Alice woke up in her bed at “The Lazy Saddle”. She found this place and was pleased with how comfortable the bed was. She had forgotten how lovely a decent bed was.

When she was at Rutledge Asylum, her bed was little more than a old almost falling apart bed frame and a single mattress. The staff decided their residents didn't need a proper bed. When Alice later moved into Houndsditch Home for Wayward Youth where she worked for Bumby while “acclimating to society” her bed was little improved. The bed frame was in decent shape as was the mattress and sheets, but that was about it.

Alice stretched her body and then her wings. She looked into the mirror on the chest of drawers and took a moment to admire her wings fully. She even lifted a hoof to stroke one of them. The sensation that followed was purely orgasmic she decided as she let out a soft moan. She might have ventured further but she heard a familiar voice speak to her.

“I have heard of a condition known commonly as ‘wing boner’ I wonder if this is what they meant?” Cheshire said with his ever present grin.

Alice blushed as thoughts entered her mind. She regained control of herself and said, “Cheshire please. If I were to wish to engage in such activities I wouldn't do so easily. It is improper of a lady. Though I have to say that stallion Long Trot did make me silently consider things my mother would disapprove of. He wasn't that bad looking actually.”

Alice’s mind then went blank as did her eyes. She just realized she had considered a Stallion…. A male horse…. to be attractive… She had only been here for a day and she was already thinking like this. Then to her further embarrassment, she remembered how she was extra flirty with the nice Innkeeper at The Lazy Saddle’s front desk last night.

The worse part of this, said mare wasn't ashamed or unhappy about it. In fact, she was happy to receive such attention. Alice could excuse her thoughts a little as “Hormones making up for lost time”. However, the dark maned pegasus had never before shown interest in a female before coming here.

Alice wanted to blame it on her hormones badly, but she knew that was only an excuse. No, she was now well aware of her natural drive for intense intimacy. She was appalled that she only wanted to be with somepony she found attractive, and for it to be on her terms. Nothing else mattered to her it seemed. She sighed to herself quietly, wondering how far gone or desperate she was now.

Cheshire gave a deep chuckle seeing her expression. “It seems you may have adapted a little too well to this world Alice, judging by those words. At least such interactions are more common place in this world. So as long as you keep some control over yourself, there shouldn't be any worries.”

Alice really didn't know what to say to this. She ended up just looking at him. He gave a laugh and vanished from sight. Alice decided it was too early for her to think on such matters. She would have some breakfast in the Inn’s restaurant while she figured out what she would do for the day.

{-} {-} {-}

Princess Celestia sighed as she said goodbye to her favorite student and her friends that morning. The magnificent alicorn wished she could have something more with Twilight Sparkle. The lavender unicorn was just so wonderful and amazing as both a student and a pony. Celestia wished she could at least be something akin to Twilight’s mother, but the unicorn already had a loving and wonderful family.

Some ponies thought she wanted something more akin to a lover with Twilight, but they didn't know anything about their relationship. Besides, when you are around for as long as Celestia has been, you don’t think much about long term relationships to begin with. How can a mare have such a thing when she will outlive all of her subjects?

The only pony she could have a long term relationship with was her own sister. This was something she tried not to dwell on too much. Despite their family bonds the thought did have a little too much enticement too it she thought.

Celestia shook her head of such deviant thoughts. She had something she wanted a task force to look into this day. She needed to focus. Celestia turned to one of the many clone like royal guards and demanded. “Have Stealth Flight meet with me in my private quarters.”

As the princess waited for Stealth Flight, she went over the many possibilities the energy she felt yesterday could have for her kingdom. It wasn't long until a medium grey pegasus stallion with a light grey mane and tail appeared before her in her chambers. On his flank he had a cutie mark with a light grey inverted triangle, this mark represented his talent for remaining unnoticed when he needed to be ignored.

“You asked for me, Your Highness?” The male pegasus asked in a voice that sounded rather indistinct, but not so much to seem unnatural to others.

“Yes I did, Stealth Flight. Yesterday I sensed a magical disturbance located not too far outside of Canterlot close to the pond of Self Reflection. Normally I wouldn't think too much of it given all the residual magic energy from yesterday, but given current circumstances I feel it is necessary to investigate this matter. I want you to gather whoever you think will work best for this task and figured out what you can from it. Understood?” The Sun Princess said.

The pegasus simply nodded and answered, “Understood, Princess.” Once he answered, he got to work.

Celestia went straight to the issue at hand with Stealth Flight. This pegasus found it offensive if you didn't cut to the chase. He was usually a very friendly and warm hearted gentle stallion. However, when he was on the clock he focused only on his orders and didn't like too many questions being asked.

Princess Celestia let out a breath slowly as she got ready for the Day Court. She was still feeling some after effects of last night’s festivities, but she had to attend to her duties as a princess. She took a drink of water and got herself ready for the day. She had full trust in Stealth Flight fulfilling his duties.

{-} {-} {-}

After a very filling breakfast and her morning tea, Alice was ready for the day. She knew she should look for a job, but she figured learning to fly took priority. She figured having this ability was a must for any dignified pegasus. She wouldn't be a failure and disappointment to the pegasus race no matter what the cost. She would sooner die than disappoint the ancestor pegasi or the Princesses!

Alice blinked a few times to that thought. She had always felt some pride in herself and for her country, but she had never before felt she was better off dead than failing her country. She sighed as she muttered to herself, “Maybe I am getting a little too into this pegasus thing.”

Alice shook her head and headed outside. She had asked the cute, no…. the nice… Young lovely Innkeeper where she could go for a flight. Alice shook her head again. Even if she did like the Innkeeper's mane and coat color, she still didn't think she should feel this way about her.

The Innkeeper told her of a perfect park nearby where she could fly peacefully and uninterrupted. Alice’s excuse of wanting to stretch her wings in the mornings seemed to work plenty well. She could only guess it was another pegasus thing.

Regardless of other thoughts, Alice made her way to the park with the hope of making progress on her wing capabilities. She figured it had to be something she would soon figure out. After all Lizzie always said she was very good at jumping, and given her floating mastery from her Wonderland treks. Alice figured she should soon get the hang of flying. She just needed to get a hang of her wings first was all.

{-} {-} {-}

Rainbow Dash was once again lounging on a cloud above Sweet Apple Acres. She chose this spot to nap periodically for a few reasons. The main reason being it was usually peaceful. Another reason was her desire to make that special connection with somepony that so many others already enjoyed. At first she preferred stallions, there just wasn't much that could match up to the feeling of a stallion deep within you when that urge needed to be fulfilled.

Many thought Rainbow Dash preferred mares, but truthfully that was only a more recent development. At first when she was given the honor of serving Equestria in most beneficial way, Rainbow was excited. However, as time went on she soon had to find a way to cope with the stress her job entailed. At the time, she was starting to mature and she found solace in sex with decent Stallions. She didn't go out with just anypony. She had standards.

After a couple of years, she wanted something more from her sexual rendezvouses. She wanted to get with a stallion that could understand her. This was about the time she first started hanging around Sweet Apple Acres. She found Big Mac’s silent yet strong personality to be very refreshing. He worked hard for his family, and always stood by them. He was always loyal to his friends and family just like Rainbow Dash.

As things progressed she realized Big Mac was similar, but had it rather easy really. Applejack always provided him with direction. This didn't really bother her until her responsibilities increased. She was at the time, when they first met, just like Big Mac. She only had to follow orders and was always provided direction in her job.

Nevertheless Rainbow could still find comfort in Big Mac despite everything, but things there started to get to her as they get to everypony eventually. She could no longer just enjoy being around Big Mac. She needed something more in her life.

The two broke things off on good terms in the end and remained friends. Big Mac eventually found himself a new love interest and Rainbow completely understood this and even helped the two of them out when needed. Rainbow Dash never abandoned her friends and always stood by them, even if she sometimes got a little carried away with other things.

One afternoon after her break up with Big Mac, Rainbow Dash actually helped Applejack around the farm and as a result the orange pony caught her eye. AJ knew what it was like to actually be in charge of things. AJ started running the farm as soon as she was old enough.

The blonde maned pony was the lead mare for the Ponyville Apple family easily. Granny Smith was too old and Applebloom was far too young. Their parents had long been gone from this world. Big Mac was very good at his work, but it was always a mare that ran things in the Apple Family unless there wasn't an option.

It was at this time Rainbow realized she didn't care so much about if her special somepony was male or female. As long as they had a special connection, it was good by Rainbow. Once Rainbow started looking for depth to a relationship, she realized this relationship was one of the main reasons she was able to endure what she did for Equestria. Rainbow shuddered as she recalled so many ponies that broke under the pressure of the job.

She eventually asked AJ out. The two had a very good relationship for a while. They were very competitive, but it only sometimes got out of hand. Rainbow and AJ both thought they had found the one for each other. They both loved giving their all for their goals and worked hard during the days for the most part. They also found several ways a mare could please and enjoy another mare both psychically and emotionally.

Unfortunately, that didn't last either. AJ and Rainbow Dash both wanted to be on top and couldn't work something out with the other. Adding to this was Rainbow’s realization about the difference between them which started to resemble a glaring sun in her rose colored eyes.

AJ worked for her family. Everyone knew all she sacrificed for everypony and respected her for it. No one knew what Rainbow did for all of them, and the cyan pegasus couldn't share this with AJ. This lead to a strain between the two of them.

In the end, AJ and Rainbow broke it off and kept their friendship. They still cared for each other and loved the other, but it was as friends. It wasn't the deeper caring and loving that Rainbow now so desperately required. She needed somepony that she didn't keep secrets from. Somepony that fully understood what she went through or at least knew what she went through on a daily basis. Unfortunately such ponies were very hard to find and even less so still mentally there in a fashion.

Rainbow stretched her wings from atop her cloud before getting more comfortable and starting her nap. Some ponies thought she was lazy, but the truth was she was simply tired. Things had been more difficult lately with her work. She was high up and so had to deal with most issues that popped up. She wasn't getting the sleep she needed at nights recently.

She had ponies working for her, but they were lacking in certain aspects. Unfortunately, these ponies were also the best Equestria had to offer and with “incidents” on the rise, Rainbow was forced to deal with more problems herself.

Rainbow finally fell asleep and had a decent dream for once. In her dream, she was surrounded by all that brought her happiness. Since other relationships hadn't worked out Rainbow took her friendships for all they were worth. She felt lucky to have become friends with such wonderful ponies, and even if it wasn't exactly what she looked for it was something that could keep some light in her life. This light is what kept her from going over the edge.

Rainbow’s peace didn't last long as she was awakened by a pegasus with a light green coat and a rose pink, yellow striped mane. Her cutie mark showed a fluffy white cloud with swirls representing an air flow. Rainbow looked into her eyes. The mare’s eyes were a bright and lovely pink at one time, but now they had the ever familiar dimmed haunted look to them. “Hey Fresh Breeze. What’s up?”

The pegasus stood on a cloud next to her and said in a beautiful quiet voice few ever heard anymore. “We had another incident…. We lost a wing of pegasi while in pursuit…” Fresh looked down at the cloud hoping Rainbow wouldn't be angry with her and yell at her.

Rainbow’s eyes bulged with anger, but she wasn't about to take it out on the poor mare next to her. “Who?” was the only word from her lips.

Fresh Breeze looked away and said quietly, “Number four…” The light green pegasus then tried to bury her face in the cloud she was perched on at the moment.

Rainbow closed her eyes as she mentally cursed in a loud scream. Number four was Happy Cloud. Happy was the fourth best flier in their force, and he was damn smart too. Rainbow calmed down and said to Fresh, “Alright…. I want you to go back and get two seekers on this right away. They are just to gather information. They are not to engage. I will deal with Number four once we know where they are.”

Fresh Breeze gave a salute and flew off quickly to deliver her orders. She knew Rainbow wouldn't take it out on her, but she could sense Rainbow’s anger and it scared her. She hated being the messenger, but she knew there was much worse she could be doing instead.

The cyan pegasus ran a hoof through her trademark rainbow colored mane and sighed. “I guess I will see what Twilight is up to now. I have some time before I will be needed.” Rainbow said to herself. She then stretched her wings and flew off to visit her favorite egg head and good friend.

{-} {-} {-}

Alice was laying on the grass in the shade under a tree. She had a smile on her face as she watched the sun hoover barely above the horizon. She knew she was far from being amazing at flying, but she felt she was off to a good start. She managed to get in the air several times and a few times she stayed air born for several minutes.

She heard a sound she would never forget as a certain creature faded into existence on a tree branch above her. “You seem rather pleased for yourself. Does it really bring you this much pride to barely succeed at what should be natural that much?”

“Cat, this isn't as easy as it looks. Besides progress is progress. I can’t go for hour long flights right off the bat you know.” Alice said with slight annoyance.

The cat just grinned as he said to her, “I was just saying you seem to think too highly of a rather mundane accomplishment for a pegasus such as yourself. The Alice before wouldn't settle for such trivial success with this much pride.”

Alice frowned at him from below. “I know this cat, and I don’t plan on settling for this. I am hardly worthy of being called a pegasus yet.” She blinked as the cat kept grinning. She never cared if she was worthy of being something before coming to this world.

Alice sighed, “I heard a couple of unicorns talking about pegasus pride on my way here. It seems I am starting to have some this pride. I think it is as you said before Cheshire.”

Cheshire laughed and then raised an eyebrow at her. “What is it you mean by that, Alice? I think this is probably one of the few times you have actually agreed I was right about anything. I wish to know what I was right about.”

Alice just shook her head and said, “I am adapting too well to this world.”

Cheshire didn't laugh nor did he grin. He simply gave her a thoughtful look before saying anything. “So long as you don’t forget who you really are deep down, or what you have been through in the past. I don’t foresee your quick adaptation becoming an issue.”

Alice’s eyes glowed with the fire of her determination. “I will never forget Lizzie. I will never forget what I suffered.” With those words the cat disappeared again and Alice made her way back to her room at The Lazy Saddle.

{-} {-} {-}

Stealth Flight waited for the signal showing the Princess was ready to see him. Once he got the signal, he glided into Princess Celestia’s office. “So how goes your assignment, Stealth?” Celestia asked as she took a sip of tea.

Stealth Flight frowned a little bit wishing he had more to report. “Nothing to report so far, your highness. There have been several ponies in and out of Canterlot since the wedding. None of the entering ponies match up with the timing it would take to get from the pond to the gates by either land or sky. We have searched the surrounding area for any evidence, but there haven’t been any results. As of this moment, we can only confirm what you sensed in that area.”

Princess Celestia looked thoughtfully into her cup of tea. “What are you doing in regards to the search now?” She would have usually told him to return to his normal duties, and just warned her guards to keep a lookout for strange activity. She still felt in this case something more should be done with the recent changeling invasion. Her kingdom couldn't do with another surprise attack at this time. It was for this reason she had another team looking into prophecies as well.

“We are looking into to recent visitors and speaking with Innkeepers and other temporary housing proprietors. Given recent events we have been able to work more openly than we usually would have, and most ponies give us their full cooperation without any hesitation,” Stealth Flight said.

There was a knock on the princess’ door. “Who is it?” Celestia asked.

“Remembered Glory, your highness. I have news from the prophecy team.” A gruff voice answered.

Celestia nodded to Stealth letting him know that she approved of his measures and wished for him to continue. The pegasus took flight just as Celestia said, “You may enter.”

A black coated stallion with a light blue mane, and an ancient scroll with a magnifying glass cutie mark entered. Celestia looked him over and said, “What have you found?”

The stallion bowed before answering, “We found an old prophecy book which mentioned the Crystal Empire may soon be resurfacing your highness.”

Princess Celestia stood up and said, “Come with me, Remembered. We must discuss this with my dear sister Luna. My niece Cadence may end up needing to cut her honeymoon short.”

{-} {-} {-}

Deep in the Unicorn Mountain Range a harsh wind blew the cloak a pony was wearing. A medium yellow nose stuck out to sniff the air and take in the feel of the winds.

The cloaked figure walked into the cave he used as a home. He knew they were looking for him. He knew they would pool many resources to capture him since he was now a ‘Traitor’ to Equestria and the Pegasi race. However, he knew who the real traitors were. He was done with them now.

He walked further inside the cave and got down on his knees as he prayed for forgiveness even if he knew he didn't deserve it. He had been doing this for the past week. Once he was done with his prayer, he fixed his meal of two carrots and a slice of bread. It was hardly filling, but it was enough for him to survive. He had taken to fasting as a means of redemption for all the sinful things he had done with his job.

At first, he loved his job. “You’re doing important work here! You’re one of the best flyers Cloudsdale and by extension Equestria has to offer.” He was so excited when they told him they had a special job for him that only the best were considered for.

They were right of course. However, they didn't tell him what he was getting into until it was too late, same with all of the other best flyers besides the Wonderbolts. He was so thrilled on his first day of work just before training started. Everywhere he looked were the well-known icons of pegasi flyers.

His excitement quickly dissipated when he learned what they were doing, and what all it entailed. However, he persevered through it all and even climbed the ranks. His code name was number four. They said it was because he was the fourth best flyer they had.

He found ways to trick himself into thinking what they did was right. “It is just like you cutie mark, Happy Cloud. You bring smiles and light during even the darkest of cloud covers.” This worked for a good while and he kept going.

Eventually though he couldn't take it anymore. He knew they would hunt him down, “No pony fully escapes” they always said as both a reminder of their duty and the consequence for quitting. The thing was he didn't care now. If he stayed there he would have became like ‘them’. He wasn't going to just give up on life either however.

This led him to his current situation. He was going to be leaving here tomorrow. They would have first checked every train and the sky ways to make sure he didn't get away. Happy decided to play it smart. He hid close by but away from others, and now he was going to be leaving to somewhere that wasn't expected. He was going to a little farmstead towards the northeast. He could live there and not be bothered with too many questions.

Happy munched on his last carrot and laughed at the irony of his mood. He was far from his namesake at this time. He hadn't been truly happy in four years now. He was about to call it a night when a figure landed and entered his hideaway.

Happy looked up and let out a whistle. “So they sent the boss herself huh? Or did you volunteer for this mission, Dashie?” Happy wasn't dumb he knew his gig was up now. He hoped his prayer would be answered and his soul spared.

“When one of the stars makes a break for it, I get interested, Happy. I must say it was tough finding you,” Rainbow said her face clear of any emotion.

Happy let out a dry laugh. “So how did you end up finding me, Dashie?”

“I figured a smart stallion like you wouldn't make a quick fly for it. I then heard from a farmer near here there was a cloaked figure spotted in the mountains out this way. So will this be done the hard way or the easy way, Happy.” Rainbow Dash asked, her eyes narrowed.

“I wouldn't be able to beat you in a race, Dashie. And I am through with violence now. I wanted to live somewhere quiet, but I know that won’t happen at this point. But to answer your question I choose both, Dash.” Happy said.

Rainbow raised an eyebrow at him. He then gave a small smile as he explained. “It will be easy on me, Dashie. But it will be difficult on your soul.”

Rainbow Dash looked down and said, “You know we could have had something, Happy. But you insisted on finding a mare outside of our business. We could have saved each other’s souls either as friends or something more.”

Rainbow Dash looked up at him with anger in her eyes. “Instead you had to go and say. ‘Sorry Dashie. But I can’t be anything less than lovers with a mare, and I need somepony away from all of this for that.’ I hated you for saying that.”

Happy just smiled at her as she approached him. When she was close all he said was, “Sorry you have to do this, Dash. I hope one day you find what you are looking for and after that a way to end it.”

{-} {-} {-}

Rainbow was thankful for having to go with her friends to save The Crystal Empire. It was a wonderful feeling to do something she could rightly be proud of after she dealt with that traitor Happy. The Crystal Empire was a place filled with the power of happiness and love. Being one of the ponies who helped save such a place felt nice.

They also threw an awesome party once Sombra was defeated for good. She also liked the jousting in the arena during their festival. She only wished she could have faced somepony more competitive than Fluttershy. The whole trip, despite Sombra, was a nice relaxing delay before she had to go on to her next duty.

After what happened with Happy she now had to go on a recruiting trip. She was first going to check Canterlot. After the Changeling invasion, she started hearing rumors of a talented pegasus flying about the parks in the area. There was promise with this rumor and she was going to look into it.

Rainbow always had mixed feelings about recruiting. On one hoof, she would meet potential friends or maybe a pony who would become something more. On the other hoof, more often than not, she would find somepony promising and happy only to watch them slowly be consumed by their new job.

{-} {-} {-}

It had been two weeks since she first arrived and started practicing flying and Alice loved it. She had progressed quickly. After she read a book about flight and pegasus biology, her studies skyrocketed and she was soon learning ways to improve her speed and technique.

Alice always thought herself a quick learner, but she figured flying must be more instinctual based than she first thought. She saw no reason for a pegasus not to know how to fly well. She didn't expect them all to be masters of flight or anything, but they should all be decent she figured.

Alice actually came to see herself as a rather excellent flyer in all actuality. She could fly fast and had some pretty good moves she thought. She always got a giggle out of the little trail of blue, green and purple butterflies she left behind her when she reached her higher speeds. It reminded her of her floating ability in Wonderland and the beautiful trial it left behind her there.

She had also spent these past couple of weeks looking for a job of some kind, but none of them seemed to fit with her. Her skills included using a knife to fight and now flying. She was also good at cleaning and cooking, but she refused to do anything so servile ever again.

She only put up with such things under Bumby because she was weak at that time. She wasn't anymore. In fact, she had started hating anything she saw as weakness even in other ponies. She rarely did anything about others' weakness because it sickened her to see it and no one ever really helped her in the past. Alice simply didn't see much reason to help others now. People only took from her so she wasn't going to give to anypony without a reason.

A couple of times when she was enjoying the local night life in the quieter bars and clubs she did intervene. However when she did so, it was purely because she found it grating on her nerves. Most of the time she would just leave the restaurant or bar, and truthfully the things she had seen here in this land of ponies weren't really that bad. This made her wonder why ponies would put up with such weakness period.

Alice breathed in the night air as she left a rather popular pub. She had to say the crowd in this bar was rather enjoyable for the most part. She talked to many ponies and the music wasn't too bad either. It wasn't something she had heard before, but it was pleasing enough for her ears.

Alice started walking back to her room at The Lazy Saddle. She could have flown back, but sometimes it was nice to just take it slow and enjoy the cool night air. As she walked, Alice took notice of two Stallions following her from the distance. She decided to see where this would go and pretended to accidentally take a wrong turn and trap herself in an alleyway.

As she was about to turn around, the two stallions cut off her ‘escape’. She pretended to be a little bit wary of the two pegasi stallions. “May I help you two?” Alice asked her voice sounding as if she was trying to be strong.

The two stallions grinned at her and one spoke up, “We were just wondering if you would like to accompany us somewhere, little miss.” The stallion who spoke was large with a dark red coat and a green streaked light blue mane. He had a crossed feather and railroad spike for a cutie mark.

The other stallion had a dark green coat and a dark yellow mane. His cutie mark was a bone and crossed feather. He just smiled showing his dark yellow teeth.

Alice didn't say anything. All she did was take to the air. She was heading to a park she saw one day while flying around. The two stallions soon took to the air as well and followed her. Alice increased her speed just a little bit. Her pursuers matched her speed. She gave a little more speed and they matched it as well, but now they were having some trouble keeping up Alice noticed.

The two stallions were grinning taking joy in the chase. They were going to make her pay for it in the end. The two had no idea what Alice was actually doing. Alice gave one small last kick of speed before then gliding down to the ground. She then 'collapsed' to the ground panting from exhaustion.

The two stallions landed and the dark green one spoke first. “Seems this one is a little feisty.”

“Yah haven’t flown that hard since we passed flight school.” Said the red stallion while looking Alice over and licking his lips. “I love the way a pegasus mare tastes after a flight.” The dark green one just laughed and neither noticed Alice’s split second look of longing at the taste comment.

They took a step closer and stopped when they noticed her stand up, and pant less. “Had you two the courage to approach me properly. I may have considered your offer. But after that pathetic attempt at flying I have no interest. Tell me did you two really pass flight school?” Alice asked frowning at them in disappointment.

“Yah we did,” the green stallion answered. He and his friend were angry now. They didn't like ponies questioning their flying skills. They passed flight school and that was all that matter.

Alice gave a scoff as she said, “You must have just barely passed if that was all you were capable of.”

The two bared their teeth as they extended their necks forward and pinned their ears back. “Shut up now… Bitch. We might let you still live once we are done with you.”

Before the two could even move Alice shot between them and said, “I am not a female dog.” She then kicked the red one in the ribs hard throwing him to the side while she hovered in the air.

The still standing stallion looked to her in shock just as she sliced at his side with a singing blade. After that Alice made an aerial U-turn and quickly slit the red stallion’s throat, and threw her knife into the other stallion’s rear leg, where he had collapsed on to the ground.

“You two lack proper manners. You two lack proper courage to speak with a mare,” Alice said as she walked her way over to the green stallion. He was still frozen in shock from all that had happened in the last few seconds.

She placed a hoof on her knife and said. “The worst part is you two can hardly fly and should be ashamed to call yourselves pegasi.” She then pulled the knife out and quickly stabbed it into one of his eyes quickly before just as quickly withdrawing the blade. This caused him the throw his head back as he howled in pain and she then slit his throat as well.

Alice made sure both were dead and wiped the excess grime from her trusty blade before then storing it away. She then took off quickly into the night and flew away before landing by a small pond and washing her face real fast. She ‘discarded’ her dress and made her way to her room. Never did she notice a rainbow maned pegasus leaving from the scene of her crime.

When she entered the inn, she noticed the Innkeeper was already asleep and she made her way quietly up the stairs. Once she closed the door softly, she got on her bed and snuggled into the warm sheets. That night she had a wonderful dream of having tea in Wonderland with her friends in the Vale of Tears.

{-} {-} {-}

Rainbow would have usually reported what she had seen, but she found that pegasus mare rather interesting. The mare knew what those two intended, but instead led them away to ‘dispose’ of them. What really caught Rainbow’s attention though, was what she said to them in the end. Rainbow decided the green eyed dark mane pegasus deserved more attention. She had potential in a certain way.

The cyan pegasus in the end decided if there were suddenly a lot of gruesome and mysterious deaths, she might report what she saw tonight. However, she would give this mare more attention and maybe even recruit her. After all, she could see the mare actually fitting in where she worked and maybe even surviving it. Rainbow that night went to bed and had somewhat hopeful dreams for a change.

{-} {-} {-}

It had been a couple of days since Alice had the encounter with those two stallions. She was somewhat surprised that while there was a pony hunt going on for the culprit. The investigators didn't seem too keen on ending it.

In fact the lead pony even said, “When we started this investigation it didn't take long for us to find out these two were actually here for some illegal trade. We are still looking into the matter, but we are pretty sure due to the gruesome nature of their deaths this was done in vengeance. When we have more we will be sure to tell everypony, so rest assured that you have little to fear.” Alice had later thought she might be linked to their deaths, but took solace in the fact no one really knew her all that well. However, she would have to be careful in the future when she decided to take matters in her own hooves.

It was a couple days after the lead pony's statement there was an update on the double murder. It turned out the darkness Alice had looked for wasn't as hard to find as she thought. The investigators ended up finding the group the two stallions had dealings with, and it turned out they worked on “recruiting” for a pony pimp that was looking to start up a trade. The royal guards quickly shut down the whole ring and the victims were freed.

This made for quite the stir among the ponies of Equestria, but the guards assured them this wasn't the first time this had happened and these “entrepreneurs” were always shut down quickly and dealt with severely. Some journal ponies of course looked into this matter and found the royal guards were indeed right.

Alice found it unfair such matters were dealt with so quickly and efficiently here. When she heard this news, she was pretty sure the ponies around her could feel her anger. They decided she was angry that such a thing happened in the first place. Alice did feel angry at this, but more so because she suffered such a thing in that other world, but no one cared or did anything about such things.

Alice was starting to think this whole thing was some cosmic joke. The punchline being she would suffer such atrocities and escape to a world that rubbed it in her face how much her life was a mess before. It caused her to grind her teeth as she was forced to remember Bumby’s words. “You’re an insane wreck. My work is done.” She hated the thought that such a man could impact her life so very much.

Alice breathed in deeply and slowly exhaled as she calmed down while giving a little smile as she remembered his last moments of life. He may have done things to her, but she saw that he wouldn't do such things again. Alice’s smile grew as she thought maybe her cutie mark meant she was to be the Ultimate end to Female suffering. After all, she killed those two stallions and a huge pimp ring was destroyed because of it. Thus she ended the suffering of those females they had taken.

{-} {-} {-}

Rainbow Dash had done as she planned and kept an eye on that mare. She learned her name was Alice Briddell and she originally came from Lonpony. Dash figured this might be part of the reason why she had all the etiquette of high society Canterlot elite, but not their snobbery. Rainbow was further relieved when Alice hadn't kept attacking and killing other ponies. This showed she had some restraint.

As far as she could tell, Alice was for the most part pleasant and respectful. This is why as Rainbow followed her around sometimes she noticed the mare seemed to get a lot of attention, but at the same time even if a stallion didn't get her in the hay, they still enjoyed her company. Alice always made sure to pay for her own drinks and such, that way she wouldn't accidentally offend a stallion when she didn't go home with him that night. Usually this would irk a rather desperate stallion, but there was something about Alice that kept them properly cowed.

Rainbow figured it was her grace and beauty. Most stallions would decide no matter how eager they may be they didn't want to displease her in the slightest. This definitely played to their advantage, and allowed them to keep their life. If what Rainbow had seen that night was any indicator. This was another reason why Rainbow figured Alice would fit in with the job opening. If Alice were to be selected she would need to operate in the public while also being able to do the dirty work.

{-} {-} {-}

Alice woke up in a different bed than her usual one and stretched her wings as she let out a soft sigh of happiness. She had actually ended up sleeping with a stallion last night. She recognized the lead investigator pony at a bar and grill and approached him last night. After some talking, the two ended up hitting it off and she discovered he was single.

Alice looked to her side and saw he was still asleep. She looked over his peach tan coat and at his shot spiky blonde mane. Next her eyes traced his cutie mark; it was a magnifying glass with hoof prints following it. She knew they weren't going to have a thing now or anything but that didn't bother her. He also knew this. He claimed he didn't want to endanger a marefriend given his job and decent renown.

She actually chose him because despite her initial anger at the whole ordeal, she realized how much work it took to solve such a thing. Even if they were wrong in whom the culprit of the murders was. In the end, it turned out there were plans to deal with them in much the same way she had done so.

She also chose him because he was very much the gentle stallion and she did find him attractive. She also discovered he was a pretty good flyer when they went for an after dinner flight and she actually had fun and broke a bit of a sweat during their flight.

When the two of them later got more intimate with each other and he half-jokingly said. “I always wondered what a beautiful pegasus mare tasted like down there after a wonderful flight.” He more or less had her heart for the night.

She was a bit caught off guard by his statement at first, but she could tell he was merely saying the truth. She then let her curiosity get the better of her and indulged his unintentional request. When he let her take the lead she couldn't help but enjoy the night of passion all the more.

She heard him mumble next to her as he slowly opened his blue eyes. “Good morning good, sir. How was your night?” Alice asked with a teasing voice.

He let out a wondrous laugh as he said, “I think you, Miss Briddell, know very well how my night was. I also think given the evidence from last night, and this morning you had a wonderful night yourself.” She gave a musical giggle to that. She wasn't sure why his words made her laugh but they did.

{-} {-} {-}

The evening after Alice’s encounter with the lead investigator, she was enjoying a refreshing late flight. She was lost in thought over her time here and realized that she much preferred this candy colored overly sweet world to her own. She still felt things were a little too right here and that there had to be something hiding in the shadows, but she was doing alright. The funds Cheshire acquired for her were more than enough to survive a good bit on it turned out, so she really couldn't complain too much.

As Alice flew in the twilight glow, she heard what sounded like a mare screaming. Alice flew in quietly, not noticing a Rainbow maned pegasus fly in from the opposite direction having heard the same sound. As Alice looked down, her eyes narrowed at the scene below her.

Two earth pony stallions were standing a few yards from a light peach colored pegasus mare with a dark red mane and a sunny cloud cutie mark. Alice didn't understand this situation. The mare was more than capable to flying away surely. She wasn't even bruised or anything. Alice wondered if maybe she had missed something so she watched.

“You know Peach Shine you shouldn't have screamed like that.” A dark grey stallion with a black mane and a bird cage cutie mark said to the mare in slimy voice.

“Yah now we can’t guarantee your safety. I usually like them loud myself, but not out in the open.” The other stallion said in a dark voice. He had an acid green coat and a dark blue mane with a coiled rope stamped on his flank.

“I didn't do anything to you two though…. Please just leave me alone….” Cried Peach Shine. She sobbed and said, “How do you even know my name? I haven’t ever met you two before in my life.”

The two stallions smirked at each other and pretended to feel sorry for her. “A lot of ponies know you, Peach Shine.” The acid green stallion said.

The dark grey stallion then gave a chuckle as he added, “A lot of ponies are interested in you as well, Peach Shine. You will fetch a pretty bit.” As the two stallions slowly started to approach the mare, she cowered and curled up into a ball. She was praying that someone would save her somehow.

One stallion turned to the other and said, “All too easy.” He jumped into the air towards her, but before he could land he felt something hard hit him from the side. He saw a dark mane as he fell to the ground and something silver flying through the air at his business partner and strike him in the neck.

The grey stallion fell to the ground and the green one was just about over his initial shock when suddenly he was hit in the head as the knife was pulled from his neck. As he landed harshly on the ground, Alice stabbed his chest two times before then running over to the other stallion as he was just getting up to his hooves.

The grey stallion was about to react when he felt two rear hooves impact his chin sending his head into the air. Alice then used her trusty blade on his neck three times before sending him to his back harshly with another kick.

Alice then stared coldly at the other stallion on the ground as she used a hoof to tilt his head to side. As she did this, he looked up at her and stared into her green eyes. She then used her knife and slit his throat. It was a messy way to end a pony’s life, but it was also a very sure way to end it. That is why Alice did so to those she killed.

The peach colored mare just stared as she watched her savior deal with those stallions violently. She personally thought it was kind of overkill, but the mare was just thankful to have been saved from those foul stallions. The mare with green eyes then walked over to her and asked in a sweet voice, “Are you alright?”

Rainbow Dash watched quietly from her tree she would have gotten involved, but she noticed Alice was there as well. It pained Rainbow to allow this scene to play out at all, but she was focused on recruiting at the moment. So it was with sorrowful rose colored eyes, that Dash just watched as the scene kept going in front of her. Alice’s reaction to this matter would be what either got her the position or a report to the authorities.

“Yah I am. They just scared me is all thanks, Miss….” Peach said hoping to get her name.

Alice just kept looking at her as she asked, “Why didn't fly away?”

The pegasus still on the ground just blinked a couple of times before she answered, “I was scared and didn't think to fly away. I've never been the best flyer or anything, but I did pass my test. I just didn't think to fly is all. Still though thanks for saving me. I will do anything to make it up to you.”

Alice blushed at that thought briefly. She was tempted to take the mare up on her offer and see just how far she would willingly go, but she couldn't just leave it at this. Alice’s eyes turned colder but appeared to be burning. “So you are saying you let two Earth ponies, who hadn't even yet touched or hurt you, get the best of you despite being more than capable of flying?”

The other pegasus looked up to her with a frown as she said, “I just didn't think alright…. Geez... I suffer enough grief from everypony else about it.”

Alice’s eyes remained cold, but softened a little bit as she said, “Don’t worry I won’t let you suffer anymore. Even if you are a sorry excuse for a pegasus…”

The other pegasus looked up at her with big purple eyes in confusion. Alice then hit her quickly on the head and brought out her knife. Peach just stared in fear as she said, “What are you doing?!”

“All you had to do was just fly away and this would never have to happen. You don’t deserve to be a pegasus. You ignore your fight or flight instincts and just cower.” Alice said with no sign of empathy in her voice.

She then used her knife and brought about a quick end for the other mare. She was just another weakling. Alice would have spared her if she was a unicorn or an earth pony. Alice would have even spared her if she was injured and thus couldn't fly. Truthfully Alice would have spared her if she saw even one of the two earth ponies had hit her or hurt her in even the smallest of ways. Instead this pegasus just cowered in fear, despite being in a mostly open field just outside of Canterlot. There was plenty of take-off room for her to have used.

Alice would have spared her even if the pegasus went and more than likely would have reported her. However, Alice would show no mercy to those that don’t do anything. When a pony doesn't do anything despite being able to do so, they are just as guilty as those abusers they witness. Alice knew this all too well. She herself was like that, but she had paid for her crimes of silence, and had to relive the horrors she first witnessed every night for ten years. She wouldn't let others suffer the same as she did then.

Once the deed was done Alice slung the excess blood onto the grass below her. She then shot into the sky and stopped by a pond to wash herself quickly. She was on her way to have a decent warm meal tonight with the Innkeeper at The Lazy Saddle. Depending on how the night goes, maybe she would entertain her curiosity the mare from earlier stirred with her offer.

{-} {-} {-}

It was now a few days after Alice’s recent attack. This time the authorities were a lot more sincere in their hunt for justice. It wasn't because of the stallions though. They found those two were pony traffickers, they hunted for ponies that they would then sell to the highest bidder. Once again, the lead investigator from before uncovered the full extent of what the recently murdered ponies were up to. The royal guard with his help rounded up a lot criminals across Equestria this time.

It was the matter of Peach Shine’s murder that brought about an outrage. At first, everypony thought she was killed by the two traffickers, since they had a record of ‘breaking in’ their targets unless instructed otherwise. However, analysis showed this wasn't the case.

When they looked further into her past life all they found was a lovely pegasus that maybe wasn't the best of flyers, but still made plenty of friends while at flight school. Peach Shine had lots of great friends that claimed she always brought a smile no matter what.

The investigation team had very few leads on the murderer, all they knew was a kitchen knife was used. No one noticed anything above the ordinary that night nor really saw anything. So the investigation was pretty much at a standstill.

Alice thought Shine’s past was typical for any dead 'innocent'. She thought it amazing how someone that not many truly took notice of was suddenly their great friend. She doubted this was really the case. After all Shine admitted herself she was teased a lot for her less than wonderful flight skills. If all of these ponies were really her friends, why would she think she suffered grief from lots of ponies? Alice sighed as she realized once again just how human these ponies could be.

{-} {-} {-}

Alice was enjoying a peacefully day in her favorite park when suddenly she saw a rainbow colored streak in the sky heading right for her. Alice gave pause and watched as a cyan colored pegasus landed a little bit in front of her. “Hey ya.” The pegasus said in a cheerful but slightly squeaky voice.

Alice gave her a look over and asked, “Hello yourself. Who are you? Did you want something?”

The cyan pegasus gave a big smile and said, “I’m Rainbow Dash! Are you Alice Briddell?”

Alice was on alert now, but didn't let it show. “Yes I am. How did you know who I was?”

Rainbow gave a little giggle, “I heard rumors of a pony in Canterlot lately that flew pretty fast. Some even said she might be one of the fastest pegasi they have ever seen. I had to check it out. I am the fastest flyer in Equestria, so I had to see if there was any competition. Once I got here, I asked around and a couple described a pegasus like you and said she liked to hang out here in this park.”

Alice blinked and sighed. “That makes sense I seem to have gathered some attention here, but I didn't think I was getting that much. I will have to try better in the future to stay less noticeable. Either way you haven’t yet answered what you wanted Rainbow Dash. By the way, I like you mane.”

Rainbow blushed a little bit but quickly recovered. “I like your eyes.” Rainbow said causing Alice to blush a little bit before recovering. Alice wasn't used to getting compliments on her eyes.

“Anyways, I happened to overhear you were looking for a job as well. So I wanted to give you an offer. First I wanted to see how fast you really were,” Rainbow said still with her bright smile.

Alice thought for a moment before saying, “I'm going to need some information about this job before I even consider it.”

“You’ll be doing important work for the betterment of Equestria and the pegasi race. Also we only take the best flyers for this job. You will learn some of the most important secrets this land has once you start,” Rainbow said with her smile still in full swing.

Alice tried not to let the smile get to her. It did seem to fit this pegasus very well and she liked it. “I am sorry. I'm going to need a little more specifics than that, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow placed a hoof on her chin for a second before then smiling again and saying, “Tell you what. Let’s have a race! You win I answer all of your questions. You lose you agree to the job.”

Alice didn't like this bet at all. “I refuse,” she said with a serious face.

“Oh? So you are saying you aren't really all that fast, and don’t think you stand a chance?” Rainbow said still smiling. “I guess you aren't as awesome as those other ponies made you seem.”

Alice hated it when she was talked down to, especially by someone she just met. Usually she would just ignore such nonsense, but her pegasus pride and competitiveness were getting the better of her this time. She then gave Rainbow Dash a determined look with her vivid green eyes lit with the fire of her determination. It sent shivers down Rainbow’s spine. She really liked Alice’s eyes.

Alice spoke. “On second thought, I have changed my mind Rainbow Dash. I was once told, ‘Confront what frightens or offends you. Reckless and insulting talk should never go unchallenged’.”

Rainbow gave her an equally determined look as she said, “Sounds like some good advice. Let’s go then.”

{-} {-} {-}

Rainbow Dash and Alice where in the air lined up by each other outside of Canterlot. They didn't want any ponies interfering or watching if it could be avoided. Rainbow Dash set a one-time use flare pistol on a cloud nearby that would fire itself to signal the start of their race.

Alice spread her wings out and got ready to start. Rainbow Dash was next to her in the same start off position for the most part. Rainbow took a glance at Alice's form and had to admit she seemed to know what she was doing at least.

After a few more seconds crawled by, the flare went off and disintegrated into a cloud of white smoke. Two streaks took off at the same moment. One streak was rainbow colored and the other streak resembled blue, green and purple butterflies. The two mares soared through the air turning and circling the clouds Rainbow had placed to test agility as well as speed.

Rainbow had a small lead on Alice right now. However, the dark maned flyer wasn't going to stand for this. Alice didn't go all out right away she wanted to gauge her opponent. Alice kicked up her speed and soon found herself in front of Rainbow Dash. Alice had half a mind to gloat, but she knew the race wasn't over yet.

Rainbow studied Alice’s rear for a bit and noticed the mare also had a signature streak when flying fast. She also noticed Alice held her tail in a way it streamlined with her body. Plus Rainbow had to admit it wasn't half bad looking. Now that Rainbow had studied Alice’s rear up close, she was tired of being behind it during a race. Rainbow gave a grin as she kicked on some more speed. She was excited to see what all Alice really had in her.

Alice soon found herself looking at Rainbow Dash’s tail again as the cyan pegasus pulled in front after the last turn. Alice was surprised to see how streamlined Rainbow’s body was now. She didn't even know pegasus could get that aerodynamic.

Alice could only stare at Rainbow’s tail for a minute or two before she thought of a way to increase her speed. She tried to streamline her body as much as she could. Alice could already tell this was something she would have to practice. However, she soon pulled ahead again.

The race kept going like this for a good while with Alice increasing speed to take the lead followed by Rainbow doing the same. Eventually, Alice decided it was time she stop holding back.

Alice started beating her wings faster and stretched out her forehooves just so to maximize her speed. She soon, to her and Rainbow’s surprise, ended up pulling further ahead.

As they kept racing, Alice proved to have more agility than Rainbow Dash. This didn't bother Rainbow though. Her style was pure raw speed. She was agile as well, but it wasn't necessarily her strong point.

Rainbow watched with an excited grin. She caught up to Alice and said, “You really are a great flyer. This is now a race!” With that Rainbow pulled ahead a good distance as they continued. Alice almost lost her concentration wondering just how fast Rainbow was.

The green eyed dark maned pegasus wracked her brain for anything that would help in this race. She then got an idea. She would try that move she discovered she had a little while ago. Alice beat her wings for all they were worth and managed to close the distance between her and Rainbow ever so slightly. She then concentrated on what she wanted to do.

Before she knew it, Alice burst into blue and black butterflies and shot forward quickly before she returned to normal. Rainbow Dash just stared in awe at what she had just seen. She couldn't believe it. Alice then did one further as she burst again and shot forward once more. Alice then did this five more times.

Alice could tell she was out of that move now. She was limited in how many she could do it at different speeds in this world unlike Wonderland. However, Alice kept her pre-burst speed constantly. She thought she now had this race in the bag.

Soon to her surprise, Rainbow caught up to her again. Rainbow was fully focused now though and only said, “That was really impressive. But I really want you for that job. I will have to win this race now, Alice.”

Alice was going to reply with a witty comeback, but when she saw Rainbow further streamline her body yet again, and then shoot forward quickly with what looked like a very acute cone of air displacing around her. Alice came to a dead stop, knowing the race was over and she had lost.

Rainbow didn't stop though and just went faster. Alice soon heard a loud crack reverberate in the sky. She watched the light spectrum shatter around Rainbow Dash, and the pegasus Instantly doubled her speed and shot forward. Alice just stared in awe as she saw for second time in her life the expanding Rainbow colored disc.

{-} {-} {-}

After a few minutes, Rainbow Dash returned to her side looking exhausted. The two then settled down on a nearby cloud patch to rest after their intense race. Alice looked down at the cloud she lay on with a little frown as she asked, “Did I even stand a chance at winning that race?”

Rainbow looked at the sky and said, “Yah you did, Alice. I wasn't going to go all out like that originally, because there are some safety issues. But when I saw you were a Burster. I had to win no matter what.”

“A what?” Alice asked in a soft voice.

“A Burster. You can use burst speed. It was that thing you did where you turned into butterflies and shot forward really quickly.” Rainbow answered.

“Are Bursters rare, Rainbow Dash?” Alice asked.

“Yah very rare. I would say probably almost as rare as my Sonic Rainboom. That was the move I did at the end of our race. As far as I know, nopony else can do one. Ponies may be able to learn it though. I've learned a lot about it now. I can’t always do it whenever I want, but I am getting better at them. I was only able to do it now because I was determined to win the race more than I have been determined to win a race before,” Rainbow said.

“I guess that means I will take the job. A deal is a deal,” Alice said sounding a little gloomy.

Rainbow looked at her in thought and said, “I kind of lied about that earlier, Alice. You can turn it down, but after what I have seen you do. I don’t think you will find another job that fits you.”

Alice looked to her with narrowed eyes and Rainbow sighed. “I saw what you did to those two stallions awhile back, Alice. You know the ones that tried to have their way with you and followed you into the park.” Alice’s eyes widened she would have whipped out her knife, but she was too tired to do that right now.

“I also saw what you did in the field to those traffickers and Peach Shine. It's because of that I knew you were right for the job, Alice.” Rainbow said as she looked over at Alice.

Alice seemed to be thinking something over so Dash spoke again, “If I intended to ever turn you in, I would have done so by now. Plus, I can’t really prove you did anything. Besides you were right in what you did in both accounts in a certain way.”

This shocked Alice. Here was another pegasus that actually seemed to agree with her actions for some reason. Alice didn't know what to think to this. All she could do was ask, “What is the job? I will take it.”

Rainbow Dash turned to Alice and looked her over. She saw that Alice meant every word she said. “Tell me Alice….” Rainbow Dash said with a smile. “What do you know about rainbows and how their made?”