Princess Celestia was once again resting in her private office sipping on some tea to help her get ready for the long day. She was only a little surprised when Stealth Flight made an appearance. “Since you came to me on your own without a proper meeting being setup. I am guessing you have some news on your task?”

Stealth Flight bowed and spoke. “I am sorry to intrude, your highness. We have come to a standstill and need your advice on how to proceed. We found out what caused the magic you felt during the wedding.”

Celestia raised a refined eyebrow at him. “And what did you find?”

“It seems a visitor from another world is now a resident in Equestria. She goes by the name Alice Briddell. She's a pegasus who until recently was staying at The Lazy Saddle. She hasn't done anything illegal we know of or anything, but we are not sure what to do here.” Stealth said.

“What is the issue, Stealth Flight? I know there has to be something bothering you. Otherwise you would have brought her to me for an audience,” Celestia said to him.

Stealth Flight visibly swallowed before he spoke again. “The thing is your highness… She is now a worker at the factory. A Seeker we were told."

Princess Celestia stood up and started pacing. She hated anything to do with that place, but as a ruler she knew the need for sacrifice just as much as any pony else. She usually left anything dealing with that place to the Pegasi their selves.

They made it their race's responsibility and wouldn't even allow Earth ponies or Unicorns to help outside the occasional use of a spell or two from the Royal guard. As much as the Sun princess despised the factory, she knew rainbows were needed and she couldn't help but respect the Pegasi for carrying this responsibility and its horrors their selves.

Princess Celestia finally sighed to herself. Perhaps it would be seen as cowardly by some, but she had her decision. “Thank you for bringing this to me, Stealth Flight. You and your task force have completed and fulfilled your orders. So long as Alice doesn't cause any undue ruckus, she is now in the hooves of the Rainbow Factory. Return to your regular duties.”

Stealth Flight left to debrief his team and get back to what he always does for the princess. Celestia sighed again and wished Alice the best, since she was now a part of that place. She took a final sip of her tea before going to the throne room to begin the Day Court.

{-} {-} {-}

“Rainbows…” Alice thought to herself as she sat in a nice clean room. In the past, rainbows always were something good and beautiful, even in Wonderland. Now however, Alice had a new darker fascination with rainbows.

When she first arrived in Equestria, one of the first things she saw was a Rainbow right after the Rainboom. She saw the rainbow over Canterlot castle and felt this pastel colored world was far too devoid of darkness. Now after Rainbow Dash explained to her how rainbows were made, she knew the very land of Equestria was covered in the darkness she searched for. It was just very well hidden and the populace at large had no idea it existed.

Alice was currently in a nice clean room. She didn't have a home yet so Rainbow Dash set her up in the factory Seeker barracks. Alice would have to find herself a place eventually and Rainbow had recommended something that was about half way between Cloudsdale and where she lived in Ponyville. Rainbow said this would put her in an optimum position for her new job. Alice thought she might have other reasons for suggesting here as well, but she didn't think it was anything bad.

Alice’s room was soundproofed from the factory floor, not too far from her room. This way when the next bus of Sacrifices came through, she could peacefully sleep if she was currently off duty.

Ponies would think the factory was always constantly pumping out essence, when in actuality it wasn't. They still had to keep the place running at all hours, but they did have some down time. Seekers didn't though, given their special purpose. They worked around the clock when needed and were always supposed to be ready for action, even if they were off duty.

Alice was now a Seeker for the Rainbow Factory. She was surprised to find out, despite what some rumors around the factory said, escapes were actually an issue. However, it wasn't the “Sacrifices” who posed much threat. It was in fact employees that proved to be an issue.

The Rainbow Factory was one of the most secretive and essential of facilities in all of Equestria. This being the case those who tried to escape, shirked their duties and turned their backs on Equestria and the Pegasi race. These “Traitors” were handled with extreme prejudice.

Alice knew these “Traitors” weren't really traitors, but considering what went on here and how they were a part of it at one time. She agreed with silencing them forever. “No pony escapes the Rainbow Factory” she was told when she was given her orientation a couple of days ago. Personally she agreed with what Rainbow Dash told her was the real motto “Not a single soul gets through.” This motto painted an entirely different meaning from the veiled threat told in orientation.

Alice was laying on her bed in her room currently waiting. She was now a seeker, but she didn't yet know where she belonged in their ranks. Every new Seeker is tested on their abilities to see where they are starting from in the factory.

There were several different levels in the Seeker ranks. At the top you had “The Stars” these were the top five fastest and most talented Seekers supposedly. Below “The Stars” were the top 15, and below them there were several other ranks as well.

Ranking happened Bi-annually, or in the rare case where new Seekers were hired. There was an “incident” recently so they had to replace a total of four seekers. Alice was just one of these four.

Alice asked if Rainbow was “Number One” but the cyan pegasus gave a laugh and said “I was at one time”. Now she was one of the top ponies in the Rainbow Factory period. Rainbow told her she was the best flyer in Equestria, the Element of Loyalty, and in charge of operations at the Rainbow Factory. Alice took this to mean she was probably the most important pegasus around. She was sure Rainbow would agree with her, despite the validity of such a claim.

Rainbow gave Alice a surprise when she told Alice they already had a Burster that worked for them. She said Alice and Number Three were probably the only Bursters in all of Equestria. Rainbow told Alice due to their rare nature when it came to ranking they weren't allowed to use their ability. After all they wanted the best period, not the best because they have a special ability, so no pony was allowed to use special abilities if they had them.

This made for a very dangerous combination if you thought about it. This meant when Dash was a Seeker herself she had the skills to beat others without using her trump card the Rainboom. This also meant “Number Three” earned their place without using their burst ability. A very dangerous combination indeed.

Alice soon heard a knock on her door. “Come in,” she said.

The door opened and in walked a light green pegasus with a Rose pink yellow striped mane. “Hello, Miss Alice. I’m Fresh Breeze and I came to escort you to the testing grounds. If you will follow me please.” Alice hopped off her bed and followed.

Right now it was a down time so the halls were silent when usually they were filled with sounds of sobbing Sacrifices and the periodic scream of agony. From what Alice was told they actually used a penetration stun gun on the Sacrifices before extracting their essence, which provided the colors for rainbows.

This made sure they felt nothing as the process happened. It was the closest mercy they could provide the Sacrifices without hampering the process. They still screamed, but mostly because they knew what was going to happen.

Once the process was over and the ponies dead, they each were given a proper pegasus burial. Which Rainbow Dash took charge of when she could. Rainbow thought it was the least she could do for them. Sometimes other factory workers would help, but often times it was too much for them or they saw no point to it and life in general anymore.

Fresh Breeze thought it eerie as she walked Alice to the testing grounds. She felt uncomfortable at how peaceful the factory was at this time. The only sounds one heard were maintenance on the machines and the occasional laugh from one of the floor workers. One would think the silence would be a relief, but for Fresh Breeze it only caused her to have waking nightmares as her mind filled in the screams for her.

“Are you alright, Fresh Breeze?” Alice asked in a concerned voice.

“Ummmm…. Yah of course I am!” Fresh answered her a little too loudly. The light green pegasus figured Alice was only calm because she was new, and the horrors hadn't fully sunk in for her yet.

After a few more unnervingly silent minutes, Alice spoke again in her wonderfully accented voice to Fresh Breeze, “So if I may be so bold as to ask. What does your Cutie Mark mean?” Alice noticed Fresh pause for a moment and then smile as she looked at her fluffy white cloud and its swirls on her flank.

The light green pegasus felt happy as she thought over that moment again, “I’m originally from a small farming community called Stableville. Summers were always harsh there, but we still managed really well anyways. One year I decided I wanted some shade, so I went and found myself a few wild clouds and positioned them just right for relaxing under. The heat was still stifling, and I knew if I whipped up a wind the clouds would disperse. So I got creative. I found a way to make what I called anchored clouds. These clouds didn't disperse for three days.”

Fresh’s smile grew, “Then I got another idea and I shaped a couple of these clouds so they curved. After that I took to the sky and flapped my wings a few times to build up a nice breeze, and enjoyed the fruits of my labor.”

Fresh seemed to have a dreamy expression now, “I decided I shouldn't be the only one to enjoy this, so I made a few more clouds and a couple of other pegasi helped me arrange them perfectly. After that, we went and told everypony to come and take a rest for a bit outside. They thought we were joking but looked anyways. That day and the next two days the whole of Stableville enjoyed my setup.”

“Many said it was a fresh breeze at just the right time. It was at that time my parents pointed out to me I earned my Cutie Mark! Ever since then we have what we call the Mid-Summer Breeze Festival. I go every year even though I taught a few pegasi how to make the clouds and set it all up.” The light green pegasus gave a smile that would make Cheshire proud of its width as she finished her tale.

Fresh couldn't help but smile the rest of the trip to the testing grounds. She didn't like being a messenger for the Factory. However as long as she had the Mid-Summer Breeze Festival, where she helped bring happiness to the ponies for three days when they need it the most. She could bare almost anything she thought.

Fresh’s mood took a sour turn though once she heard a crazed bloodthirsty laugh. They were right outside of the testing grounds now. Some of the seekers had been in the factory too long. It was already starting to tear away at their sanity. This was something which happened to all of them in some way. However Seekers and Messengers usually had it easier, since they weren't only working the floor the whole time. Hearing that laugh though reminder her once again where she was and what she had done.

“Well, Miss Alice. These are the testing grounds. Here you will be testing for your position and rank as a Seeker. If you place in the bottom you will spend more of your time working the floor,” Fresh Breeze said.

One of the draws to advancing in rank as a Seeker was less floor time along with better accommodations, if you stayed in the barracks, and a salary increase. This kept Seekers less likely to make deals with ponies wishing to escape.

Alice gave a brief nod and said, “Thanks for explaining it to me.” She was already told this more or less by Rainbow Dash earlier, but Rainbow had admitted she wasn't exactly supposed to tell her anything. Heck the cyan pegasus said she wasn't technically supposed to have been the one to ‘recruit’ her.

Rainbow Dash should have told a representative to meet with her instead and give her the initial test. However she had taken a interest in Alice, so she bent the rules slightly. She figured she earned that after working in the factory for so long.

Alice knew she was more or less testing to see if she would be a Star, or just in the top 15 so long as she didn't do anything too foolish. However, she wasn't going to slack off or ‘buck’ the test as some ponies would say. She wasn't sure what that meant, but she was sure she wouldn't do so. It sounded inappropriate to her.

The testing grounds were a field inside the factory’s concealed space. At one time, the factory got the aide of a team of Royal Guard unicorns to help expand the facility magically. One benefit to Princess Celestia knowing of its existence, they had a lot more assets than they otherwise would have had.

Celestia wasn't happy of course, but neither were the founders of the Rainbow Factory either. However they all knew it was needed, and despite its horrific nature the process was extremely efficient.

As Alice entered the grounds she took notice of the many different colors of pegasi, and obviously different levels of sanity. Some were more or less focused and ready to prove themselves. Some had a haunted desperate look in their darkened eyes. They felt advancing in rank and spending less floor time was paramount to keeping their sanity. A few others had eyes the size of pinpricks and were slightly foaming at the mouth.

“Alright everypony!” A familiar voice called to the gathered pegasi. Rainbow Dash was in a dark flight suit with goggles standing on a raised platform. “You are all actual pegasi, unlike the excuses we deal with here for the good of Equestria. However, we only select the best of the best to be Seekers, and then you have to prove yourself constantly that you are worthy of your prestigious position in our factory. This is why we test Bi-annually and whenever we have fresh ponies joining our unparalleled ranks.”

There was a loud cheer from several of the gathered ponies as Rainbow finished her opening lines. Alice on the other hand could tell Rainbow was filled with bravado, so others wouldn't doubt she was perfectly fine with what she did. Alice knew the somewhat saddened Rainbow she spoke to after their race was part of her true self. However, she only knew this because she was the same way at one time, before she took in the ruin and corruption of her mind.

Rainbow gave a confident smirk as she spoke again, “Good to see how eager you all are to prove your worth to the Pegasi race and more importantly Equestria!” more cheers followed this statement. Alice became more determined as did many others hearing these simple words as well.

“The test is simple enough. We have a course you all run through without using any special abilities besides pure raw talent, power, and speed. After that we have you face off against each other in mock organized combat also without any special abilities." Rainbow took a moment to look over the crowd.

"After all we don’t want to accidentally hurt any of our Seekers. We just want to see who is worthy of being at the top. Each and every pony here has already proven they are a Seeker. When it comes to the combat portion you have a choice of weapons to select from. You will see them once we get to that stage.” Several nods from the gathered crowd could be seen.

“Alright! Take your number and let the flying test begin!” Rainbow shouted as most cheered and everyone went and got their number for the flying test. Alice got number 26. She was pleased with this outcome. She would be able to study other’s performance and adjust accordingly for her turn.

Alice joined the other Seekers and watched as the first pegasus, light grey in color with a dark green mane and tail, took their practice lap. Since everypony was allowed to watch the ones before them, the first 4 testers got a practice lap to offset the disadvantage of going early.

It was mostly quiet as things went on from there. All of the ponies here were serious and silent. Psyching others out wasn't something that really worked in this matter. It might have worked a little on the newcomers, but everyone knew and had already proven their worth before now in some manner.

{-} {-} {-}

It had been a while now, but it was finally Alice’s turn to go. She finished stretching her wings and legs and got in a crouching start position with her wings spread. She waited for the signal.

A loud bang was heard and she was off quickly leaving her trademark trail of green, blue and purple butterflies behind her. She paid no attention to the heads that turned and gasped in surprise at her signature trail.

Alice focused as she rounded the first turn of the course. It was easy enough for her and she tilted into it so she cleared it a little faster. After that she shot forward again. She rounded a few more turns as the course continued.

Next she came to the cloud rings. They were arranged at slightly different elevations, forcing the flyer to show they were capable of more than just simple straight line, single elevation flight at high speeds. Alice quickly zipped through them moving up and down and side to side as needed while hitting each ring with minimal movement. This ensured she lost as little time as possible, even if all she did was a simple tilt here or there.

Alice then came to the climb and drop portion of the course. She climbed higher than any others did and came to a complete stop before immediately going into a free fall before hitting on her speed again. Doing this she used gravity to her favor and mostly just minimized her resistance with a simple beat of her wings here and there as she shifted her body while zipping through the rings on the way down.

After the drop she came to the updraft and downdraft portion. She cleared the first ones with little effort. When she came to the massive updraft she caught as much as she could. Once she had enough and approached the massive downdraft she tilted her body almost vertical and circled the downdraft along the edges using it to increase her speed, while not overwhelming her.

She was now coming close to the last part of the course after the massive downdraft. She used the extra speed she had gained and beat her wings faster for the last part of the massive downdraft. Next she started gliding and used a combination of her built up speed and quick rolls to make her trek around the assorted cloud columns tighter.

After this, was a stretch before a sharp turn followed by the last long run before the finish line. Alice beat her wings to build up the speed she lost and then some. Once she came to the turn, she raised her altitude slightly and preformed a displacement roll to reduce her turn radius and slingshot to the finish.

Alice came to the finish and was surprised to hear a few cheers from the watching ponies. She couldn't help but blush a little to the praise. She then went and took her seat and waited for the results of her run. Some ponies actually gave her a little clap for her performance as she sat down. A few gave her unsettling grins, but Alice was used to those by now. You don’t spend time around Cheshire without getting used to such grins and sometimes even feeling pleased to see one.

As Alice was making her run, some of the Seekers watching were wondering if she might end up pulling off a Sonic Rainboom with the speeds she was reaching. A few seekers however, knew she wouldn't pull off a stunt only Rainbow Dash could, but they had a feeling she might be a contender for a position as a Star. These ponies already started plotting how they would show her during the combat portion, thinking she had little combat experience.

{-} {-} {-}

The first test finished up not too long after Alice’s run. Those who went after her, attempted to add in parts of her style they felt would work for them with varying degrees of success. Once the last pony finished and ended the first test, it was time for lunch.

Alice was a little impressed with the rather clean kitchen. As she and the others made their way inside, they saw several ponies sitting and eating quietly. She saw Fresh Breeze sitting quietly by herself in a corner eating a daisy salad. Alice decided she would sit with her for lunch, since she didn't know anyone else in the cafeteria. Rainbow no doubt made sure not to usually eat with the others during these tests, so no pony would think someone had an unfair advantage.

As Alice sat down across from Fresh with a lettuce, cheese, and tomato sandwich, the light green pegasus looked up a bit surprised. “Is it OK if I sit with you, Fresh Breeze? I would rather not eat with the others. Some of them seem a little too eager. If you know what I mean,” Alice said.

While she was used to unsettling grins, she was not used to the talk some of these ponies shared. She could appreciate the finer points of using a weapon and completing a job properly. However she didn't really appreciate the gusto they had for such things. She was always taught to be modest after all.

“I guess it is, but I don’t know anything more about the test if that is what you're after,” Fresh said as she returned to her salad. Ponies in the factory weren't usually very sociable, especially to a "mere messenger" like her.

Alice raised an eyebrow at her. “I would not think of asking you such a thing. My reason is just as I said. They are a little too eager about certain aspects of the job for my liking. I hold professionalism and enthusiasm for a job in high regard, but there are limits to such things. Is it so odd I wish to just talk to you while partaking in my meal? It is rather boring to eat by one’s self.”

Alice sat down across from her as Fresh spoke. “No it isn't odd you want company for a meal. It's just most ponies in the factory view messengers as taking the cowards way out, despite the fact we too have to spend time on the Factory floor like all the others.”

Alice gave her a curious look as she asked, “What is a messenger’s job anyways when not working the floor?”

Fresh gave a weak smile. “We work as both royal messengers and factory messengers. Our responsibilities to the factory are to send the Sacrifice’s ‘last message’ to their families and deliver other factory related correspondence. We're also the ones who send letters of grievance to those who lost a family member in the Royal Guard to their duties.”

Fresh took a couple of bites of her salad before continuing. “Like Seekers we also spend time outside of the factory for our job. However, since we aren't hunting down traitors. Our position is seen as less than honorable as far as factory business goes. Personally I'm actually thankful for my position. I don’t think I would have made it as long as I have otherwise. Working the floor is very hard. You either go crazy from the guilt, or you start lusting for the violence… and the screams….” Fresh Breeze gave a shudder as she finished.

Alice simply nodded in understanding and said, “I guess that is why floor escapees are usually a high priority, both to keep the secrecy of this place and for the safety of other ponies,” Fresh blinked to Alice’s words.

She never thought about it that way before… She always thought it was just for the safety of other ponies. Most of the time the saner escapees would keep what goes on in the factory secret. If for no other reason than to keep below the radar. However, given the condition of floor workers she now saw what Alice meant.

Fresh grimaced as she started to once again realize nothing was the way it seemed in the factory. There was always a double meaning or hidden agenda. Her mind may have gone further into darkness then and there, if Alice hadn't broken her from it.

“I don’t see how your job would be any less respectful than a Seeker’s. It can’t be easy having to face the families of those who die here, even if they aren't worthy of being pegasi,” Alice said with nonchalance.

The light green pegasus just shook her head. She wasn't sure if Alice really believed that, or if she was just falling for the lip-service so many did when they're first recruited. Their meal was mostly peaceful after that with some words exchanged here and there.

{-} {-} {-}

It was now after lunch and Alice was waiting for her next run in the combat tournament. The weapon choices were standard fare she thought. They had bows and arrows, the arrows had little plungers on the tips, they also had wooden swords, wooden maces, and to her pleasure wooden knives. The wooden knives of course weren't even a shadow of a blade compared to her Vorpal Blade, but they were close enough. Well the one she picked was at least.

Truth be told, Alice was rather bored with this part of the test already. She had faced a few opponents now and took care of them well enough. On top of that from what she could see, few others really would be much of a problem for her even without her burst move. Some did have promise and she took note of them quickly. She wouldn't be facing them until later she knew though.

In the meantime, she was bored and Alice was always rather dangerous when she was bored. She decided she would see if she could use one of her other weapons from Wonderland. A weapon from the first time she fought for her sanity.

She visualized the weapon she was thinking of, and acted as if she were merely pulling it out of her ‘pocket space’. Alice’s green eyes lit as she gave a pleased grin to herself. She then started juggling her over-sized and sharp edged cards while she waited for her next turn.

She didn't notice the current “Number Two” watching and flinch a little at her grin, before next staring while she juggled the cards she pulled out of thin air. True all ponies had a ‘pocket space’ but it usually required more effort for large items. When it came to some tools like screw drivers, pencils, and bits, it didn't take much at all. However, for bigger items or larger amounts the pockets didn't work, this is why they have saddlebags and toolboxes.

“Number Two” otherwise known as Night Chill, was a male pegasus with a midnight blue body, brown eyes, and a black mane and tail. He had been in his position for a good while now. He was both talented and cunning. He always took care of his targets with such artistry and perfection that he most often took on multiple targets at once.

He would usually link one target to the other’s murder even if the two “never knew each other”. He then took care of the second target while they were being escorted for their trial without anypony noticing. Usually they would die after they were always found "guilty".

Night Chill quickly picked out Alice as a contender for a top rank in The Stars. He respected her for her abilities, but he had his pride as well, so he wasn't going to just let her roll into the top of their ranks right off the bat. He actually felt intimidated after seeing her fight and wanted to make sure he won their fight quickly if they faced each other.

He wasn't weak by any means, but he saw what only one or two others in the room saw in her. He saw she wasn't a stranger to combat. In fact, he was shocked she wasn't a former Royal Guard or something.

He could tell she had fought a war before of some kind. It was in the way she kept calm no matter what during the combat test. Also it was the way she carried herself and had already analyzed her real competition, but she didn't try to get inside their heads or anything. It was a bit infuriating to him really. She acted as if she already knew how to defeat any of them.

As Night Chill watched her from the corner of his eye while she juggled, he started to get a smile on his lips. He had a plan. It was definitely using the rules to his favor, but that is what the rules were there for in the first place he always thought. He hoped he faced her, that way he could make sure she was below him in the rankings. Even if she was the new “Number Two” and he was the new “Number One”.

The truth was each of the Stars were all just a step or two away from the “Number One” position. The last time there was a solid Number One was back when Rainbow Dash held the position. This was part of the reason why in the odd case a Star goes on the run, Rainbow takes care of them herself usually.

{-} {-} {-}

Alice did her best not to get complacent with this test despite her success so far. However, she did notice others were starting to act wary of facing her in the ring. Especially after she showed them range weapons weren't much of an obstacle for her with her knife.

She faced a brown pony that was using a bow. She quickly found her way inside his range and then used a kick to throw him off balance before claiming victory by placing her wooden knife to one of his vitals. There weren't any rules about using hooves in addition to your selected weapon, so it was perfectly allowable.

She next faced a mare who used a sword with great efficiency. The two locked blades a few times and once Alice had a good idea of her opponent's strength she used it to her advantage, and soon pinned the mare to the ground. A few were surprised the pinned mare was blushing, but not from embarrassment when she got up once the match was over.

After that, she faced one of the ‘crazed’ seekers who was using a mace. The crazed mare before Alice charged right off the bat. Alice quickly moved just a little bit to side and immediately dodged the kick sent her way. The mare attacked again, this time with her hooves first. Alice countered and then followed up by shoving the mare back and lunged forward before her opponent could react.

It wasn't until the final rounds that she actually found the fights a bit of a challenge. She was now facing one of the Stars. As they waited in the air for their match to begin, Alice looked him over and replayed all she had seen him do in other matches.

Night Chill was glad he was facing Alice now. He would be able to enact his simple yet effective plan. He looked her over though to double check her. He had to admit she was attractive and the inner darkness to her otherwise beautiful green eyes made her all the more intriguing.

Many here had this darkness to their eyes already, but she was one of the four new seekers and she already had it. It made him hope his plan would work. If it didn't, his victory was a lot less sure.

For this fight Night was using a bow and arrow. He was a master at archery, but usually he also had a knife as well. For this test you were only allowed one weapon at a time and your hooves. All of the Seekers were watching this fight, including the ones who had already been placed during the earlier matches.

As the bell rang, Alice zipped in real fast. Night was caught off guard for a second, but he had suspected she would make the first move. He twisted to the side and sent a hoof her way. Alice countered his hoof with one of her own and then backed up before zooming forward again.

This time as she approached he rolled around and was about to hit her with a hoof when she blocked his hit. The two separated again and looked the other over. They were just at the edge of the other’s range. Night looked her over and said, “You really are something else, Alice Briddell.”

“You as well, Night Chill. I can only imagine how dangerous you are when you no doubt have a secondary weapon.” Alice replied floating at ease in front of him. Others might think it foolish of her to drop her guard, but Night Chill knew differently. It was her subtle way of telling him she knew at this distance they were at an impasse, and if he made a move she would be able to react quickly enough. Alice wasn't big on subtly, but she could do it if she wanted.

Night Chill narrowed his eyes at her and silently prayed she never turned on them. She would be a hoofful if she did. He could tell she still had lots more tricks up her sleeve she hadn't shown yet. Add to that her well placed confidence and it was pretty bad for anyone who stood against her.

The two got ready except this time it was Night Chill that moved first. He charged her and when she dodged he swung his bow around to smack her. She bobbed out of the way and sent a hoof to his side. The impact sent him back from the force. Usually he could use this to his advantage and get enough distance to use his bow, but Alice was flying right with him and keeping up.

Night Chill put on more speed, which she easily matched. He then sent a front hoof at her again which she weaved away from expecting him to swing his bow around again. Instead Night Chill sent her a buck. His kick sent her back a good ways. He was getting ready to hit her with an arrow while she looped around and tried to get back in range.

However, before he could Alice did some kind of tuck and roll move that allowed her to recover and shoot back before he could ready his shot on her. Instead he let it fly and then sent a kick her way. She naturally countered it, but he had time to grab his bow with his mouth and send a flurry of punches her way. She either dodged or blocked them all.

Night next sent a hard buck her way again. She dodged and was about to counter, but didn't noticed him spin while grabbing his bow and sending it her way. The bow was reinforced enough so it didn't break when hitting a pony.

The hit landed on the side of her head with enough force it sent her flying enough for him to pull off a shot just before she fully recovered. As he readied the shot, a wooden knife flew right at him causing him to blink just barely shift enough to keep his shot. However, he wasn't fast enough.

Alice hadn't expected his attack. She knew what he was going to do now though. She threw her knife right at him. At this moment, her battle hardened instincts took over acting as if her life was in danger. She was able to recover and close the gap thanks to the time her throw bought her. As she closed in on him, she summoned her Vorpal Blade and slammed into him causing them both to drop to the ground.

Fortunately they landed safely. They weren't too high from the ground in the first place. Alice was now on top of Night Chill with her knife to his neck. His bow off to the side, the impact caused him to lose it and the arrow.

Night’s eyes were wide as he saw the dark burning fire in her eyes up close. It was much different from what he thought earlier. These weren't the eyes of a warrior that had fought a war. No, these eyes were that of a pony who had seen horrors beyond the likes of the Rainbow Factory, and had come out on top unscathed, for the most part.

Alice stared down at Night Chill for a couple of seconds before it all hit her. Her knife disappeared and her eyes softened as she blinked. The watchers and the others were just staring in silence. The first pony to break the silence was Alice herself. “I lost.” Was all she said as she got up off of Night and helped him to his hooves. She then left the ring as the bell rung and announced Night Chill as the winner of the match.

Night Chill stood there blinking for a few moments before then walking out of the ring. “You only lost a match, Alice…. You are already Number Five.” Night thought to himself. He was glad his plan had worked. He knew Alice’s instincts could be used against her in a match. If pushed just right, she would react to save her life even if it wasn't really in danger.

After that match though, Night wished he hadn't pushed her like that. He severally miscalculated her actual abilities and instincts. He didn't think she would actually end the fight holding his life in her hooves like that. Once no one was looking, he gave a shiver at the thought of what might happen if she were to turn on the Factory. At the same time, he could tell if she did. It wouldn't be from trying to escape.

Alice wasn't happy at the moment. It wasn't because she was sad or disappointed she lost. It was the manner in which she did. She could have still won that match, but she let her instincts kick in when she shouldn't have. She lost because she summoned her knife and broke the rule. Had she not done that she knew she would have won the match. On top of that, it was disgraceful to lose because of breaking the rules rather than from a hard fought match.

Alice just sighed and waited until the end as she watched the few remaining matches. She did at least enjoy them more than the earlier matches. They weren't boring. After the last fight, they were all dismissed as the rankings were set out to be released tomorrow after breakfast.

{-} {-} {-}

After the matches finished, it was supper time. Alice ate a lot for this meal. She was, like she said to herself “hungry as a horse”. The statement gave her a giggle. As she sat next to Fresh Breeze again, Alice didn't notice how her small giggle actually unsettled a few nearby Seekers who saw her last match.

She may have lost the match, but the fact she could have easily ended Night Chill’s life scared them and also relieved them. They were relieved she had the control not to go through with it despite her instincts taking over, but the fact she only lost because of a rule to the famed long lasting Number Two sent chills down their spines. Whoever picked her to join their ranks clearly chose well.

Once she finished her meal, Alice retired to her room. Despite her disappointing lose, it did feel good to lie down after a long day. She had been resting peacefully for about half an hour before she heard a knock on her door. She answered it wondering who it could be.

When she opened the door, before her stood a light orange pegasus stallion with a blue mane and tail. “Sorry to bother you ma’am, but I'm supposed to take you to Director Dash’s office immediately.” He then turned around and led the way. Alice would have asked him for his name, but she was too busy wondering why Rainbow Dash would want to speak with her in the office.

The two walked along a hallway with a window to their left overlooking the factory floor. Alice actually stopped a couple of times to look out the window. Outside on the floor she noticed the rainbow machine proper. It had several large vats made with what she figured was safety glass. Each vat had a label above it for the different colors of the rainbow.

The main part of the machine seemed to be covered with caked blood and rust. However, the stun gun and extraction equipment were in pristine condition. Alice supposed this made sense. After all, you wouldn't want the essence tainted when it was extracted due to dirty equipment. The essence's purity is what made rainbows so bright and colorful.

Alice gave a distasteful scoff at the sign hanging on the wall across from the loading area. The sign read “Don’t be sad. Your sacrifice will bring bright cheery smiles to all the little ponies!” There were smiling daisies on each side of the sign.

Alice thought that was pretty bad taste. It didn't even rhyme. Not to mention the sign clearly was in need of much repair. If they were going to have that as a parting message for the Sacrifices, they could at least clean it up every so often.

Alice then looked around the edges of her window wondering why there wasn't any glass. Next she looked down to the floor and noticed it was as clean as could be for such a place. “I really need to take you to Rainbow Dash, Miss Alice.” Her guide told her bringing her back to the moment at hoof.

“Oh... Sorry about that. I just found the windows curious and couldn't help but look,” Alice said as she started following again.

Her guide just nodded in understanding and said, “We don’t have glass in the windows because all staff here during harvesting, need to be ready to provide aide should it be needed. Sometimes things get a little exciting during Rainbow Season.”

“How did you know that is what I was pondering?” Alice asked in wonderment.

“Everypony always wonders that when they first start working here,” he said to her.

{-} {-} {-}

They finally approached a large double door painted bright red with a banner above it which read, “Just remember. Rainbows bring smiles and joy to all! Why would anyone want to escape the factory even if they could?” Alice just shook her head. It was a rather obvious poor attempt at a subtle warning.

Alice and her guide entered a brightly lit office with nice relaxing soft colors that didn't standout. It was quiet the contrast to its occupant who wasn't wearing her dark flight suit and goggles now. “You may go, Orange Streak,” Rainbow said in her normal slightly squeaky voice. The guide bowed and headed out.

“You wanted to speak with me, Rainbow Dash? Or do I call you Director?” Alice asked as she stood there in thought.

“When it’s just you and me, you can call me Rainbow Dash, Dashie or Rainbow or any name along those lines really. However, when we are around others call me, Director Dash. It sounds cooler than Director Rainbow Dash, and I sure as hay don’t want to be called Director Rainbow.” Rainbow shuttered at the last name.

“Anyways,” Rainbow said before turning less cheerful. “That was quiet the test we had today. Especially the combat portion.” Alice inwardly cringed at that.

“Look I am sorry for that Rainbow Dash, but my instincts sort of kicked in. I am not used to holding back at all,” Alice said figuring she should apologize for what happened.

Rainbow still looking serious said, “Well after what happened I am sure about one thing, Alice. Do you know what it is?”

Alice simply shook her head a little concerned, though it didn't show. If she was thrown to the bottom rung of the ladder because of that mistake, she would not be happy. It would wound her pegasus pride.

Rainbow sighed, “Man you're no fun to prank are you…. No real reaction at all…” Alice just simply blinked owlishly at Rainbow. “The thing I am sure of is that I was right to pick you for the job, Alice. Being a Seeker suits you just fine. You are now ‘Number Five’. You would be higher, might have even made number one, if it wasn't for what happened in your match. Heck you just proved that you are the most dangerous Seeker we have with that stunt.”

Alice was relieved to hear this. She could deal with being Number Five and working her way up from there with each test. In fact she preferred it this way, but one thing was on her mind. “What do you mean I proved to be the most dangerous Seeker, Rainbow?”

“Night Chill has been steady at being Number Two in The Stars for a long time. In fact he got it again… Odd how that works out every time." Rainbow shook her head to this.

"Anyways he lost his last match against Dark Glow like the last couple of times, but she didn't hold his life in her hooves. The Stars are always really close talent wise in all actuality. This is why I took care of the previous Number Four instead of sending one of the others after him. After that, the top end of the Top Fifteen are close to The Stars, but their earned ranks are a lot more…. What’s the word I’m looking for…?” Rainbow said while placing a hoof on her chin.

“I’ll just go with defined. Their ranks are a lot more noticeably defined talent wise. I was going to try one of those fancy words Twilight always uses, but I can’t think of one right now,” Rainbow said with a little smile.

“Sometimes simple and direct is the best approach when it comes to speaking. So is that the only reason you called me to come visit your office, Rainbow?” Alice asked as she looked around the office.

“Well part of it, Alice. The other part is I have your first mission. You may be surprised to already have your first mission when we haven’t even announced the rankings yet. But we are in the middle of a large clean up at the moment." Rainbow hoovered over to her window and stared out onto the floor.

"Back when I had just started out as a floor worker here at the factory. There was a large escape from employees at different levels. This was before we had the Seekers and I was barely a mare back then, but already I was one of the fastest flyers in Equestria.” Rainbow beamed at the last part.

“Anyways… The whole thing was a mess but fortunately they quickly got some of the more well-known and proven members together and they sought several of them out. They were the first Seekers." Rainbow turned back to her desk and looked at Alice.

"However, most of the escapees went into hiding or just plan stuck below the radar. So we are still cleaning up that mess but not too many are left now. I got one them and figured it would be the best way to get you used to your new job,” Rainbow said as she passed Alice a folder with a name on it.

“That is all the information we have on her. She was hard to track down but she slipped up. Probably because she figured we had given up on finding her. That would be stupid if she did though. We know she was a driving force behind the coordinated escape." Rainbow dropped to the floor and took a breath.

"She was young at the time so she probably could still put up a fight. If she hasn't let herself go too much.” Rainbow paused and gave Alice some time to look over the information.

Alice looked over the folder, quickly picking out important information. She paused when she got to one part. “Rainbow who is Sunset Daisy? It says here she is living with this..."

Alice turned the folder over to look at the name again. "Twinkle Star and to ask for a file on her…. I know it's common but really sometimes pony names are soooo…. Overly cutesy.” Rainbow raised an eyebrow at Alice. “Ummm… No offense, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow just laughed to that in good humor. She then tossed Alice another folder. “Congratulations, Alice. You have your first mission and it is a double header! Welcome to The Stars!" Rainbow had her bright smile again.

"She was one of the ponies that escaped as well. She was a floor worker and started about the same time Twinkle did. Of course back then there were only floor workers, messengers and the higher ups. They kept all they could about the factory under wraps, by providing last letters and other covers for why some pegasi went missing after their flight test and never were heard from again.” Rainbow had a small frown now.

Alice read over the next folder quickly. “I have two questions.” Rainbow nodded for her to ask them. “Am I allowed to take these folders with me since I am staying here in the factory? I figure once I have my own place I won’t be allowed to take such information with me. Also is there anything else?”

Rainbow gave her a smile again. “You are correct. Like I thought when I saw you. This is the best fit for you job wise here. Yes, since you are here in the factory you can take the information to your quarters. We have glyphs, generously provided to use by the Royal Guards, that can sense confidential material and instantly destroy it. We don’t know how it works we just know it does. Magic huh?” Rainbow gave a face and shrugged her shoulders.

“As for the second part, yes there is something else. Since this is your first job somepony will be going with you to observe and make sure you complete your mission, thus proving you are capable of this job. Not that I doubt you are from what I have seen, but it is what it is. Your first mission has to be observed by an official with the right credentials to do so. This is the case for all new Seekers. However, you are a special case in that you are also a Star.” Rainbow Dash paused for a minute so Alice could register the information.

“Since you are a Star and also a new Seeker. It has been decided I will be said official. I have to observe every step you take on this mission and take notes. This way we have an idea of what missions you are best suited for in the future." Rainbow said with a no nonsense face.

"So I will be watching you again I guess. As soon as you are officially given your mission tomorrow after ranks are passed out. Also I won’t have to hide from you this time,” Rainbow said this trying to make it look like she really didn't want to do it. Truthfully, she wouldn't mind observing Alice again.

Alice gave a giggle as she said in a voice slightly lower and sultrier than her normal tone, “Oh, Rainbow… You know some might say you have taken a special interest in me with the way you keep finding ways to watch me.”

Rainbow blinked a few times not sure if she was joking or not. Alice then started to laugh and soon Rainbow joined her. “You definitely got me there, Alice.” Rainbow decided she would have to be careful and on guard around Alice in the future, if she wanted to have fun with her.

“As your official observer, I am not really allowed to interfere or support you during your mission. However, if it comes to a time that you feel you can’t complete the mission or the targets have far exceeded what is considered normal for this situation I can offer aide, but it will not look good for your future as a Star." Rainbow gave Alice a pointed look.

"Also usually when a mission is given out you have some time to look over the information in advance, and will meet with either me or another pony that can clarify it for you. In this case, it will be after breakfast tomorrow, and I will be the one who sits down with you, Alice.” Rainbow said with a relaxed smile.

“You are dismissed until we meet tomorrow, Alice.” Rainbow then gave Alice a seductive smile with half closed eyes and said in a lower voice, “You know unless you want me to keep you company.”

Alice blinked this time and blushed as she heard Rainbow give a giggle. Alice soon joined her before saying, “I think I’ll be fine…. This time, Dashie.”

Alice left and decided she really liked Rainbow Dash. She seemed like some pony that could keep up with her after some practice. Even if Alice had a distinct feeling she could leave Dash behind by using highly sophisticated words.

Alice made it back to her room and started studying for her mission. She knew she would have to do some snooping of her own before taking any action to make sure the information is accurate. She also decided to approach this expecting a fight from the two targets, either both at once or separately.

If there weren't any Seekers at that time and these two were smart enough to make a well-coordinated and somewhat successful escape. She decided they would be Seekers currently and maybe even at her level if they hadn't turned their backs and ran away like cowards.

Alice next gave a death glare at the photos of the two ponies in front of her. One thing she had come to really hate were cowards. They chose the easy way out. They ran. She already hated them for this fact alone. She knew it was unfair for her to call anyone a coward because she used to be such a coward herself in the past.

Part of her knew she had come to hate cowards so much, because they reminded her of how she used to be. Back when she let others control her. She wasn't going to forget her past, but she didn't like such blatant reminders of who she used to be staring her in the face. She had to suffer punishment for her cowardice and inaction. Why should they be allowed off the hook for the same thing?

Alice gave a dark smile as she looked at the folders on her desk top. She then looked up at her reflection and gave a little giggle. Rainbow was right. This was the perfect job for her. She could deal with those that were too weak to do anything but hide. After all if they could organize a large escape, why not do something more productive or at least try to do so.

Alice then yawned and said to herself. “I really feel exhausted after today. Oh well. I might as well get some sleep that way I will be sharp and have my wits about me in the morning.” She was a bit surprised as she laid down in her bed, that she didn't hear some witty come back from an ever grinning cat. Cheshire usually had such impeccable timing like that, even here in Equestria.

{-}{-}{-}

Somewhere deep within the darkest parts of the factory a certain cat was lounging around observing. However, he didn't have his usual all too wide grin on his face. He stalked around hidden in the shadows, and came across two floor workers. They were discussing how they were getting antsy and hoped a new shipment would come in soon, so they could hear the musical sobs and screams again.

Cheshire had some concerns about this place, and feared what would become of Alice after being a part of this for too long. Though he did give a little grin as he thought to himself, “Well it seems you were right about this bright and colorful world hiding a very ugly and dark underbelly.”

The cat’s grin grew a little as he thought more about this place. He could appreciate the harsh irony of using such a dark act, like slaughter, to make a bright and colorful symbol usually associated with peaceful, promising and romantic themes. His grin soon faded again as he thought, “Oh Alice… What have you gotten yourself into this time?”