're uncovering a universal mystery is abnormal for you. Even Spike thinks that."

Twilight nodded. "Before I moved to Ponyville, I didn't have time for friends and festivities, but now keeping harmony in this town has been my priority."

"You shouldn't trade one for the other Twilight." shook X-ray. "For example, I do my research with my friends and have a great time as well. Really, some of the discoveries we've made are intriguing."

Scorch stroked Twilight's mane. "We appreciate the creation of a party for us, but I'd be much happier if I were left alone with my friends to further our research."

The alicorn was desperate. "You don't understand, Pinkie Pie went through a lot of trouble to plan this party for you."

"We appreciate the offer, but no thanks. Parties aren't our thing." calmly stated X-ray.

"You can't just stay locked up in here for ever!" beamed Twilight.

"Even if we wanted to go we couldn't." added Scarecrow.

"We're 23rd, we're not supposed to be making such public appearances." hissed Overwatch.

"Not mention, it's for your own good." insisted X-ray.

"How so?" glared Twilight.

Scorch sighed. "We've said this a million times. The only time we've been in parties was to either break them apart or to terminate some high value target. Our training will take over in the party and something bad will happen."

"Besides, I have sociophoiba, didn't I make that clear?" added Scarecrow. "If ponies start crowding up to me, I'll get nervous and as if I want to hurt such adorable equines."

Twilight lowered her head in defeat. "You know, you don't HAVE to talk to ponies all you really need to do is just show up."

X-ray stoked his bandanna. "That's gonna be difficult considering there's.....how many are coming?"

"Whole town." answered Twilight.

Scarecrow's eyes widened under his mask. "Whole town! Fuck, change of plans, we're going."

The alicorn ignored the swear and brightened up. "Really?"

"Only to provide security." explained Scorch. "A party that big has to get out of control sometime. You're going to need crowd control."

Shadow fetched their primary weapons, loaded a gauss magazine onto each of them and headed off to the sunset along with Twilight and Spike who followed by.

----------------

By 7:00 pm, Shadow had made it to the town hall. Before opening the door, the bemused Shadow turned on magnetic vision and sully found out the town was ignorant of their wall seeing capabilities and intended to surprise them. Scarecrow opened the door, knowing fully what was inside.

To Shadow's expectance, the lights switched on the ponies inside a gave loud yell.

"SURPRISE!"

Suddenly techno music started playing and Pinkie's party canon fired a steam of confetti at the unmoved Shadow squad.

The glacial squad kept their mystique and merely shrugged off the confetti and proceeded to move inside the town building. Thankfully, most of the ponies had been either to busy occupied by their friends or become too afraid of the commandos to start crowding up to them.

Scorch looked up the banner and read the interesting welcome title.

Welcome to Ponyville Humans! And please don't shoot us or feed us to your overlords/

"Charming." muttered X-ray.

"Do any of you notice the lack of children?" inquired Scarecrow looking around.

"The parents probably think this party would be their last." noted Scorch.

"There are you are Twilight!" greeted Rainbow Dash along with the rest of the Mane 6.

Suddenly Pinkie Pie humped up and clutched Overwatch's head.

"So, Overwatch! I surprised you didn't I? You were all walking to the town hall expecting nothing and then you open the door and everyone yells surprise at you making you so nervouscited?"

"Considering I can see through walls, it wasn't a surprise." growled the sniper.

Pinkie pressed her face closer to Overwatch's. "But you didn't expect us to say surprise didn't you?"

"Meh." the marksman peeled off the pink mare.

Scorch gave a light smile under his mask. "To be fair, nobody has ever thrown the 4 of us a party before. This really means a lot to us even if we hate them. Thanks."

The Mane 6 gave remarks of welcome.

Unfortunately, Shadow's hopes for solace did not last. Once everypony took a good look at them, the technicolor equines started crowding around them hoping to ask questions.

Had they been humans, the would have simply shot a gauss bullet up in the air. The noise would have been enough to disperse and redirect the crowd.

"Twilight, I'm getting nervous." gritted Scarecrow. He tightened the grip on his LMG.

Twilight used the gravitational radiation in her horn to levitate a microphone towards her.

"Attention everypony, Shadow is not looking for company as of now, so I'd appreciate it if you stay clear of them until they say otherwise."

The ponies simply bowed and continued partying.

"So what do you want to do first?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"How 'bout we go to the snack bar first. Can't party on an empty stomach." laughed Applejack.

"How about the dance floor. It would be super fun!" skipped Pinkie. "Right Overwatch?"

"Whatever." sighed the expressionless marksman.

"I appreciate your invitations, but we're just here to provide security." explained Scarecrow. "You ponies go on ahead, don't let us spoil you're fun."

The Mane 6 simply shrugged and went on to party.

The squad noticed how similar the celebration was to a human party. The dance moves were definitely pony origin. At least there was something original. As for the lighting and decorations, it was indistinguishable from a party one might have thrown on Earth in the early 21st century. Shadow's attention was grabbed by the fact the white unicorn DJ was playing music from speakers rather than phonographs.

Speaking of the White DJ, she, Pinkie and Neon Lights started singing a song.

When the song finished, Pinkie used her over energized molecules to vibrate past a group of ponies and appear grasping Overwatch's legs.

"So what do you think?" she squeaked.

"Meh."

"WHAT WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY?"

----------------

The festivities continued uninterruptedly for an hour. Ponies danced, laughed and cheered on for the night.

Twilight lost herself in the joy and chaos and started prancing around on the dance floor. Sadly her dance skills hadn't improved since the garden party. The other ponies respected their princess, but Twilight's moves were atrocious.

Panting from exhaustion, Twilight decided she needed a break. She slowly limped on over to edge of the building, where she spotted Shadow limped against a wall.

X-ray had his arms folded, waiting for the entire ordeal to be over.

Overwatch was sitting on the ground twisting a knife.

Scorch was flipping a frag grenade.

Scarecrow had his LMG out, waiting for the first sign of trouble.

"I swear." muttered Scorch's mechanical voice. "Who chose techno? I would rather listened to classical any day."

Twilight felt like the biggest tool in the world as she walked up towards them. Rarity however, got to and greeted the squad first.

"Lovely party isn't it?"

"I guess, if you liked going to them." replied Scarecrow.

Rainbow Dash flew on over. "Hey, we got something you 4 otta like!"

"Someone to assassinate?" asked X-ray.

"Better." pointed the cyan coated pegasus.

Suddenly, Applejack and Fluttershy came from the kitchen pushing a table loaded with cider and other apple products her family had made.

Pinkie Pie wasted no time helping herself to the apple cinnamon.

X-ray had to admit, the thought of drinking cider looked appealing. "Hold position, I'm getting a drink."

The masked rifleman walked on over to the concession table. A blue Earth Pony stallion by the name of Noteworthy had gotten to the cider bowl first. X-ray stared at the animated drink before grasping a cup and dunking it in.

Just before the rifleman slipped the cup under his mask, he decided to take a quick analysis at its contents. He wouldn't be surprised if the equines had prepared apple cider the same way humans did, but he still needed to be sure.

He used neural controls to order his HUD to decipher the contents of the animated liquid.

Contents:
Apple (55% Red Delicious. 20% Gala, 25% Granny Smith)
Water (H2O)
WARNING: Cyanide detected. DO NOT CONSUME!

"Cyanide?"

X-ray turned left to see Noteworthy ingesting the liquid. The moment it had run down his throat, the stallion immediately collapsed to the ground and started squirming in pain.

"SHIT!" X-ray threw away his cup and dashed straight to the blue pony.

His training kicked in and the masked commando drew a needle that contained an anti poison (universal) serum and injected it onto the dying Noteworthy.

Suddenly, Noteworthy's vitals appeared on the screen. His bio readings indicated the serum had taken effect. X-ray quickly drew a bio tissue and wiped the stallions mouth clean to remove any remaining poison.

"X-ray, sit rep!" ordered Scarecrow. The rest of Shadow rushed to the situation followed by a group of alerted ponies.

"Somepony poisoned the cider with cyanide!" gritted X-ray. "Noteworthy consumed some."

The ponies around the squad gave loud gasps.

"Is he going to be alright?" asked Twilight as she was breathing heavily.

X-ray turned around. To face the alicorn. "He'll be fine, he just needs mouth to mouth."

"I can give him that!" piped up Lyra from behind. To noponies and nobody's interest, the horny green unicorn drew the barely conscious Noteworthy off to the side for 'mouth to mouth.'

"Why do I get the feeling that poison was meant for us?" noted Scorch.

"Speaking of poison." gritted Overwatch. The sniper saw a pegasus by the name of Blossomforth attempting to get a sip of the poisoned cider. Before the ignorant mare could drink it, Overwatch drew his PDR and fired a round that shattered the cider bowl.

The noise of the gauss powered bullet was enough to grab the attention of half the party.

"What are you doing?" beamed Rainbow Dash.

"Trying to find out who's after us." answered Scarecrow.

"X-ray, surely your drone should have recorded who could have poisoned the drink." pointed Scorch.

The rifleman nodded and took out his tablet. He accessed the live feed from the drone, played back a few hours and scanned the video for anything suspicious. X-ray pointed to town hall and switched to magnetic view. Interestingly, his drone had been unable to record anything within the town hall. As if it was being scrambled.

"Guys, my drone feed isn't capable recording anything in town hall." explained X-ray.

"Can you salvage or try to unscramble the data?" asked Scorch.

"Negative."

"Looks like there's only one thing left to do." sighed the demo man.

The demo man of Shadow tapped on to his wrist computer, accessed suit functions and transmitted the energy of his kinetic barrier to form a kinetic punch. The electricity traveled through the conductive fabric of the armor and onto his gloves.

Immediately after, he slammed his powered hands onto to the floor to emit an EMP that disabled all forms of electricity (and by extension magic) with the exception of Shadow's weapons and armor. The music and lights turned off.

Now everpony's attention was grabbed. As the party goers panicked what was happening, all of the unicorns wondered why their horn stopped emitting magic.

Twilight flew on over to the side and switched on the lights, not the party lights, that had been unaffected by the EMP.

"Scorch, X-ray block the entrances. Anypony tries to escape, you give them hell. Overwatch, take high ground and watch for anything suspicious." ordered Scarecrow.

"Solid copy." radioed Shadow.

Just when a group of ponies was about to leave the door, Scorch's figure uncloaked. The demo man gave a growl and flexed his rifle at the ponies, thus scaring the escapers back into the hall.

Scarecrow turned the volume on his mic up.

"ATTENTION EVERYPONY. There has been an assassination attempt on our lives and has nearly claimed the life of one of your own. You are to co-operate with us until the situation has been sorted out."

"Scarecrow, you can't order ponies around like this!" hissed Twilight. The commando ignored her.

"In order to determine the assailant, we will call you forward for questioning. When we ask, you WILL respond. Failure to comply will-"

The leader of Shadow paused and looked at the Mane 6. "What's the punishment for resisting police brutality in Equestria?"

Twilight placed a hoof on her chin. "Um-"

"FAIL TO COMPLY. AND YOU WILL BE SHOT!"

The entire party, which was nearly the entire town gasped and started panicking. Many ponies attempted to exit through the doors, only to be blocked by either Scorch or X-ray.

"May the team assigned to preparation of the cider please step forward." ordered Scarecrow.

The team revealed itself to be Applejack, Big Macintosh, Apple Fritter, Red Delicious and Red Gala.

Scarecrow crossed his arms. "Please enlighten me as to why your cider was loaded with cyanide."

"Scarecrow! The apple family would never resort to such a heinous act." insisted Rarity.

"Ah don't have to answer to you chum!" hissed Applejack.

The 6ft 5 human walked closer to the 3ft 2 orange mare and instantly reminded her how much taller he was than her.

To the town's surprise, Applejack spoke. "Alright you win. We didn't poison the cider. We swear. Us apples don' lie nor do we have any reason ta hurt y'all."

"Eeyup." nodded Big Mac.

"Then why is the cider poisoned? Did any of you leave the beverage unchecked?"

Applejack placed a hoof on her chin. "Then again, 4 of us had ta leave ta get more apples. Apple Fritter was left in charge."

Scarecrow turned to the trembling mare. "Would you happen to know why your drink nearly killed somepony?"

"I didn't poison the drink. I swear." mumbled Apple Fritter. Scarecrow's lie detector didn't go off.

"Instead, all that partying was really tempting, I stepped outside, but only for a minute." admitted the mare.

"Smooth." hissed Scarecrow. "You're free. Move along next to Scorch."

The Apples did so. The rest of the crowd was starting to ponder who would have poisoned the beverage.

Scarecrow fired his shotgun in the air to get their attention.

"Alright. When I point you out, you will come here immediately to be interrogated. When you're done, you will head to the other side of the room and remain there until further notice." announced Scarecrow.

The commander of Shadow pointed at a purple pegasus and instructed her to come next to him.

"Name?"

"Wind Waker."

Scarecrows lie detector went off. "Please be honest ma'am."

"Okay, it's Cloud Kicker."

"Would you happen to know anything about the cider being poisoned?"

"Me? No. Of course not."

Scarecrows lie detector read 'valid'. "You're free to go."

The same process went on for another 2 and a half hours. Had the fear of death not lingered around, the ponies would have collapsed from exhaustion by now.

Shadow had been ruthless. Even on ponies like Fluttershy. While everypony understood the situation, they were frightened beyond all relief.

The Mane 6 thanked that nopony had gotten hurt. They wondered what was worse, this interrogation that would have strained the relationship between the equines and humans. Or the fact that somepony attempted assassination.

"Name?"

"Twinkleshine. No I did not poison the cider."

"You're telling the truth. You're free."

Finally, everypony had relocated and crowded on to the other side of the hall.

The rest of Shadow formed up on Scarecrow.

"Alright, seems nopony here is guilty of anything." announced Scorch. "We would like to thank you for your co-operation and apologize for the stress this has caused-"

"Hey you!" shouted Overwatch.

Shadow turned left to see a hooded unicorn trotting across the other side. The unicorn, evidently with a blue coat took one look at the humans and exited through an unguarded door.

Shadow sprang to action and chased after the mysterious mare. The Mane 6 followed along with a group of curious townsfolk.

The hooded mare was fast for a unicorn, but not faster than Shadow. She nervously looked to her left and found the sniper leaping from building to building like a monkey leaped from tree to tree.

Finally, Overwatch flipped off a house and landed right in front of the hooded unicorn. The rest of Shadow uncloaked behind him. Shadow noticed something about the mare. She wasn't tired, but she looked frightened.

"Ma'am please identify you're self." calmly said Scarecrow. He didn't need to ask if she was the one.

The Mane 6 finally made it to the scene and appeared behind the mysterious pony.

"Shadow, don't hurt her!" shrieked Twilight.

"Don't worry Twilight." spoke the mare. "When I'm through with them, nopony will have to deal with such nightmares."

The mare removed her brown hood. The Mane 6 evidentially knew the assailant based on their loud gasp. The mare had a blue coat and a pale blue mane.

"T-T-Trixie." whispered Fluttershy.

"You know this bitch?" growled Scorch. Shadow had yet to draw their weapons.

"Y-yes." stammered Twilight. "She used to be a rival of mine, then she tried to destroy the town and finally she apologized. But now-"

"You've attempted murder and aggression towards the human race." gritted Scarecrow.

"What choice did the Great And Powerful Trixie have?" glared the blue unicorn. She sounded as if she had been traumatized by rape.

"Are you aware your actions nearly resulted in the fucking death of one of your own?" questioned X-ray.

"It was not the Great And Powerful Trixie's intention to harm anypony. Her goal, was in disposing you 4 monsters!" beamed Trixie.

"What reason would you have in trying to get rid of them? Shadow hasn't done anything to you!" pointed Twilight.

"And to think you 6 of all ponies would associate with such horrific antagonizers!" screamed Trixie.

Pinkie gave a mild glare. "Look, we know Shadow is mean, inconsiderate, cynical, aggressive, socialists, know it alls, trigger happy, sadists-"

"She get's it sugarcube." whispered Applejack.

"-But you can't just try to kill them like that!"

"Besides, I wouldn't try to pick a fight with these guys if I were you." warned Rainbow Dash.

"Not to mention your plan was extremely flawed." noted Scarecrow. "For starters, humans have been immune to cyanide since the 2300's, we would have scanned your drink anyway and you would have killed ponies too in the process."

"Not to mention, the UTF would find out what you did and blow this fucking planet up if we died." added Scorch.

Trixie snorted. "I don't know where you came from, but what I do know is that humans won't last a chance with what I have in store for you." Trixie's comment was filled hesitation as well as anger.

"Why do you want to murder them anyway?" dramatized Rarity.

"It is not what humans are doing, it is what they did do and what they will do." explained Trixie. Her expression was that of sorrow, as if she was warning the apocalypse.

"By will do, you mean discover why this planet has human elements in it?" questioned X-ray. "If that is the case, than I guess ignorance is the norm here."

"Why would you attempt to discover the human influence on this planet?" asked Trixie. "Surely, you should be aware of the answer already."

"What are you talking about Trixie? This is the first time humans have made contact with an intelligent race." insisted Twilight.

"Is that what they told you?" puffed Trixie.

Scarecrow folded his arms. "Well that's the truth. You seem to be implying you were aware of our race for a while."

"I have read many stories about an ancient bi-ped civilizations in the texts of Griffin and Zebra religion. I read horrible stories of humans terrorizing the races to submit to their tyranny."

"What? Trixie, certainly you should know it is taboo to read the religious scrolls of other species?" pointed Rarity.

"Okay first, it's religion. It's bullshit." laughed Scarecrow. "Second, just because it mentions bi-peds, doesn't mean it was referring to humanity."

"I'm n-no history genius, b-but there was never s-something that mentioned humans in our books." whimpered Fluttershy.

"Furthermore, humans never travelled to other planets before 500 years ago." added X-ray. "You're claims for revenge are invalid."

Trixie shook of a frightened expression from her face. "I-I am trying to protect the pony race! Not seek revenge." defended Trixie. "It was said that the humans would return and seek to reclaim this world for their own. I've had NIGHTMARES of the return of your species."

"Well, I don't remember anything about that in human history books. We came here for exploration." shook Overwatch.

"Y-you l-lie." scowled Trixie.

"His lie detector didn't go off." pointed Pinkie Pie.

"Sorry partner, but ya got no reason ta kill." said Applejack. "At least Shadow doesn't kill without due cause."

"Their species is only about murder. Did you not hear what happened to the Griffin army in the Everfree Forest?" justified Trixie.

"Trixie, they're Griffins, they attack anypony on sight. Shadow was trying to defend themselves." pointed Twilight.

"And I am trying to defend you!" squealed the blue unicorn.

"You almost killed Noteworthy!" reminded Pinkie Pie.

"Trxie. By the order of the United Terran Federation, you are to be detained and face trial for attempted murder." announced Scarecrow. He readied a pair of kinetic barrier hand cuffs.

"No offense Scarecrow, but Trixie is a pony. She is to face Equestrian law." interrupted Twilight.

"Her attempts were meant to harm humans." countered Scorch. "Since we are the law, she is to face the Federation."

"I wouldn't argue with them if I were you Twi. They're getting mad." stated Rainbow Dash.

"Don't you dare touch me!" Trixie expelled the blue electromagnetic energy stored within her horn and shaped a blue kinetic barrier dome around her. Unlike Shadow's her dome was clear and blue.

Scarecrow simply drew X-ray's sidearm (much to latter's chagrin) and fired. The magnetically propelled bullet shattered the energy barrier with enough force to knock back the blue unicorn..

"Trixie, you mustn't aggravate Shadow. They will resort to murder!" screamed Rarity.

"Overwatch arrest her." ordered Scarecrow.

"NO!" Trixie fired a bolt of energy at Overwatch, only for the beam to helplessly evaporate off a force field that left a pattern of transparent purple hexagons.

Trixie continued firing on him to no avail. Her fear of humanity was taking over her.

"Let's not get hasty." whispered Fluttershy.

"She's right, this entire thing is one big understanding!" added Rainbow Dash.

"How about we forget this entire thing and remember the magic of friendship." cheered Pinkie Pie.

Suddenly, a large group of confused ponies arrived at the scene.

"Trixie knowingly attempted first degree murder on an armed officials, she is to face trial." replied X-ray.

"Besides, you do seem genuinely confused, the worst you'll get is a week in prison." assured Scorch.

"The Great and Protect full Trixie is not confused!" she spat. "I will NEVER submit to your race."

"We are not asking you to submit. We are asking you to face responsibility for your crimes. Don't push us." hissed X-ray.

Trixie used gravitational radiation to levitate a wooden bench and hurled it towards Scorch. The bench merely broke once it slammed the demo man. The right side of Scorch's body merely flickered purple. He still had 99% of his shield left.

"Oh look. Violation of public property." said the demo man.

Trixie turned around. "What are you DOING? While I distract these scoundrels, you grab the elements of harmony."

Pinkie Pie gave a nervous laugh. "Funny story, we can't exactly get them because-"

"They've deceived you!" groaned the blue unicorn.

Scarecrow folded his arms. "Trixie, I don't want to kill you. I can right now say that humans haven't done anything morally questionable to Epona before this week."

The lie detector went off. The wrist computers glowed red.

Shadow was immediately puzzled. "Wait what-"

Suddenly, Trixie reached from her hood and put on her secret weapon. The Alicorn amulet.

Twilight shrieked. "Trixie, is that-"

"The alicorn amulet. This charm will propel my skills in magic to levels the gods would fear." boasted Trixie.

"That is one fucked up radiation amplifier." corrected Scorch.

Trixie charged more and more energy from the atmosphere. Small objects started to levitate off the ground either due to the enhanced electromagnetic radiation in the air or the in versed gravitation.

"Shadow be careful!" warned Rarity.

"That charm is what allowed Trixie to take over Ponyville." added Rainbow Dash.

"And I will now use it to protect Ponyville." countered Trixie.

In response, Shadow unslung their rifles and pointed them at the blue unicorn.

"Surender now, or face execution." warned X-ray. "We don't have to do this."

Trixie's eyes glowed red and after drawing enough infrared radiation, expelled a fire bolt at Shadow.

The heat simply extinguished on contact.

"Our suits are fire proof bitch!" insulted Scorch.

Trixie then levitated a HOUSE and hurled it at the squad. She was too slow however. Shadow easily side stepped the attack.

"You leave us no choice!" beamed Scorch.

"Wait don't hurt her!" pleaded Fluttershy.

"That amulet is making her all mean and scary. You have to take it off." instructed Pinkie Pie.

Overwatch walked towards the charged unicorn to arrest her by force. Trixie continuously fired bolts of plasma at him, but each one simply dissipated.

Trixie's vision blurred as Overwatch drew closer. His form was enough to overwhelm her.

A new idea formed in Trixie's head. Suddenly, she started drawing a new source of magnetic energy.

Overwatch slowed down. He knew the noise all to well. "Shit! She's firing a gauss-"

Suddenly, the blast of a human gauss cannon emitted from her horn and struck the sniper. All human weapons were magnetic powered, but there were still the gauss slugs that dealt heavy explosive and piercing damage. Like glass shattering, Overwatch's barriers broke. The sniper himself wasn't harmed but the beam was strong enough to knock him back.

"OPEN FIRE!" blasted Scarecrow.

Scorch and Scarecrow unloaded their rifles at Trixie. However, the blue unicorn formed a shield to protect her. Unlike her previous barrier, this one was purple to signify enhanced energy and netted in a form of hexagons. The shape helped reinforced her projection.

X-ray was about to throw a pulse grenade to disable the unicorn's magic and subdue her. Somehow, Trixie knew what X-ray intended to do. She used telekinesis to unclip a frag grenade from Scorch's belt and hurled the explosive at X-ray.

The explosion did not penetrate X-ray's shield, but sent him flying to the side.

Scorch attempted to dash for the pulse grenade, but Trixie tapped farther than she ever had into the amulet and found herself able to lift the demo man.

Scorch struggled in mid air to break the gravitational grasp on him.

Trixie meanwhile struggled to keep her barrier up. She drew more and more energy from the amulet to reinforce her efforts until something remarkable happened. Trixie wasn't going to let fear conquer her. She pushed aside the thoughts of their horrifying appearances and focused on positive thoughts of protecting everypony.

The amulet caused her to grow in size, her features became more swanlike and her mane became ethereal. Not to mention she sprouted a pair of wings. She had become an alicorn.

"By Celestia!" exclaimed Twilight. Trixie had taken the power of the amulet too far.

"She looks like Luna!" pointed Rarity.

"Does this mean she's a princess now?" asked Pinkie Pie.

The entire pony crowd could not comprehend this sight.

The now alicorn Trixie hurled Scorch towards Scarecrow. The leader of Shadow side stepped the attack but Scorch plummeted and was knocked out by impact.

The alicorn Trixie tried to fire another coil gun at Scarecrow, but he managed to doge the attack.

Trixie smirked and thought of a new plan. She lowered her barrier and picked up Scarecrow's shotgun from his back.

The leader of Shadow was distracted by his second weapon suddenly coming off. He saw his AA 30 surrounded by an animated blue light. Suddenly, the shotgun fired 2 rounds at Scarecrow.

The close quarters rail weapon penetrated his barrier and knocked Scarecrow back.

X-ray meanwhile had regained consciousness. He opened his eye to a horrible sight:

Scarecrow laid unconscious on the floor, and the alicorn Trixie was readying a gauss cannon to finish him off.

The rifleman crawled to his SMG as his M816 was about of reach. His magnetic gloves allowed the weapon to snap on his hands. X-ray aimed down the holo sight, and fired 4 rounds.

The magnetic powered bullets travelled and struck Trixie. Two hit her fore hooves, one on her chest while the other blew off one of hind legs.

Just as Trixie attempted to comprehend what was going on-

"DON'T TOUCH MY FRIENDS YOU FUCKING HORSE!" yelled X-ray.

The rifleman ran with at speeds that Rainbow Dash would be jealous of towards the alicorn. He drew his combat knife and stabbed Trixie right in the neck.

Finally X-ray grabbed the dying Trixie's head with his gloved hands. Trixie was exploding with not only pain but fear. She took one last look at the dark abyss that was X-ray's shades before he smashed her head open into a wall.

The Great and Powerful Trixie was gone.

The town did not go berserk, but instead watched with horror.

The rest of Shadow regained consciousness and the 4 masked humans silently drew their scattered weapons.

Scarecrow walked up to Trixie's mutilated corpse and plucked the alicorn amulet. In his gloved hands, he grasped and shattered the cursed amulet. He let the pieces slowly drop.

The town was deathly silent. All of the ponies were focusing on X-ray who's hand were soaked in animated blood.

"Thank you for the party." muttered Scorch. Shadow had been unmoved by Trixie's death like a typical 23rd unit. "We're sorry you had to see that."

Shadow cloaked and took off.

Author's Notes:

And the plot thickens.

*I was gonna make it OctaScratch but VinylLights was more convenient for this chapter. Don't flame me because of that simple plot point.

By the way, Trixie no speaking in third person is used intentionally to signify how afraid she is.

Before Shadow meets Celestia, is there anything you would like to seem them do before they leave Ponyville?