CHAPTER 1: RISING

There was that familiar irritation again, that feeling of warmth on her face, causing her to awake from her peaceful slumber. Cheerilee slowly opened her eyes, laying in her bed and just spending the next moment staring up at the ceiling, gathering her thoughts. It felt like the same usual day for her, and for the time being all she wanted to do was stay focused on the idea of reaching the weekend. Her mane was erratic and wild, not baring the usual puffy appearance it often had. But as she leaned up, thinking about what'd transpire for her this time, her thoughts had actually drifted somewhere unexpected, it was quite lonely here today.

There used to be a time, when things were different.

There used to be a time she had somepony waiting for her. Somepony who'd wanted to keep her company, somepony who'd been dedicated to remain by her side, somepony who'd loved her with all her heart, she used to have a daughter. A daughter not of pony blood, but one whom she loved all the same.

But she was gone now.

It felt like so long ago since she'd seen her. Cheerilee shook her head as her brows furrowed, she didn't want to dwell on such things anymore, it wasn't healthy and it only caused her to sink into a state of melancholy.

So she went about her usual routine, heading into the bathroom to wash her face, followed by brushing her teeth, then combing her mane. She proceeded by fixing her bed, it was cold today so she took the extra task of grabbing her scarf from one the drawers. It all felt so robotic, so lifeless, and she moved as if she were programmed to just repeat these actions for the daily routine. She had to do something, something to keep her mind off the memories of the past. And this something, was better than nothing.

It was soon time to head on downstairs, and as she took each trot down her upper level hallway, further towards the staircase, she ran her hoof along the wooden walls. She was now recalling the time she'd first heard the sound of clanking pots and shifting plates down in the kitchen, it caused her to smile. She'd had an intruder that night, but she would've never guessed that home invasion would be one of her most cherished memories at the time.

She made her way down, now feeling unable to resist thinking back to a time she missed dearly, that overwhelming sense of nostalgia overcoming her every second she continued to make her way through her now lonesome home. She stopped by the entrance to the kitchen, looking at the cabinets, and the organized cupboards. Everything was in order, everything was neat. It was all the same, these days it never changed, and somewhere deep down, she wished it did.

"I'll make you more sweets! A-And I can listen really good, I'm a really good listener! I promise I'll be good from now on, t-then we can talk right? We can talk like in the pony classroom?"

The school mare turned absently away from the kitchen, now heading into the living room. She looked to the TV, grabbing the remote off the couch and clicking it on. Equestria Daily News, not like she cared much about what was going on outside Ponyville these days, she had her students to teach, that was all that mattered now. School didn't start for another hour or so, so she definitely had some time to kill. She looked at the TV wearily, a careless look on her face as her eyes were halfway shut, almost as if she were still half asleep. Why couldn't she just forget? There was no point in hoping things would change, things had already gotten too bad, too out of hoof, everything was beyond her at this point.

There was nothing she could do. There was nothing more to be done, it was over, it'd been over for awhile now.

And as Cheerilee sat there, her pupils dilated due to the sudden shock of something hitting her forehoof as she held the remote, laying on her side. She glanced down, still with that baffled expression, as what she saw caused her features to scrunch up, and define a look of agony. This pain in her heart, it was all too apparent now. That small wet spot on her hoof, it was a tear, she hadn't even realized she was crying.

Her cheeks were moist, as the transparent droplets only continued to trickle down at this point, like small, thin, facial streams coming from her eyes. The mare couldn't make them stop, so she only let the emotional wave pass through her.

Memories had such a strange way of hitting you right when you're most vulnerable. Of breaking you down when you least expected it, and leaving you feeling like no more than an empty shell, even when you'd thought you were whole once more.

"Momma, will you leave with me?"

"Uhm, what do you mean sweetie? Leave with you? Leave where?"

"Anywhere, anywhere but here. Will you come with me?"

"Sweetie, you're not going to lose me, don't worry about those types of things okay? Me and you, we're going to end up just fine. No matter what happens, I'll look out for you."

Yea right, those words felt so idiotic now. She'd failed, that's all that was apparent to her now. She tried telling herself everything was fine now, that everything happens for a reason, that she didn't have the right to judge the situation from her perspective, that she had to move on. But it all felt so unfair, so torturous, why did things turn out this way? What had she missed, just what'd happened to cause such chaos and heartache to ensue almost immediately after everything was going so well. She hated herself for it, for being such a coward back then, for hiding her away like some beast. Maybe if she'd just had the the courage to face Twilight with her thoughts, taken the time to prove to them Eve was no more than a harmless child at the time, then things could've been different. But it all felt too late now, everything felt too late.

She was too late. And she could only look down in shame, lost in this pathetic state of sorrow, and cry.

As she left her home, closing the door behind her, she took some time to admire the beautiful snow that still graced the small town of Ponyville, relishing in it until the winter wrap up. She shivered as she tugged at her scarf, before making her way down the path towards the schoolhouse. Along the way there were guards trotting up and down the streets, and stationed at different areas in Ponyville, they'd become a common sight for awhile now. Since Twilight Sparkle had chosen to stay here in Ponyville rather than running her own personal empire, guards were stationed here to protect their princess. They all even wore colors that'd look like they were representing the alicorn of friendship. Rumors had it they were trained elites from a country off the borders of Equestria, they wore purple plated armor with an insignia of magic etched into their breast plates. One of the guards saluted Cheerilee with a smile, as she nodded back to him with a smile of her own, then continuing onto the schoolhouse, actually taking some appreciation out of the distractions along the way.

Turns out that even the school day turned out the same, although she couldn't deny that the cheer in her student's voices, the happiness in their faces, comforted her a little. She felt tranquil looking at them, and she managed to wear a smile when it came to being in their presence. But even at school, the thoughts of those days still managed to creep their way into her mind, occupying it like a plaque, and what she thought next caused her to feel an overbearing sense of regret. Although looking at her student's happiness made her glad, it also frustrated her. She was frustrated due to the fact they all had it so well, that they, not even her, had a care in the world. That they lived these privileged lives, away from any danger, from any ridicule, and she could only wonder what her past daughter was doing with her life at this point.

She was now a fugitive, on the run at a banishment level status. How would a child cope with such things? It was agonizing, to think of what her world was now, she'd barely gotten a chance to speak with her, and although she felt she couldn't lay the blame solely on Twilight Sparkle, she still grieved for her daughter silently within herself. Her amazing powers kept her safe, that she was sure of, but what of her mind, that fragile baby draconequus she'd seen, was she still there? Was she still suffering? And if so, was she now alone? Alone to live with the guilt, the grief, and the pain of having the status of such a monster? So many negative outcomes raced through the mare's mind as she crossed her forehooves over her desk, and just buried her head in them. This was just too much, too stressful to be distracted by.

Scootaloo looked to her teacher in worry, before nudging Sweetie Belle as the rest of the class continued to giggle and talk amongst themselves. "Hey Sweetie Belle, is Miss.Cheerilee okay? She's lookin a little down."

Sweetie Belle, who'd been talking to Apple Bloom, then looked to Miss.Cheerilee curiously, eyes wide with worry a moment afterwords. Miss.Cheerilee certainly didn't look to be doing too good today, she looked miserable with her head buried in her hooves. "Miss.Cheerilee, are you okay?"

Some of the other students took notice of Sweetie Belle's question, looking to Miss.Cheerilee.

Cheerilee didn't answer however, she just kept her head lowered on the desk, her face buried in her hooves.

The students all began exchanging concerned glances with one another.

But at that moment, Cheerilee raised one of her hooves, waving at her students absently as she kept her head lowered. "I'm fine everypony, just didn't get enough sleep last night. Go on, today will just be a free day."

The students reassured, all burst into cheer as Apple Bloom shouted, climbing atop her desk. "FREE DAAAY!!!"

And with that, the class erupted into chaos, as they all started playing, talking, and just doing whatever they wanted.

Cheerilee didn't care though, she just kept her head buried, what did it matter anyway.

At the end of the day, after the students had already gone, the schoolmare still remained at her desk, dwelling on the past. Why is it things always turned up in this manner when she thought back to Eve, maybe a visit to Zecora would help, Zecora always managed to know just the right things to say during times like these. She could use some sagely advice right about now, living life like this wasn't what she wanted. What would she give right now for another chance, a clean slate to begin with, would there ever be a way things could return to those days? She was lost in the idea.

But then, there was an interruption.

Another, new beginning.

"Uhm, Cheerilee?"

Cheerilee's brows raised, as she was stacking papers at her desk, but thrown off by her recognition in that voice. She looked towards the door, to see a rainbow maned pegasi, accompanied by a timid yellow one. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy? What were the two of them doing here at the schoolhouse? She could only wonder.

Her expression died down once more as she just continued stacking her papers absently, "Rainbow, Fluttershy? What brings you two over here?" She was fairly curious, there was no reason they should be coming to see her.

Rainbow sighed, before crossing her hooves while fluttering, glancing down at Fluttershy. She looked frustrated, and appeared almost desperate to find the words she was searching for, looking as if she'd hoped the pale yellow pegasus would have some idea of what those words were. "Well,...it's just-" she paused, unable to continue as she took in a deep breath, closing her eyes and shaking her head. It was rare to see Rainbow Dash flustered like this, and she groaned, looking up soon afterwords. What had her so bothered? But she then looked back to Cheerilee. "It's about Twilight."

Cheerilee just stopped stacking her papers as she froze, her face darkened. Bringing up Twilight at times like this was never good for her, especially when Eve was the occupation on her mind. Cheerilee kept her cool however, she'd chosen to end the drama between Twilight and her a long time ago, she couldn't allow these dwellings on the past get in the way of their thin relationship, especially if they were going to be living in the same town. She just replied to Rainbow flatly, almost with disinterest. "Oh, Twilight? That's unexpected, what about her?"

Fluttershy's expression changed at that moment, as she looked almost frightened by Cheerilee's question. She could only let off a soft whimper as she twirled her hoof against the ground in a circular motion.

Cheerilee didn't fail to notice this either, as her expression was only growing more curiously annoyed, wincing a little at the two mares as she waited for at least one of them to say something.

Rainbow began scratching the back of her own main with a worried look herself, before raising the other hoof in the form of a gesture. "It's just that, well,...Twilight has been staying cooped up in the library again."

Cheerilee just sighed, obviously annoyed as she continued stacking her papers. "What's that have to do with me girls? If Twilight wants to stay cooped up in the library, that's her decision. Why're we even discussing this?"

Neither of them were surprised by Cheerilee's reaction, which was another reason Fluttershy refused to join in on the conversation for the time being. Because she felt, things would only progressively worsen from here.

Rainbow continued, "It's about that baby draconequus."

Cheerilee's eyes widened as she fell still again. What, did she just say?

Rainbow only drew on the conversation, not really taking notice of Cheerilee as she did so. "Recently Twilight's been digging into this whole business involving that draconequus again, and we know you two had your differences, and I-" Rainbow's eyes fastened on Fluttershy as her expression sunk, and she looked almost angry with herself. "-I wasn't at Canterlot, so I didn't see what happened. But I do know that you know more about it and the draconequus than the rest of us Cheerilee, we all just want Twilight to be able to move on from this. You've been able to, we know you have different views, but please, she really needs help. And we don't really know what else to say to her at this point."

Help huh? Where was the help for Eve when she needed it? She didn't have the support of friends or family, and now she was seen as nothing more than a villain. Either way, Cheerilee could agree with them on the matter of Twilight moving on from this, the last thing she wanted for her past daughter was to have the alicorn at her throat again, wherever she may be. "Alright girls, I understand. I'll join you then." Cheerilee scooted back from her seat, rising, then heading on over to accompany the mares. She regarded them both with simple nods, before making her way out of the schoolhouse herself. She knew where Twilight lived, there was no need for them to act like escorts.

Rainbow looked to Fluttershy as they both had similar expressions, almost as if they were thinking the same thing.

Fluttershy knew that putting Twilight and Cheerilee in the same room, and the topic concerning Eve, probably wasn't a very good idea. But she didn't want to go against her friends either, nor was she sure if making this decision was entirely illogical. She had heard Twilight and Cheerilee did make up ever since that experience in Canterlot, they all saw the same thing, what Eve had become, what she did. How could Cheerilee say Twilight was wrong for wanting something better than that? No matter the circumstances, Eve shouldn't have felt compelled to threaten so many lives. Maybe Cheerilee could see that, maybe she could understand, and maybe she could help Twilight get over this strange obsession with Eve, no matter how conflicting things were. No matter how unfair things seemed, perhaps they could both accept that sometimes it's just the way things happen, and they could all just attempt moving on, together.

But sadly, those sorts of things never seemed to occur. One thing always lead to another, and this conflict never seemed to end. And there was that sharp sting in her heart, since she felt she knew that the pain was inescapable. Was there any way everypony could just come out happy? It's as if they were in a game, or attempting to solve a puzzle, and solving the puzzle would lead everypony to a just and satisfying end, but at this point they were all just giving up. Everypony except Twilight, who would do anything to reach her just end. Absolutely anything.

As the three ponies reached Twilight's home, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy only sighed, as Cheerilee wore a look of indifference, not really looking forward to the meeting, and with good sense. There were even two guards blocking the door right outside Golden Oak's, they didn't fail to notice the new mare. "Who's she?" One asked in a strict and direct tone.

Rainbow got in his face, pressing her nose against his and placing her hooves on her hips, before exclaiming, "She's with us, so back off alright?"

The guard certainly didn't put up any further resistance, nor question the element of loyalty. They both simply nodded and then removed themselves from the path blocking the door, allowing the mares access to Princess Twilight.

Rainbow Dash pushed the door open, "Jeez, I wish Twilight would just ditch these goons already."

Immediately facing the three new mares upon entry were the familiar faces of Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity, looks like the whole cast of them was present.

Cheerilee's eyes shifted to each of them momentarily, before fastening on the mare of the hour, Twilight Sparkle.

Twilight was focused on the pages of a particular book, unsurprisingly, as she spoke in an expectant tone, "Who is it this time?" She flipped  through some of the pages with her magic as it was revealed she looked weary herself, almost in complete relation to Cheerilee. The mare didn't look herself, more like a zombie, like she hadn't gotten any good sleep for days, which was probably the case. "Rainbow Dash maybe? Fluttershy?"

Applejack gulped as she, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie hurried over to the other three mares by the door.

Applejack raised a hoof as she nudged the school mare, whispering in her ear. "T-Thanks for comin Cheerilee, we thought it might help us if ya tagged along in this little, erhm...issue. She's been like that all week, maybe even longer if we didn't catch on."

Pinkie Pie nodded, before lowering her head and whimpering softly like a shriveled puppy, her lower lip trembled as such. She looked drained of her usual energetic demeanor, spiritually crushed and defeated. "Mhm, and I tried everything but she won't put on a smile, not even for me! I mean, is there something wrong with me? My jokes are funny, right, right? I gave her funny performances, baked her cupcakes, gave massages, even cleaned the library and sung her songs and she still doesn't smile! All she does is read read read read read!" Pinkie then began tearing at her mane in frustration.

Rarity looked to the party pony with a worried glance. "Read would be an understatement darling. These books have once again become her main priority, she's just shutting everypony else out. I must say, it really is quite frustrating."

Rainbow crossed her forehooves as she groaned rolling her eyes. "Well she did almost get killed in Canterlot! I swear if I was there I would've rainboomed that stinkin dracone-" she was then cut off by a sudden hoof that covered her mouth. She looked to find Fluttershy, finding the mare shaking her head in disappointment before eyeing Cheerilee. Rainbow took the hint and remained silent as Fluttershy steadily lowered her hoof.

Cheerilee just continued to look at Twilight, as she took a few trots forward, practically ignoring the presence of all the others as she put on a smile. "Twilight, are you able to talk for a second?" She leaned forward a bit.

Twilight's eyes widened due the familiarity in the voice, she actually turned away from her book for the moment catching sight of Cheerilee. Her eyes saddened as she then went back to focusing on the pages, "L-Listen, I'm sorry Cheerilee but like I told all the others, I simply can't have my focus on anything else for the time being. I'm so close, I can feel it, there's still so many questions, and I feel I'm getting closer to the answers we need to finally put this all to rest. I know Eve means something to you, and I know we were supposed to move on from this, but those families deserve justice."

Cheerilee's brow twitched as she attempted to not get annoyed. "I see, listen Twilight, I know that you're very passionate about bringing a permanent end to this, to correcting everything, but maybe it's just best for you to move on. We can't find all the answers, sometimes it's just meant to be that way. Nopony is getting hurt anymore, nopony is suffering, can't we just be grateful everything is at peace for the time being? Can't we enjoy that peace?" She closed her eyes and tilted her head to the left, still wearing that same smile. "Come on Twilight, just close the book and let this go. We both saw the same things in Canterlot, we can both move on from it just the same."

Spike who'd been sitting halfway up the stairs with his arms crossed and a worried look nodded in agreement, before muttering, "Y-Yea, please Twilight, let's just forget about this. There's no point sticking your nose in this business anymore, you've done all that you can, please, just let it sort itself out."

Cheerilee nodded, "Yes Twilight, nopony blames you for what happened."

The others nodded to one another.

Applejack added in her opinion, "Yea Twi, come on, it ain't worth all this."

Twilight's face darkened, as she was growing awfully tired of this pointless performance. She winced at the pages of her book, unable to hold herself back from stating her true opinion, "Listen Cheerilee, I'm happy we've become friends again and all, but, please don't talk as if you know what I'm going through. I doubt you even believe your own words. How can you all just sit there and run away from all of this? We need to stop living in denial. Sitting around acting like everything is right doesn't change the fact that it's wrong!" Twilight now looked to have a seething, passive anger about herself, as she'd raised her voice, causing the others to actually back away in fear somewhat.

The response caused Cheerilee's eyes to widen in surprise, as her brow raised, and she'd looked offended. "What?...."

Twilight continued, "You know, I've been thinking for some time now. While studying up on draconequus, I couldn't help but wonder how everything got this bad. All I wanted was for everything to just go right, for everypony to be safe," tears were now rolling down Twilight's cheeks as the small pellets sunk into the thin pages of her book, she'd looked horribly frustrated. "But no matter what I do! All any of you can think of is new ways to pin the blame on me! New ways to tell me that I'm wrong for wanting what's just and fair!" She turned to her friends, revealing her guilt and confliction, "You think I wanted to do any of those things!? She should've just followed the rules and left! But no, she just had to constantly put everypony in danger! How can you all tell me that I should move on from this when there are families out there that she's taken loved ones from? I'm their Princess and I failed to protect them! And you expect me to let her off the hook, to just leave everything to Princess Celestia without lending my help!? No, that's not good enough!" Twilight tossed the book across the library violently, with her head lowered as she glared at all six of them by the door. "This isn't something you can just sweep under the rug and forget about! But you know, what doesn't make sense to me is the fact that Eve managed to come back. I thought about this long and hard as well...."

Cheerilee's body trembled as she glared straight back towards the newly crowned alicorn, attempting to hold herself back from charging her, infuriated. She thought she had the right to outburst!? To feel upset!? Even after everything she'd done? Cheerilee didn't care about what ridiculous reasons Twilight claimed to have for taking her daughter away at this point, Eve had done a horrible wrong in Canterlot, yes, but only because bigoted ponies rejected her in the first place! How was the child expected to cope?! And what things was Twilight even talking about? What did she do to her exactly? The feeling of not knowing the details only caused the mare to grit her teeth more as she just lowered her head as well, struggling to stay in place, to stay calm. "Twilight,......just calm down,....and listen to us."

Applejack nodded, as the mane six all began to approach their friend worriedly. "Twilight, l-listen, just calm down for a minute and think about what yer doin here Sugarcube. Nopony is callin ya a villain or anything like that alright?"

Rainbow nodded as she shook her head, "Yea Twilight! We're your friends, we trust you! Don't you trust us?"

Spike then ran in and hugged Twilight's hind leg. "Twilight! Please, just stop this alright!"

Twilight glanced back at her baby dragon before her eyes saddened herself, but she stomped a forehoof, and shook her head, remaining focused on the matter, and then looking to Fluttershy. "I was wondering what Zecora was doing in Canterlot, but then I started to connect the pieces. There's no way Eve would've been able to recover from what'd happened without help, and there's no way Zecora could've found her without knowing what had transpired. That leaves open one obvious possibility." She scowled, "Fluttershy....you thought I wouldn't find out?"

Fluttershy took a few trots back as her heart raced. "T-Twilight I....I..."

"You betrayed my trust Fluttershy! I told you to just leave her there! What were you thinking? Did you see what she did in Canterlot, how many ponies she killed!? Was she really that worth saving that you'd risk all our lives!?" Twilight took a few trots forward, eyes blazing with rage as she practically snarled at the timid mare.

Fluttershy's eyes swelled with tears as she backed up against the wall and started to curl up, "I...I..."

Even the others looked shocked to this news, as Applejack glanced down at Fluttershy, "F-Fluttershy you?..."

Rainbow Dash cut in, raising her hooves to the air in an angered tone, "Fluttershy you should've told us!"

Rarity then moved between Fluttershy and the other two mares before proclaiming, "Now hold on a second everypony! You can't blame Fluttershy for all this, she was just doing what she felt was right! She wasn't the one who attacked Canterlot, yet here we are acting like that's the case!"

Fluttershy whimpered, crying as she covered her ears, wanting to block out all the fighting. "I just wanted everypony to be alright. I didn't want anypony to get hurt...."

Twilight now looked quite guilty herself as she shook her head, and sighed, "We know Fluttershy, but you still should've told us. Of course, you aren't at fault here, afterall-" she took the next moment to glare back at Cheerilee, unable to hold herself back during the heat of the moment, no longer feeling the need to not be blunt about her honest feelings. "You aren't the one who raised it."

Cheerilee burst forth from her hooves immediately, charging the alicorn princess.

Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash gasped as they'd witnessed the action.

Pinkie Pie called out to the mare, "Cheerilee wait!"

SLAM!!!

Cheerilee tackled the mare as Twilight put up no resistance, just looking Cheerilee in the eyes.

The school mare's hoof trembled as she pulled it back, preparing to sock the alicorn in the face, "TWILIGHT!!!!"

"What makes a monster Cheerilee?" Twilight tilted her head up at the fellow mare with a look of curiosity, a look of anger, as she'd just continued to stare into Cheerilee's eyes with a definite pain of her own. "Is it me, is that what you think?"

Cheerilee found herself unable to react, lost in the mare's words as her hoof continued to tremble.

Twilight continued, "Did I ever murder anypony? Did I ever attack Canterlot? Did I ever attempt bringing back Nightmare Moon? Tell me Cheerilee, what did I do that was so wrong? I followed the rules, I did what was best for Ponyville. Who's the selfish one here Cheerilee? I want you to give me an honest answer. Because, what do you really know? What do you really know besides the fact that that thing you call a daughter attacked every single one of us, and ultimately got away with it."

Tears swelled in Cheerilee's eyes as she screamed at Twilight, "SHE'S ONLY A LITTLE GIRL!!! WHY CAN'T YOU SEE THAT TWILIGHT SPARKLE!? ANY CHILD WOULD BREAK, ANY CHILD WOULD LOSE HOPE!!!!" And she didn't hesitate connecting one of her hooves with Twilight's face in a swift and devastating punch, yet Twilight still didn't put up any resistance. "ANY CHILD WOULD FEEL ALONE, SCARED, DESPERATE!!! WHAT DO YOU KNOW TWILIGHT SPARKLE!? WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ANYTHING!!? WHAT DO YOU KNOW, TELL ME!!!" And Cheerilee continued to punch the mare, left and right as she went off in a flurry of emotional rage.

"WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HER?!"

Eve's face popped in her mind, the baby draconequus attempting to make her food to win her favor on the night they'd first met. Her attempting to hold back her tears as she'd been rejected once again.

"WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT EVE!?"

The baby draconequus played in the fields outside Ponyville, looking to Luna's beautiful night sky, lost in the sea of stars.

"WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT MY DAUGHTER!?"

And Eve laid curled next to her on the couch, sleeping beside her, the last peaceful day they'd lived together.

"TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW!!!!" And before Cheerilee could land another blow, her hoof stopped in place as she'd froze, forcibly held still by Twilight's overbearing telekinetic magic.

Twilight's face was bruised, bloody, and she just looked at Cheerilee with her own seething rage, obviously holding herself back from returning the damage to the mare tenfold. "I now know you're a lost cause Cheerilee, you always were. All you see is a pretty face, a deceitful personality, YOU'RE BLIND! And you just can't see how wrong you are, no matter how many reasons I give! YOU'RE HOPELESS! You make all these claims!" Twilight then rose to her hooves, her face darkening dramatically as her violet eyes and piercing stare never left Cheerilee's. "Yet all Eve has managed to prove is that she's a monster through and through! And you know what, I'm tired of it!!!" She looked to all her friends, "I'M TIRED OF ALL OF THIS!!!" Then back to Cheerilee, glaring, "You wanna know what's going to happen here Cheerilee? I'm done playing nice, I'm done attempting to convince you what needs to be done. I'm going to capture Eve myself, I'm going to ensure nopony interferes with her incarceration, there is no help coming to her this time. And when I'm done with her, she'll be lost, alone, and left to ponder for the rest of eternity the selfish decisions she's made all her life! I'll leave her on the most barren cosmic rock I can find! I'm done arguing with somepony who refuses to see something for what it is! She has you fooled! And if you wanna remain ignorant to all of it, fine." She then tossed Cheerilee aside into one of the bookcases, as the books tumbled and stacked atop the mare. "Just don't get in my way, or I'll have you punished for your crimes as well." She then put on a mask of fierce determination, before looking to the door and trotting towards it. She made her way past her friends, as Spike and the rest of them only watched in shock. "We'll sort this out once I'm done everypony, there's no point discussing this matter anymore. As one of the newly crowned Princesses of Equestria, I will do what I have to, in order to preserve the peace and happiness that's kept us safe for all these years. I will deliver justice, one way or another." Twilight made her way outside her home, before spreading her wings and looking to the skies.

Cheerilee cried out to the alicorn, rising from the stack of books. "TWILIGHT!!!!"

Twilight glanced back at the mare as her guards looked at her in disbelief.

One of them shook his head in utter shock, "M-My Princess! Your face!"

Twilight brushed herself off, "It's fine, just make sure that mare doesn't interfere, I'm going to Canterlot."

Cheerilee attempted to leave the library, still trying to reach Twilight, "Just let it be Twilight!"

Twilight just ignored her, remaining silent as she flapped her wings and made way for Canterlot.

Pinkie Pie started patting Fluttershy's cheek, as she looked at her worriedly. "F-Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy was silent, solemn, just sitting with a guilt ridden look to her face.

Rainbow gritted her teeth angrily, "Guys, I'm going to go catch up with Twilight!"

Applejack tended to Cheerilee, as did Rarity before nodding to Rainbow, "Alright Rainbow, we'll be right behind ya."

Rainbow nodded, frowning slightly, "Yea...." Before bursting out of the library herself and making way for the skies in pursuit of Twilight.

Spike just sat in the library, his head buried in his knees. "Twilight....."

And Cheerilee, still being held back by the guards as she was tended to, could only scowl in regards to the alicorn. And she couldn't deny, Twilight's resolve in this matter did send a shiver down her spine. She felt so powerless, but she couldn't just give up, not again, she'd only hoped that she could manage to make a difference. A storm's coming sweetie......

In a land far beyond Equestria, in a society that ponies could only dream of, troubles regarding a similar matter only stirred. Massive platforms made of varying materials stretched across the beautiful open skies. Upon each platform, were cities of their own, grand scale cities that could easily be compared to ones the size of Canterlot, if not bigger. The architecture, much like the platforms, varied in construction material. Large gold spires reached past the cotton candy clouds, as bridges made of pillows and stone connected one massive platform to the next. While houses and other smaller structures ranged from being made of dark chocolate, to wood, and even to steel or graham crackers. And upon further inspection of the individuals who inhabited each of these titanic cities, to one's shock, they'd find a race of chaotic creatures, they'd find a vast society of draconequus. This was the home to the draconequus race.

Draconequus adults walked about the streets, male and female alike, as most were holding umbrellas to shade themselves from the chocolate rain which poured over each of the cities. It was a murky day, and everything was moving along with the atmospheric cycle that kept things in order, even though they were embodiment's of disorder itself. However many of these individuals, unlike Discord, only had such mastery over one certain aspect of their chaotic magic. Some ranging from being able to construct a vast amount of different construction materials, to others being able to make a variety of different foods. Society was divided, and each of them had their roles to play in their lives. Draconequus children trained in large fields of grass, with instructors attempting to teach them to master individual aspects of their powers. Many draconequus trained learning their roles in society from birth, their destinies not focusing on freedom of choice, whereas ponies were free to discover their destinies themselves. It's what kept everything together, in the past they'd attempted to go about their lives freely, only to be faced with mass exile and defeat, this method they'd learned over time, kept things in check, it kept all draconequus in check. Most draconequus were able to make it here, and thrive, but there were some special cases.

There were sometimes parents who'd given birth to such disappointingly unbalanced children, that they'd denied them access into the city of draconequus, leaving them to learn to live on their own, there were cases like Eve's. But as they'd soon learn, sometimes those special cases blossomed into something even more astounding, for talk around the three cities involved news of a failure draconequus child, one who'd not only attacked Canterlot, but managed to escape in the process. Although in the background, many draconequus were proud to hear that one of their own, especially a failure who'd been abandoned, had managed to make so much out of her life. But they were also furious, for whoever this terrorist of a child was, she not only threatened the stability that they'd worked so hard to achieve, she threatened the reputation of their race which they were delicately attempting to rebuild as well. The council was in uproar, and there was now no doubt that they'd need to become involved in solving this issue, in correcting it and defending the name of their race. The equestrian draconequus, and legendary child to Eris, Discord, had already caused them enough trouble, and was a good example of what could become of draconequus rebels if left alone, especially children.

Solutions were already being discussed in the council chambers.

The council tower, the tallest spire in the middle platform, looked to be a vacant place currently from the outside. The empty stone tiled streets were currently being pelted with chocolate rain, the delicious sugary substance sinking between the cracks and down into the sewer system of the makeshift floating island. But inside, the tower was bustling with life, draconequus were going about their duties in the marble halls, organizing files, digging through documents, as there were even draconequus secretaries going about their duties and taking calls made from crystal phones. But at the highest level of the tower, in a restricted area which overlooked all three cities, six individuals sat, six very powerful figures.

They each had their own seat, and practically area of the room as they had circular thrones with soft comforters, and they even wore robes, some of them having unique weapons and features which related to their power's. They looked to one another in worry as some were scowling, obviously frustrated about the topic they were currently discussing.

"Who is this blasted child they speak of!? What sort of child would rush head first into Canterlot and attempt assassinating each of the Princesses, is she insane!?" One of them spouted angrily, crossing his arms and looking towards the ground afterwords, puffing smoke from his nostrils, his brown hair parting to the side as he did so.

"Not only that, they say she'd even attempted to interfere with the Crystal Empire's festival, it's as if she has some vendetta against the ponies, which I find hard to believe considering the fact there hasn't been an equestrian born draconequus in over a millenia. What would one of our own, let alone a child, have against the ponies of today? They were not around to see the war, there should be no reason for any of them to want to attack Celestia and Luna." Another exclaimed as he leaned back in his throne, then running his claw through his scruffy black goatee as he pondered on the idea.

The council member from before leaned forward angrily, slamming his clenched paw on his knee before stating, "You fool, connect the pieces! Of course this means one of our own gave birth to a child in Equestria in recent times!"

This time a draconequus with blue hair cut into the conversation, he had green bangs and golden eyes as he seemed to possess a wise, calm demeanor about himself. He just eyed his angered fellow in contemplation, "Hm, I find that quite strange as well though, considering that Equestria is practically two worlds from here. What reason would any couple, or let alone a lone pregnant female, travel that far to give birth? And not only that, but leave her child there of all places, a country where we are shunned, when she could've just brought her here."

The angered one cut in once again, flicking his paw, "Tch! It's obvious, she just didn't want the kid! So they got rid of it! She must've mistook the child for a failure, foolish woman!"

The blue haired draconequus shook his head once again. "No, that's still too complicated. If she wanted to get rid of it, she could've just tossed it over the edge of the city and that would be the end of it. Perhaps she's worried we would find out about the act and have her incarcerated? Still, it seems strange to just leave it in Equestria and have nothing more to do with it, guilt ridden maybe? I wonder, I'm fairly curious to who this baby draconequus is."

One of the older draconequus, one who bore ashen hair and a long beard as well as a staff, leaned forward in his throne, before sighing heavily. "It matters not how she came to be or what her reasons are, let alone who her parents are. The fact of the matter is, that we've got a dangerous criminal on our hands and she's of draconequus blood, and a child at that. If word of this spreads, we may very well be having another war on our doorstep, and I'd rather not deal with such a matter, especially with the ponies of Equestria. We must be intimately involved in her apprehension if we're to preserve the society we've managed to build. So that is why, I'm sending one of you to Equestria to assist the pony princesses in capturing this criminal, where she will receive a fitting punishment as they see fit."

The rest of the council, all except two, burst into gasps. "WHAT!?"

The brown hair draconequus sunk in his chair, shaking his head. "Not me, I won't be dealing with those ponies."

Suddenly one who'd remained silent, and ultimately not surprised by the proclamation, spoke out. He was a draconequus with red and yellow hair, and he wore plate gauntlets and steel sleeves, each etched with elaborate dragon markings. He, much like Discord, had a small scruff of hair beneath his chin, except it was red. He looked young, confident, almost cocky as he'd stated, "I'll go."

Majority of the council looked to him curiously.

The brown haired draconequus's nose wrinkled in annoyance, "Hmph, awfully eager, aren't you, Havoc?"

The red and yellow haired draconequus, revealed simply as one by the name of Havoc, sneered at his fellow before leaning forward, snickering softly to himself. "Hah, sounds fun, I could use a change of scenery. We don't get out enough as it is seeing that we're members of the council. Pass up a chance to get out there and polish my skills? Why? Plus I want to see what all the fuss is about this kid. After all, once this is over we'll likely never get a chance to see her again. I'd rather not miss out on a chance like that, know what I'm saying? Muddle."

The older draconequus with the staff looked to Havoc, his unreadable gaze fastened on the eager council member as he just remained in that position for some time, before nodding plainly. "Very well Havoc, you may go. Princess Celestia will be pleased to see that we've sent you in for the job."

The brown haired draconequus groaned in irritation at the sound of that name. "Ugh, how come I'm not surprised?"

Suddenly, the final council member, who bore a hood and a very slender figure, spoke out. "I will go as well."

Havoc smirked.

The older draconequus looked to the cowled council member in confusion. "Rift? Are you sure about this?"

The cowled draconequus revealed as one who went by the name, Rift, lowered her hood. She looked to the older draconequus member as her violet eyes locked with his gaze. Her hair was a gradient mix of purple and black, as she'd looked to be the very representation of the void, the infinite unknown. She nodded assuredly, "Yes, I would like to assist Havoc on this mission. I believe it will be quite the beneficial experience."

Although she was the only female on the council, none of the others questioned her, almost as if out of utter respect.

The older draconequus nodded, "Very well, then let's waste no time. Rift."

Rift rose from her throne, before lifting her paw and nodding, and she ran it down slowly in a vertical line. The air following that line shimmered, and slowly began to distort and crack, as eventually, a tear in the very dimension appeared. Within, there was nothing but purple and black swirls, as if leading into an endless abyss. Rift was unafraid, she then looked to Havoc as she spoke plainly, "Coming?"

Havoc now rose from his throne as he nodded, "Of course." And made his way beside the female draconequus.

The two of them then looked to the rest of the council before nodding, and bowing slightly. Departing into the makeshift rift not long afterwords, and as Rift and Havoc disappeared into that strange void, it closed up afterwords, leaving no trace, as if it were never there to begin with.

The blue haired draconequus smiled softly, tilting his head to the left. "If Rift's interested, it must mean something."

The one with the black goatee sighed, "Eh whatever, always feels easier to breathe when she ain't around."

The older draconequus seemed distracted by something, as he just looked towards the ground. Rift and Havoc..hmmm

In another part of the city, standing on a balcony was a draconequus couple, both of them baring similar appearances as well as white hair. They each had worried looks as their eyes were fastened on one spire in particular, the council tower.

The female kept close in her mate's arms, as she muttered, "Do you think they'll be alright?"

The male nodded, as he ran his paw through her white hair, before speaking himself. "Havoc knows what he's doing, as does Rift. They said they'd help us take care of it, afterall, it was them who sent us on that mission in the first place."

The female's expression worsened as she glanced back, into their home. And playing in the living room were three baby draconequus, around the same age as Eve, as they tossed and tumbled on the ground, pretending to use their magic. This scene caused a smile to spread across the female's face as she nodded back to her lover. "Of course, it's just," She looked back down once again, over the edge of their balcony overlooking the entire city. As she also looked off to the other massive platformed cities off in the clouds. "I just can't imagine, how she managed to become so..so-" And she thought back to the daughter, the one they'd left back in that cave in Equestria. "So....."

The male pulled his love closer in his affectionate embrace, comforting her. "We may never know, but it's best not to think about it alright? We've got to keep a low profile, and try not to draw too much attention to ourselves. Like Rift and Havoc said, they'd take care of it, we just have to be patient alright?"

The female's eyes saddened as she trembled a bit, before grabbing hold of her lover's paw. "Yea...you're right."

But why did she still feel reluctant about the matter, why did she feel worried?

Havoc and Rift were currently travelling through what appeared to be a dimensional stream, or hyperspace of the sort. The world around them was vertical and meshed, constantly moving, as it looked as if they were being accelerated forward at an incomprehensible speed. But the two draconequus didn't mind it, they reacted as if it were just an everyday thing, especially Rift, who looked more concentrated on the idea of arriving in Equestria.

Havoc spoke with amusement, "I was starting to think you weren't going to come with. Change of heart?"

Rift glanced at him, before looking ahead once again, "Hmph, no, it's just that you're horrible at reading others. I was always planning to come along, I just wanted you to volunteer first, I would've been too suspicious considering the fact it's my sister's daughter who's the culprit yes? And even now, it seems suspicious. The rest of the council won't react kindly if we take too long with this, especially Elder. So we have to be at our best, do you understand Havoc? I won't let Rave's life be compromised due to some little failure she'd given birth to."

Havoc looked to Rave with a snicker. "Hah! Don't take me for a fool Rift, I don't follow orders from you. And I know you're smart enough to realize that if this little failure, managed to best Princess Celestia, that means she's far more powerful than me and you, which is something you just can't seem to accept. Considering the fact that you, a natural born genius, have never come across something such as this, I wouldn't be surprised if you kept your true motives hidden."

Rift winced at the fellow draconequus, remaining silent.

Havoc sneered, looking ahead once more. "Aaaaah, there it is. Hah, what is it you have planned then? Hm, Rift?"

Rift didn't say another word, as she just looked ahead, and they were nearing the end of the jump.

A bright light appeared, as if they were exiting a tunnel, as the two of them flew straight into it.

Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle landed in Canterlot, near the castle as Twilight, obviously still grumpy from her recent encounter, just continued to trot forward, "Let's go."

It was night by this point, as the blanket of infinite stars decorated the night sky, alongside Luna's beautiful full moon.

Rainbow sighed as she wanted to say something, but she knew nothing she could say would stop Twilight from heading down this road once more. Not that she didn't have the right, I mean, it really wasn't a good idea to just leave a murderer like Eve out on the loose. Paranoia was still certainly present here in Canterlot, and as Rainbow glanced around, she didn't fail to notice the wide variety of guards now present. Celestial Knights were making double shifts, as were the Lunar Guards, now accompanied by the Magic Guard, otherwise dubbed the Twilight Guard, as they all just stood in place like statues. Rainbow just lowered her head, as she kept her distance from Twilight, but still accompanied her nonetheless.

Around them one could see the magical reconstruction of the destroyed buildings still going on, and Rainbow couldn't believe the fight had been so fierce by the looks of it. So much destruction, that little baby draconequus caused all this? And how did she manage to escape from Princess Celestia anyhow? Either way, hopefully the worst part of this was over, and all that was left would be to lay out a solid more reliable plan to help capture her. Rainbow looked back to Twilight, who still had a somewhat bruised face and bloody lip, but didn't react as such. Twilight......

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were in the throne room, looking towards the porch as if waiting for something.

Princess Celestia looked to her little sister with a reassuring smile, "Worry not Luna, the draconequus nation has differed much since we'd last seen them. They can take care of the situation from here, as they feel is their responsibility."

Princess Luna glanced up at Princess Celestia, nodding to her. "As you wish dearest sister. Although I must say I feel I've had enough draconequus for a lifetime, to be honest."

The both of them chuckled at that moment.

Suddenly bursting forth into the throne room was a most unwelcome sight.

"Aaaaaah!" Discord snickered as he held in his paw a bowl of icecream with sprinkles, he was levitating and wearing what looked like a pair of pajamas. He sucked on his spoon before looking to Princess Celestia and Luna, "So when's the party arrive!? I'm ever so looking forward to seeing who the council decided to send! Oh by the way Celestia, you might wanna clean up your kitchen after this!" He snapped his claws as he reappeared behind Celestia and Luna, patting their heads before puckering his lower lip and looking up towards the ceiling. "Oh girls! You two just don't know how glad I am you invited me to your slumber party! Fluttershy will be lonely for the next day or so but, OH, she can wait!" He lowered his head next to Luna's, "Hey night owl, I heard you like videogames! I'm going to go dig through your collection!"

Princess Luna gasped as she winced at him. "Don't you dare!"

Discord snickered as he rose, about to dart off, "Watch me!"

And before Princess Luna could chase after him in pursuit, Princess Celestia interrupted. "Hush now you two."

And as the three of them stood in the throne room, there was soon a bright light which appeared on the porch.

Exiting from that light would be two robed figures, one cowled, the other not, as they just looked to the three with interest.

Discord landed on his feet as he sneered widely, crossing his arms as he regarded the two, muttering. "Oh, now this will be fun." And he looked particularly looked to Havoc, who he'd recognized fully, as did Havoc who'd raised a brow at the legendary draconequus, before his expression sunk dramatically in annoyance. But this other one, with the purple hair, Discord didn't recognize, who was she? And why did she seem so cold, and dangerous? No matter, there'd be plenty of time for introductions, afterall, the game was only just beginning. "Havoc..."

Princess Celestia took a few trots forward before bowing her head, as the two visiting draconequus did the same. Princess Celestia spoke courteously, "Welcome to the City of Canterlot you two." She smiled at Havoc, whom like Discord, she recognized, but the second, who was this? And as Celestia looked into those piercing violet eyes, it sent a shiver down her spine although the female draconequus didn't appear as much a threat, just standing there, devoid of any emotion. She kept her curiosity to herself for the moment, looking back to Havoc in particular. "We have much to discuss."

Further from the beautiful lands of Equestria, there was yet another mysterious plot of land, one that'd emerged seemingly out of nowhere in recent times, home to a wide assortment of creatures. It bore forests of candy, rivers of chocolate, and mountains of icecream. Although the island had gone through numerous changes since it'd last been seen. It now had a barrier surrounding its borders, one made of stone as if to prevent unauthorized entry into its depths, perhaps for the own good of non-citizens. Standing on posts were guards of humanoid komodo dragon creatures, all wearing very peculiar armor as well as purple tabards with what appeared to be a panther in the center.

The guards however were quite carefree with their duties, talking amongst each other freely and ultimately having a good time, it didn't seem like such a bad position to be in if one were to simply observe from afar. Further on the island, there were even small towns, many built in a fashion to adapt to their areas, and keep wild creatures at bay, perhaps even use them to their advantage. And in the distance, overlooking the entire island, much like Canterlot located on one of the highest points of a mountain, stood another castle city, as if a symbol for the rest of the land.

This massive kingdom, had many diverse citizens travelling it's streets, most of them wearing very thick cloth material in order to keep warm, seeing as this place was located deep within the icecream mountains. There were griffons, minotaur, strange upright dragon creatures, tusked diamond dog creatures, and even some ponies. And although this place was a land filled with creatures often unheard of or shunned upon, they all reacted as if they were used to one anothers presence. The island although dangerous, was actually becoming quite the attraction across different parts of the world. It was obvious this city was modeled after the beautiful pony empires of Equestria. And as all the diverse creatures continued to walk through the streets, there were two figures in particular overlooking the entire city from a balcony of the main castle. One appeared to be a humanoid panther, she stood on her hind legs, her fur was ebon black as she wore a zebra pendant necklace. At the moment she was wearing very fancy clothing, which based on her expression, she detested quite a bit. She looked to her companion standing next to her, which appeared to be a strange dragon creature, who also stood upright much like Spike, but also seemed to be fullgrown although he was a smaller version of a dragon.

The panther woman just sighed as she shook her head, placing a paw on her hip. "I do wish the lady would just come out here herself and show all of them that she's the creator, not me. I don't deserve credit for all this, she does, I'm sure they'd all love her just the same."

The dragon creature crossed his arms, "I agree with you, but it's the lady's decision Ms.Prowl, if she believes this is for the best then let her do as she wishes."

The panther woman, revealed as one known as Ms.Prowl, just looked to her companion as she puckered her lower lip in annoyance before exclaiming, "Sigh, all you ever do is just let her do what she wants Talon! That little girl is exactly that, just a little girl, we can't keep expecting her to make all these big decisions." She glanced back down towards the city streets, "I worry for her, have you seen her as of late? She hasn't been herself, sluggish, distant, weak."

Mr.Talon shrugged, "Creating an entire island and empire with just magic will do that to you."

Ms.Prowl looked back to him in worry, "Where is she now? I'm going to go see if she's alright."

Mr.Talon now looked to Ms.Prowl himself, staring into her eyes before closing his own and groaning, "She's in the gardens, I suggest you wait however, I believe she wants to be alone for now."

Ms.Prowl turned, entering the throne room of the unique castle, with some stomp in her step. "Tch! I don't care what she claims to want, I'm going to go see her this instant!"

Mr.Talon smirked a little in regards to her attitude.

Knelt in a small circular garden, located in a different part of the castle, was a baby draconequus wearing a worn crimson cloak. Surrounding the garden was a transparent dome, revealing that this was one of the few places shaded from the falling snow. Upon closer inspection, it wasn't hard to notice she bore quite a sickly appearance. Deep bags underlined her eyes as the color from her face looked drained. As she remained on her knees, she revealed a bandaged arm, which she'd used to pick one of the flowers, inspecting it. The flower was a light purple shade, which caused her to smile softly. "I feel old....."

Really now, and why's that? A smug voice replied in her head.

The baby draconequus then just began coughing into her paw, unable to hold herself back as she looked pained in doing so. Upon looking down at her paw afterwords, she wasn't surprised to find a large amount of blood, some of it dripping from the stem of the flower she'd just picked up. She then looked up solemnly, finding some form of comfort in the freshly fallen snow, in the beauty of the petals of pure white. "I'm so tired......." Next Chapter: Chapter 1: Prisoners Estimated time remaining: 6 Hours, 38 Minutes