“Harvest Time again...” Rainbow thought to herself from behind her desk. Rainbow hated harvest time the most of this job. It had taken a lot for her to get used to it. Fortunately, she was already an exceptional flier when she was hired and they were in need of Seekers after “The Great Escape”. She was spared the horrors of the floor more so than usual as a result. For Rainbow and most Seekers, it was much easier hunting traitors that ran from the factory and killing them than working the floor. After all, they weren't innocent nor were they mostly helpless, like the sacrifices.

Rainbow sighed as she thought over her past again. The only good thing about Harvest time at the factory was the fact cider season struck right in the middle of it during a lull. Sweet Apple Cider season was the best thing in the world to Rainbow Dash. It helped her get through this time at the factory, even if she hardly ever got a mug. Just being around happy, care-free, and friendly ponies was enough for her. Sweet Apple Cider Season to Rainbow was Mid-Summer Breeze Festival to Fresh Breeze, it was their time to relax and decide all wasn't bad in life.

“Harvest Time” as they called it, actually spanned a few weeks. Many thought Couldsdale was the only place that had a flight camp. The truth was every pegasus city and some of the larger metropolitan areas such as Manehatten and Fillydelphia had camps as well. Each of these other cities had branches of the factory in them. The branches were just pretty much holding facilities before they sent the failures to the factory hub in Cloudsdale. The transportation of sacrifices wasn't easy, but they rarely had any incidents during transport.

Rainbow remembered all too clearly her first harvest time at the factory. She just did her job because she was so shocked after learning the truth of what she would be doing for it. She thought the sobs and screams were just in her head at first because of the heavy shock. To Rainbow and the others who just started, the simple pushing of buttons and pulling of levers was the only thing they could really focus on at the time.

Once the harvest was over and the gravity of her job sunk in, Rainbow immediately went to the Head Operations Director at the time. She yelled at the pegasus mare before her and went on about how this wasn't right and they wouldn't be able to get away with this. She even threatened to go to Celestia herself with the matter.

----Flashback-----

Rainbow was huffing and snorting steam from her nostrils as she finished her rant. The Head factory Mare just shook her head and gave a sinister smile as she said, “Alright Rainbow Dash I hear you. In fact, I will even set up a meeting for you and the Princess here in this very office.”

Rainbow just stared in disbelief wondering if they would actually make sure Celestia didn't leave alive after this meeting finished. She wondered if they could even do that. She wouldn't put it past them after what she learned about the factory. If they could do that to fillies and colts, did they have any decency at all?

“She hates coming here herself, but feels she must from time to time to show she understands the burden we have and how sacrifices are needed for her little ponies to be happy as a whole. But I’m sure she will make an exception to come here herself for a loyal Pegasus to the throne such as yourself. She is always trying to keep in touch with her pony subjects after all,” The Head Operations Director said.

Rainbow drooped her head to those words. If Celestia knew of this place and allowed it, then she couldn't really argue with it. She would never turn her back on her friends or Equestria. Still she didn't like this at all and had to ask, “There has to be another way to get rainbows… you know a way that wouldn't be this wrong.”

The Head Mare’s smile slipped from her face as she said solemnly. “Do you think we chose this method without carefully weighing our options? Do you honestly think we want to kill fillies and colts?” There was a moment of silence here before the manager continued sternly, “No we don’t. We tried several methods before this device’s construction. None of the other methods worked as well.” The mare behind the desk sighed “I really think we need to have a course about the history of the factory for new employees.”

Rainbow just stood there dumbly trying to figure it all out. She even listened to the lecture that followed, because she wanted to hopefully find some way to understand it all. She was desperate to find some method to the madness that was the Rainbow Factory. She needed something to grasp on to for her own sake.

“Everypony knows about the Griffon War and how it affected both Equestria and The Griffon Nation. Ponies were starving, depressed and needed some reminder of hope. This was when we first started working on finding ways to make more rainbows. Rainbows always brought smiles and joy to the many ponies of this land. At the time, it was the only thing that could help ponies while Equestria got back on its own hooves.” The old director looked Rainbow in the eyes making sure her lesson was sinking in.

“Dr. Frankenhoof came up with a device that allowed him to make rainbows for those near his home. His machine was a lot smaller of course, but it brought much needed happiness to those around him. His machine simply took pegasus weather magic alone. It took a lot of his pegasus magic and he ended up dying a painful and suffering death as a result. We got a hold of this device and tried to improve it. No matter what we tried though we couldn't get it to work on a larger scale successfully.” The head mare took a deep breath and sighed.

She rubbed her forehead with a hoof as she continued telling Rainbow Dash the history of the factory. “After some time a Mr. Horsehyde found a solution. He didn't want to share it at first because of how horrific it was. He was the one who discovered what we call ‘Essence’ and the only way to extract it. Eventually he had to share his findings, and after that it was a matter of how to minimize the damage it would cause.”

Rainbow gave a frown and spoke up while the director took a pause to take a sip of water. “Why use it then if they knew how horrible it was? Are rainbows really that important? And why use young pegasi as sacrifices for it?”

“I was going to get to that next,” the director said with minor annoyance. “Things were really bad during that time. There were already a few minor revolts in Equestria after the war because ponies were angry about it all. They even sometimes took their anger out on veterans from the war."

"We knew rainbows would solve this problem, because Frankenhoof’s home town was just like that before he starting using his machine. We also had plenty of supporting evidence that backed this up. We acted on this because the last thing we needed was civil war after the Griffon War.”

The manager sighed again, she was feeling old now. “The reason we used young pegasi is twofold. First of all we didn't think Unicorns and Earth ponies should have to suffer for what was mostly our responsibility, especially because weather magic was used in the original device. The second reason was more complicated.”

“As you should know, if you paid attention in school… Pegasi were our main force against the Griffons. Most of the military forces during the war were pegasi, because there wasn't too much Earth Ponies and Unicorns could do against an aerial army at the time. The public for the most part was scared the war wasn't really over, and the Griffons were just biding their time.” The head mare’s eyes narrowed here with some deep seated hatred before going on with her lesson.

“The Griffons also knew our air power is what kept us in the fight for the most part. They had taken to colt and filly napping to force families to work for them. They needed to keep a low profile for this so they went after the weakest of flyers from after flight school, mainly the ones that failed or just barely passed the test. So the pegasi grimly saw this as an opportunity to cut off our weak point as a race.” The head mare looked to Rainbow Dash to see if she understood this.

Rainbow could understand this but she knew this was a long time ago, and relations between Equestria and the Griffon Nation were now really strong. “Why still do this then? That war was a long time ago. Griffons are actually now strong allies to our nation. Equestria is doing really well too. Surely we don’t need to keep this up anymore.”

The director just gave a little chuckle and shook her head at Rainbow’s naivety. “You are right about that, Rainbow Dash. However, once you give a pony, griffon or even a zebra something they don’t want to lose it you can't easily take it back. We have grown accustomed to having rainbows readily available for use. Ponies aren't really willing to give up their rainbows, and if they learned the truth about rainbows…. well I guess you can imagine how bad that would be.” Rainbow just frowned to this as she thought of the worst case scenarios and realized they were the most possible of outcomes.

----End of Flashback----

“Wonderful memories…” Rainbow said dryly to herself as she sat down and started looking over the transport routes for the upcoming deliveries. They would be getting the failures from Manehatten first followed by Fillydelphia. Manehatten tried to have their tests during the perfect times of the year, since colder weather came quickly to that area.

Rainbow gave a scoff at that thought. Manehatten used to have their flight test during the harshest times of the year during the war and for a good bit afterwards. They prided themselves on producing only the best of the best flyers. If you could pass a test through blizzards, and a midterm during the hotter months you were pretty much destined to be a successful flyer.

It didn't even matter if you were less than mediocre compared to your Manehatten peers in actuality. You were still an amazing flyer in the grand scheme of things. Fillydelphia usually followed Manehatten’s example on some matters to show they were just as wonderful of a city if not better, so they tested with the same setup.

That all ended when a pegasus with some heart ended up in a position of power though. Mr. Trueflight ended up high in politics because he had friends in both high and low places. He knew the exact right ponies to make a difference. The surprising thing is he actually used his connections to help out ponies as a whole rather than just himself. Once he was high up, he made Manehatten and Fillydelphia shift when they held their flight tests. It was his way of minimizing the damage.

Rainbow shook her head to clear her many racing thoughts. Her main concern was this would be Alice’s first harvest as a part of the factory. Rainbow shouldn't play favorites or anything and she knew Alice would make it through the ordeal as alright as possible, or so she hoped. The truth was after seeing Alice’s first Seeker mission and being away from the mare, Rainbow actually felt a little concerned about Alice… No, not just concerned. Rainbow was actually a little scared of Alice. Alice was exceptionally good at her new job honestly and it scared Rainbow Dash.

Don’t get her wrong she was proud Alice did so well. She even celebrated with Alice after her mission in Las Pegasus. Rainbow thought Alice was just a tourist on many occasions during the trip. Rainbow herself thought Alice a friend of hers she recently met while on vacation, and Rainbow saw what she did during the mission in person. That fact alone made Alice even more dangerous in Rainbow’s eyes.

Rainbow saw what Alice did. How efficient she was as a Seeker. It was her first mission, and a double header. Yet, Alice seemed like an excited tourist that had never before seen such wonders as Las Pegasus. Even when the news broke and Twinkle Star’s body was discovered quickly, Alice still fit in all too well. Rainbow even asked her about this when they were alone, and how she felt about everything.

---- Flashback----

The dark haired pegasus just gave Rainbow Dash a simple smile as she answered her, “Honestly, I am a little disappointed in the authorities. I had expected them to find her body sooner than this. Such a locally well-known pegasus mare is silent for a long time, and no one heard from her for a few days after such a scene? Not to mention I know ponies have been checking up on her as well. Yet no one thought her silence odd or problematic.”

Rainbow was a bit confused by this answer. She would have questioned it, but Alice didn't let her. “I do hope they find Sunset Daisy soon as well. It would be a shame if her body decayed unnoticed in such a ruin of a building. She wasn't a complete disappointment after all.”

“Aren't you worried they might find something there, Alice? Something that might link you to her death?” Rainbow asked still confused.

Alice gave Rainbow a sweet and confident smile as she said, “Rainbow we already covered this that night… I am only going to be concerned if Inspector Hoofprints is put on the case.”

Rainbow gave Alice a look as she asked, “Why him, Alice? Why does it only bother you if he is on the case?”

Alice gave a slight frown. “Because then he might find out something and I would have to clean up an extra loose end. I could do it, but I kind of like him. I actually slept with him back before you recruited me. It was my first time consensually and he was a wonderful gentle stallion.”

Rainbow’s eyes narrowed slightly and Alice reassured her. “We both knew it was a one-time only thing, and were happy with that. However, having to kill him would be a waste of a talented pegasus detective. Not that it would be hard to set up something that doesn't lead to me or the factory if needed. I wouldn't hesitate either, but I wouldn't be happy with such an outcome.”

Alice’s words actually reassured Rainbow. The two of them didn't really have anything going on and might not, but Rainbow was relieved. The main reason being that Alice wouldn't let the factory down because she was attached to a pony she needed to eliminate. The other reason, Alice didn't really say anything that might mean she wasn't open to mares being with each other.

Rainbow slipped into Observer mode and thought of the different options to this changed situation. She knew what she would do in this situation, but Alice was new to this kind of thing even if she was very good at it. “So what is your plan now. Alice?”

Alice gave a thoughtful look for a couple of seconds before smiling and saying. “We continue touring this wonderful and amazing place. After all… A suicide may be horrible and depressing, but not uncommon, especially in a place like this. Besides not all tourists pay attention to the local news when they are on holiday, and even if I did by chance it wouldn't cause more than a sad couple of days. That would only happen if I was extra sensitive. Plus all of the money put into this trip and having the hotel for a couple of weeks would keep a sensible pony here.”

Rainbow’s face was emotionless as she asked, “What if it is ruled as a homicide and the two are connected while you are still here like you think it will be?”

“That depends on the situation at the time that information is given to the public,” Alice answered easily.

“How so?” Rainbow Dash pressed.

“Well if I am low on money I would get out rather quickly. After all with a killer on the loose going after pegasus mares, I would feel threatened. However… if I happen to win big in a casino while I’m here. I might prefer the security of such a decent hotel over possibly traveling with a killer on a train. I would think being in a place with several ponies might deter a killer from picking me as their target. Whether this is logical or not wouldn't matter. Any panicked tourist would think that way.” Alice exhaled and stretched her wings.

“That’s very smart, Alice. You have not one, but two possible ways for handling such a situation. What would you do if Hoofprints is brought into the case?” Rainbow looked at Alice’s backside with a little extra interest. She still wanted to hear her answer, but Alice did have a wonderful flank.

“I would keep an eye on the case and only take action if it is very likely they are going to find me. If I act too soon it would be bad. If I act too late… It would be just as bad or worse,” Alice said not noticing Dash’s eyes.

Rainbow’s eyes widened a little in surprise. Alice’s answer was very close to what she would do in this situation after all her years of experience as a Seeker with the factory. Rainbow gave a smile as she stretched before then getting ready for bed that night as well. She really did pick a great mare for this kind of a job she thought to herself.

----Flashback Ends----

While their mission concluded, Rainbow just enjoyed her trip with Alice. It was very enjoyable for them both. She felt they got a little closer as friends too. Rainbow gave a smile as she thought over their nights out and Alice’s lucky streak at the casinos and the fun, the spoils brought both of them. The green eyed mare was very good at cards, and knew when to get out without getting in trouble with security for “cheating”.

Yes, Rainbow enjoyed the trip a lot. Alice did really well and they had lots of fun. These two facts made it both pleasant and scary. Alice wasn't bothered by what she did. She wasn't extra excited nor was she upset by it all. This made Alice very dangerous, and made Rainbow apprehensive about the upcoming harvest.

Sure Alice was an excellent Seeker. But Seekers go after traitors that have their hooves covered in just as much blood as any factory worker. The sacrifices didn't though. They really were innocent. Alice may not have qualms with killing an innocent pegasus, who chose to cower in fear rather than fly off and try to escape her would be rapists and killers like Peach Shine, but that was just one pony… not hundreds.

Rainbow poured herself a drink and took a sip as she looked out onto the floor being prepped for their first arrivals. However, the thoughts on her mind were about how Alice would react to killing many fillies and colts who were only guilty of failing their flight test. Some really stood no chance in passing to begin with, but plenty would arrive only because of bad luck or because they didn't want to abandon their friends who failed.

Standing by your friends no matter what, was one of the most admirable of traits a pony could have, but it wouldn't matter here much. Every sacrifice who was shipped here would end up the same regardless of all else. How would the new Number Five, who proved she could hold a very talented and smart Seeker’s life in her hooves easily, react to the truth?

Rainbow liked Alice a lot and wanted to get closer to her. She felt Alice could be the one for her. The one who she could spend her life with. Someone she could tell everything too. Someone who knew exactly what she went through at the factory every day, but Rainbow couldn't ignore how dangerous Alice could be to the factory. Perhaps Night Chill was right to be interested and concerned about her at the same time. Alice could hold the very future of the factory in her own hooves.

Alice could be perfectly fine with what they do here, and it might not negatively affect her. Alice might stay true to the factory and her fellow co-workers if this was the case, or she could end up climbing the ranks and ending all those who escaped and take over control of the factory. Rainbow wasn't afraid of Alice taking over per se, but she did shudder at the thought of how Alice giving into the darkness might change things here.

Rainbow took a long sip of her drink. This first thought was bad and a little frightening to her, but the flip-side of how Alice reacted to Harvest Time was even scarier. If she eventually did decide she didn't like what they were doing and rebelled. It would be far worse for all involved.

At best Alice’s anger at what they did would be a soul shattering event for Rainbow Dash followed by never ending paper work, and an inquiry about the loyalties of those at the top of the factory’s ranks. Plus Rainbow would hate to have to end Alice’s life. The new pegasus seemed like Dash’s last chance at saving herself. Killing Alice would also kill this last chance and she would sink into the deep darkness like so many others here did.

Rainbow knew her eternity would be a never-ending horror and pain for what all she had done. If she could find that special somepony, or a way into retirement where all she did was the Ponyville weather while visiting her friends, she would be more than happy and make the best of her remaining time in life.

If she had to end Alice, it wouldn't matter though… Rainbow knew there wouldn't be anything left saving if she had to kill the beautiful dark haired pegasus with the smooth light tanned coat. Alice was strong. Alice was the only one that could possibly survive the horrors of this place no worse off than she already was Rainbow felt. However having to kill her would show Rainbow just how hopeless it all truly was. Never mind if she was capable of doing said deed.

Rainbow wanted to say it would only be her desperate hunger for love and understanding that might allow Alice to win against her, but Rainbow knew better. She knew despite what Alice said and did during the first mission the mare was still capable of much more. She had yet to show what all she was truly capable of doing. Rainbow wasn't sure if Alice herself knew what she could really do. This made the newest Star’s reaction much more worrisome.

Rainbow knew Alice wouldn't go quietly if she disagreed with what they do here. Alice wouldn't just run away and hide while she waited for the end to her life. No, the dark maned pegasus would do all she could to bring the factory down. The scary thing was Rainbow could tell she might be able to do it, and leave none alive. Alice would even kill messengers like Fresh Breeze for their inaction and turning a blind eye to what went on here without a hint of mercy or sorrow.

Alice’s skills were almost equal to her own or better in the parts that mattered. Sure Alice couldn't do a Sonic Rainboom, or beat her in an all-out straight line race, but if the two fought each other. Rainbow’s speed wouldn't make much of a difference to Alice in the confines of the factory. Alice was more agile and had her bursting ability. The director would bet she already knew how to make best use of that skill, and maybe even improved it since their race.

Rainbow took another sip of her drink. The strength of the alcohol mixed into it was strong and at the same time soothing without being overpowering. The director continued to stare out on to the floor, lost in her thoughts.

Rainbow knew in the worst case scenario Alice would destroy the factory and leave no pony alive. The cyan pegasus knew few here deserved to live a peaceful life and some would be happy to let it all end, but Rainbow couldn't let things end like that not on her watch.

She figured after the factory Alice might even go after Celestia just for letting such a place exist. It would be Alice’s end most likely. Or worse yet it could be the doom to all of Equestria because Celestia decides it is finally time for her to pay for sins she didn't commit herself.

Celestia might decide all the good she did for Equestria and the millions of pony lives she saved wouldn't matter simply because of the factory’s existence. The Sun Princess already felt enough guilt for her actions against her sister all those years ago. Only the princess herself knew the true extent of the guilt she felt for the Rainbow Factory.

Rainbow gave a dry chuckle as she thought, “Honestly… If it wasn't for that last part, Alice destroying this place and killing everypony here might be the best way for things to turn out in the end…” Rainbow gave a sigh and downed the rest of her drink before putting on her dark flight suit. “Time to make rainbows,” the cyan pegasus said softly to herself before putting on her flight goggles and hood.

She made her way slowly to her door as she thought about how risky and unknown Alice really was. She knew if she wasn't ready things could get really bad with Alice, but she was aware of this possibility. Rainbow knew something might happen with the newest seeker and she was ready to end it all hopefully before it started if need be. She was taking a risk but she needed Alice, even if they were no more than friends. Rainbow flew to her position knowing the time was near, and soon heard a large door open and many confused murmurs from the containment cell.

{-} {-} {-}

Alice got up for the day inside her new bedroom. It was her first harvest at the factory. Alice wouldn't admit it out loud, but she was a little apprehensive about how she would handle it all. She didn't know what it would be like during harvest time here. The crazed floor workers were getting really excited, while ponies like Fresh Breeze were being very quiet and some of the others were going on like it was just another normal day.

Currently Alice was eating breakfast by herself in the factory’s cafeteria. She actually thought the food here was pretty tasty. Well not the free meal they offered for ponies that needed to save a little cash and couldn't really get out and about. However the main menu a pony had to pay for was a different story. There was a delicious and varied selection daily and it was decently priced to boot.

Alice had chosen cereal and toast with juice this morning. She was advised it might be best if she had a lite and easy breakfast before her first Harvest. She stared at the spoon she held as she sat at the table taking a small break from eating. Alice still didn't know how it was she could hold a spoon with a hoof, but it always happened. She knew other ponies were the same way too, but this further confused the issue. Alice shook her head and let her eyes roam the cafeteria.

Alice looked over the other Stars and the Top 15 carefully. She wasn't sure what to make of them really. Most of the Top 15 looked like they would be all too happy if something unfortunate were to happen to her.

Her fellow Stars on the other hand were different. She looked at them as she took a bite of her cereal holding the spoon in her mouth as she thought back to her return from Las Pegasus. The “Welcome New Stars Party” they held once she was back from her double header mission was unexpected, but not entirely unpleasant.

The other Stars were friendly enough, but guarded around her. She felt a little like an outcast. She supposed she could understand their actions. It was one of their own that recently caused an “incident” and she was completely new as a factory employee, yet she reached the position of Star Number Five with relative ease.

Number One, Dark Glow, was quiet and didn't really say anything to her. Number Two, Night Chill, talked to her a little but seemed to always be watching her and ready to defend himself. Alice figured this made sense since she held a razor sharp knife to his throat during their match in the Seeker Test.

Number Three seemed to be a little interested in her since she was another burster, but at the same they seemed to feel threatened by her. Alice knew Number Three never had met another burster and probably wanted to seem like the “Alpha Burster” or something like that.

Number four at least was a rather pleasant stallion and easy to talk to. The party did little to ease the tension between Alice and the other Stars in the end unfortunately, but at least the food was good.

Alice now had better living quarters than the standard fare Seeker barracks. She now had three rooms to herself. She had her own bedroom, her own bathroom and her own study. She could use these rooms for as long as she was a Star even if she had her own home later. Here she could spend a lot more time preparing for her missions using the information provided to her before-hand as she made up a plan of attack.

The rest of the Stars’ barracks, which was more like a shared house than a barracks, was nice. There was a large common area they all shared, a decent kitchen for cooking and a nice shared dining room. The purpose for such facilities was to encourage a certain level of amity among the group. Alice wasn't sure if that would make much of a difference in her case though. She gave a sigh to the other Stars and finished her breakfast before going to get ready for her first Harvest Day.

{-} {-} {-}

Alice was now wearing her “Executioner Dress” as she stood on the factory floor waiting. The other floor workers were wearing white coats of some kind. Alice asked to wear her dress since it covered her just as well as the coats would, and she knew it wouldn't restrict her movements. She looked around and soon noticed Rainbow Dash appear in her flight suit as she heard a large door open and confused murmurs from what sounded like several young ponies.

Alice just looked around curiously as the container made its way to the factory floor. Many of the Factory Floor lifers started to give crazed smiles of anticipation. Some Messengers and Seekers who had floor duty this time gave expressions of sadness, indifference, or disgust. Alice knew the looks of disgust were aimed at the sacrifices and not the actual rainbow production process in many of their eyes. These ponies failed their flight test and were embarrassments to all of the great pegasus race.

As the containers settled down, Alice got a good look at the ponies inside them for her first time. Alice’s eyes raced with emotions of all sorts as she actually looked over the ponies inside the containers. She saw a filly that was about Scootaloo’s age with a coat like Fresh Breeze’s and a mane and tail of a beautiful combination of blue and pink.

The filly’s eyes were wide and had tears in the corners. She looked straight into Alice’s vivid green eyes pleading for mercy. If Alice didn't know better she would swear the filly saw straight into her soul.

Alice just stared at the filly not sure what to make of this whole scene. Seeing actual faces instead of just vague embarrassments caused a greater impact than she thought it would. It was one thing to kill Peach Shine who passed her test, but was too cowardly to evade her would be rapists.

Here she was staring at a bunch of fillies and colts that for all she knew only failed because of bad luck. Alice always had a soft spot for children. When she thought about this day, she didn't take into account how young some of them would actually be.

She had no regret for killing Bumby because of this soft spot for children on top of everything else he did. Sure the kids at Houndsditch liked to make fun of her, but she saw the treatments children went through at Rutledge Asylum. It was one of her ‘caregivers’ ideas of shock treatment. Alice’s green eyes grew wider as she saw other fillies and colts look specifically at her. It unnerved her somewhat, but Alice did her best to remain uncaring despite the sudden flood of deep seated dark memories her brain reached for.

Despite her efforts to harden her heart and be uncaring she knew this moment would change something inside her. It was one thing to hunt down ponies with the blood of innocents on their hooves. It was a different thing to actually hear the cries of pony children who still had so much promise in their lives.

These young ponies failed their test once and would never be allowed to try again. Without warning, Alice thought about the possibilities of how some of these ponies might actually succeed if given a second chance and maybe even become great pegasi. Alice shook her head and did her best to concentrate on the thought of them being useless ponies that only brought shame to their fellow pegasi ponies and nothing else.

Alice turned away and focused on the lever and buttons in front of her. She then heard a slightly squeaky voice which seemed to have an increasingly soothing effect on her despite the apparent hatred it broadcasted. “Listen up you sorry excuses of pegasi ponies! Welcome to the Rainbow Factory!” Rainbow said aloud.

A colt spoke up in a shaky voice, “What are you going to do to us?! The guards said we would never see daylight again! What is going on?!” The colt had a spiky red mane with a light yellow coat and a pair of wings attached to a cloud for a cutie mark.

“You are all useless and pathetic! You failed your flight test, you failed your family, and you failed the pegasi race along with Equestria!” Rainbow said, her goggled eyes seemingly filled with a burning hatred. Alice wasn't sure what the hatred was aimed at though. It could be the colts and fillies in the container or it could be the factory itself.

Alice just listened as several ponies protested in various ways. Some claimed they failed because they dived to help out their fellow injured ponies. Others said they only failed because the judges were a little extra picky on them. Alice closed her eyes as she tried to drown out the young voices and not think about what was to become of them.

Rainbow gave a laugh that sounded malicious to most ponies. Alice however could tell it was forced and knew it was partly for show. She opened her darkened green eyes. Alice was tempted to look at the container, but she needed to focus on the controls she was told to operate for this harvest day.

Alice started reminding herself it was because of the Rainbow Factory she was able to make a living here. She tried to think about the importance of rainbows and happiness of ponies mentioned in her orientation.

Rainbow was pacing and glaring at each filly and colt in the container below. She spoke again, “However, you ponies will be doing Equestria a great service in your final minutes of life despite being the scum of the great pegasus race. You should all be proud. You will not only redeem yourselves, but you will also bring happiness to many ponies through your sacrifice.”

Alice knew several of the fillies’ and colts’ eyes had just widened hearing the word ‘sacrifice’. Rainbow continued, “You all should be happy, because just as the sign here says. ‘You will bring happy smiles to all of the little ponies.’ You are all horrible and unworthy pegasi, but you will help contribute to Equestria in one of the biggest ways through your last moments of life here.”

Alice closed her eyes and focused on her thoughts of Rainbow Dash and the director’s voice as the beautiful rainbow maned pony told the shocked audience about the history of the Rainbow Factory. Despite the lecture Alice did find her voice soothing to her ears. She tried her hardest to focus on continuing to live up to Rainbow Dash’s expectations of her. It helped her focus and start to somewhat drown out the cries of the young ponies in the container behind her further.

After Rainbow finished the history of the Rainbow Factory the machine started running. The screams and cries increased in volume and as the machine’s monstrous pistons started pumping. Alice watched as the claw reached into the container and grabbed a filly and suspended her in the air. The small pegasus screamed with all of her might before the stun gun activated and she suddenly went completely silent as blood trickled from her forehead.

The extraction needle sharply penetrated her in the side and the essence started to flow through the tubing. Alice couldn't help but be drawn to the brightly colored essence as it pumped through the clear tube. She needed to focus on something else other than the Sacrifices and the pretty fluid. Several of the young ponies screamed louder after witnessing this action as if their screams would somehow make a difference now.

The sickening and dark truth was they did…

Some of the life time floor workers gave twisted sadistic smiles and cheers as if the screams were a symphony of the highest caliber to their ears with melodies angels would be impressed hearing.

Alice was torn witnessing this reaction from her ‘co-workers’. Part of her wanted to rip, tear and slice everypony on the floor for taking such satisfaction in the barbaric orchestra of screams and cries before her. Another part of her wanted to politely remind them to pay attention to their duties while enjoying their choice of music. A third part wanted to just do her job and hope Rainbow Dash would be pleased with her. A final part of Alice wanted to yell at the Sacrifices and tell them to shut up and just accept their inevitable fate and be grateful for it.

The arm next grabbed a colt who tried his best to face what was to come. Alice was partly tempted to save him. He may not be a good flyer, but he was braver than most adult ponies she could tell from his eyes. She didn't like weakness, but if the weakest of ponies had such bravery then she felt they deserved to live and be given another chance. She might have even shed a tear for him had she any tears left to shed.

In the end, Alice’s will to stand by the rules of the factory and not disappoint Rainbow Dash won out. She took some very small solace he was sure to be sent to dine for eternity with the greatest of pony ancestors because of his bravery. Alice pulled her lever and it signaled the essence extractor to do its job as the tube and pistons rotated. There was a set sequence the levers were pulled in to make sure of equal color extraction, and her lever was now up.

The brave colt’s eyes closed and she knew his immense bravery mattered little now. Alice’s green eyes turned a little colder after witnessing the scene. It was a shame his bravery mattered very little as the life was drained from him. Alice hoped whatever pony was graced with a rainbow filled with his essence would find bravery and live up to his sacrifice.

Alice heard a filly shout at them and call them monsters without souls for doing what they did. It seemed this filly still had some fire in her, or more likely she was attracted to the colt that was just harvested. Alice shook her head in disappointment thinking that if this filly cared more about her flight skills and her very essence as a pegasus then maybe the two of them would have lived.

Alice then thought of the frivolity of ‘love’ at such a young age and how it only did harm in her eyes. Alice knew her thoughts were racing all over the place, but she was happy for this. It gave her brain something to do while her body just did the simplest of tasks, push buttons and pull levers.

After a few more pegasi, it was finally the earlier shouting filly’s turn. Alice felt a twisted pleasure that she would soon no longer have to suffer her annoying insults and complaints. Alice almost gave a sinister smile as she pulled the lever and the needle stabbed harshly into the filly causing her blood to spray on the remaining sacrifices. A good number of them shrieked at this. Alice was unfazed.

Alice soon remembered her time at Rutledge and realized how lackluster this place was compared to it. Alice’s eyes narrowed as she thought about her time in the asylum, and how the ‘caretakers’ took advantage of her madness.

They would strap her down and enjoy her female body. Her screams of anger were met only by laughs or sneers. She remembered how she would hear the moans and random screams from her fellow ‘guests’ at Rutledge as she experienced this. A dark fire lit in Alice’s eyes as she began to mentally scoff at the ‘Sacrifices’.

These fillies and colts knew nothing of suffering. They were knocked unconscious and given a quick but still slightly bloody death. They were allowed to escape future pain and suffering. They were sent to a place where they would know only peace and joy in the afterlife.

They weren't forced to relive the loss of their family and home to fire every night for ten straight years. Even when Alice went catatonic, her mind still forced her to see those images as they replayed over and over again and again.

Alice remembering her past suffering caused her green eyes to glow darkly in anger. Her face held a sneer and her left eye even twitched once or twice in anger. What they were going through was nothing compared to the hell she went through and survived. They were just weaklings and failures. They deserved no sympathy from her.

Alice no longer cared for their cries and suffering. They were given an easy way out. They would no longer go through pain, suffering, and loss.

They wouldn't have to witness loved ones burning alive in their homes because an idiot stallion thought their sister was playing hard to get, and wanted to be taken despite her obvious disinterest in said stallion’s advances.

They also didn't have to be a frightened and lonely girl of seven years old. Who couldn't help but hear their older sister, the one they were closest to in their life, be raped by said stallion.

Alice ground her teeth as images of Bumby forced their way into her mind again. Once again, she heard his gloating over how he conquered her sister and achieved the same with her. Alice pulled the levers and pushed the buttons subconsciously and on time as her mind thought more about those times.

The Sacrifices had it easy. These fillies and colts weren't being used as sex toys for twisted perverted adults. How easy they had it in relation to the kids she knew in London. Yet they cried and screamed as they went into blissful unconsciousness. Many she knew, including herself, would have preferred this to the life they had to live and suffer through.

Alice heard two sets of wings start to beat really fast and knew two ponies had escaped the container. One was a colt and the other was a filly. These pegasi were probably ones that only failed because of some odd misfortune. Alice knew her fellow workers could easily take care of them, but she was angry. She needed a release. These fillies and colts were refusing the sweet release the factory offered them.

Alice gave a dark grin. Her job was to take care of ponies who tried to escape the factory. Alice quickly took off to the sky and used her burst ability to slice one of the filly’s wings causing her to crash to the floor with a sick sounding crunch.

Alice’s blazing green eyes narrowed on the astonished colt as she sent three cards his way. Two struck true on his wings, and as he plummeted to the ground Alice caught him and set him down gently. He was higher in the air than the filly was. Alice knew if a sacrifice died too quickly it would cause their essence to dim.

Alice’s green eyes still seemed to burn as she looked at the container and shouted, “Stop crying! You think it’s horrible what you are going through right now, but it isn't. You are allowed to depart from this word mostly innocent. You won’t have to slowly suffer as everything you hold dear is taken before your very eyes. You won’t be tricked into doing acts of depraved humiliation just to live!”

The colts and fillies were surprisingly quiet as was most of the staff in the factory as Alice continued, “You have no reason to cry like this. You won’t be tricked into doing things by the very stallion that took your family’s lives or anything of the like. You will never see or experience more of the darkness that surrounds this world. You will soon find yourselves in a wonderful and happy afterlife.”

Night Chill was passing by in an elevated hall as Alice started speaking. His eyes were narrowed in thought and his face unreadable as he wondered what Alice might have gone through to give her such an outlook on life.

Rainbow Dash was listening carefully as well, but also disappointed the look outs hadn't acted as quick as Alice did to subdue the escaping pegasi. Alice wasn't on lookout duty today. She shouldn't have to do it.

“Just accept that fate has dealt you the worst of hands and you are paying for all the wrong you have done now.” Alice finished before taking her place at the lever once again.

The remaining ponies in the container were stunned and felt even more hopeless after seeing what they had just seen. But they were quiet now. They had grimly realized no matter what happened, they were doomed and wouldn't escape.

Once the first container finished, Alice received different responses to her actions. The more sane ponies were slightly relieved they didn't have to hear the pleadings and cries all day long like usual, but many of the life time floor workers were angry with her. They wanted to hear more cries and pleadings from the sacrifices, but they wouldn't dare cross Alice. There was something about her and they didn't wish to press her at this time.

The factory received two more shipments that day and dealt with them. Alice decided to just ignore the cries from the ponies the rest of the day as her darkened green eyes seemed to be lost in thought.

Truth be told after her outburst earlier, Alice felt just the tiniest bit better. She then found a way to drown out the cries of the sacrifices and only heard when a few ponies tried and failed to escape. She helped with some of the ‘hopefuls’ but her fellow employees were more than able to subdue failed colts and fillies.

After the last shipment was dealt with, Alice took her dinner and slowly ate it. She thought over the day. Despite the events that happened and her hardened heart she still did feel a slight bit uneasy about what she had done that day. She wasn't sure why she felt this way, but at the moment she played it off as just getting used to a different aspect of the job.

Once she was finished with her dinner, Alice was summoned to Rainbow’s office. Alice looked down to the factory floor at the blood splatters and the machines pumping away with different colored essences being compressed to the vats for rainbows.

Alice’s currently uncaring green eyes looked to the bodies that had piled up in the disposal trench. Tomorrow they would be given a burning ceremony as they were ‘buried’ early in the morning as the sun rose.

Alice thought it odd how the dead pegasi ponies seemed to be duller in color than they were originally. She could only guess it had something to do with their essence having been extracted.

As Alice made her way to Rainbow’s office, her eyes took in the sight below her more. Unknown to her the sight did have some impact on her conscious. Would this have a big effect on her or not, she didn't know yet.

{-} {-} {-}

Alice knocked on Director Dash’s door before she heard a reply to enter. Alice shook off her rather gloomy disposition before entering the office. The rainbow maned pegasus gave her a slight smile as she said, “Alice.” Alice nodded in reply and made her way to the chair Rainbow motioned for her to sit in.

Once Alice sat down, Rainbow asked, “How are you feeling, Alice? The first harvest day is usually tough to wrap your head around. Also there was your little outburst too.” Alice looked down to the ground avoiding her boss’ eye.

Rainbow simply looked at her before speaking again, “I do have to say I was kind of glad you got that first group to shut up like that. It is hard enough doing what we do without their noise.” It wasn't the best way to try and uplift Alice but Rainbow had to try something.

Alice gave a sigh and looked to Rainbow, “I am sorry about the outburst… I have been through worse before and felt they shouldn't throw such fits… I don’t really wish to talk about it right now though, Rainbow.” Alice gave Rainbow a soft and pleading look. Alice wasn't up to talking about her past with Rainbow Dash, and she hoped Rainbow wouldn't press her on the matter.

Rainbow gave Alice a look over for a minute before responding. “It is alright, Alice. Just try to make sure it doesn't happen too often. While it may be a bit of a relief to have silence, your philosophical talks might give some of our workers ideas and cause problems in the future.”

The two sat there in silence for a few moments before Rainbow asked softly, her voice filled with concern, “So how are you feeling after your first harvest day, Alice?”

Alice studied Rainbow for a little bit before answering. “I am slightly conflicted but it shouldn't cause any issues. I will still be able to perform my duties to the factory without issue.” Alice was hoping she wouldn't get in trouble for her outburst.

Rainbow gave her a surprisingly warm look as she softly smiled and said, “It’s okay, Alice. It was your first harvest day. If you have any concerns or problems tell me. I will help you get over them the best I can. Rarely do any new workers get through their first harvest without some problems. We help them in any way to make it through. After all, we wouldn't recruit new employees and then just quickly toss them to the side.”

Alice gave Rainbow a disbelieving look as the cyan pegasus continued, “We recruit the best of the best for this facility. We are invested in our employees to some extent. We understand that it can be a bit much for a new employee. Most ponies have no idea what it means to be a part of the factory, or a full grasp on what we actually do here until their first time working the floor.”

Alice wanted to trust Rainbow Dash with what was bothering her after hearing this, but due to her past she was reluctant to do so. Alice just gave Rainbow an emotionless face as she said again, “It isn't anything to worry about, Rainbow. I appreciate the concern though.”

Rainbow wasn't sure of Alice’s claim, but she decided the full gravity might not have settled in yet. She planned on keeping a close eye on her for a few reasons though. “Alright. Just remember I am here if you ever want to talk about it. I know what it's like. I too had trouble with my first harvest.” Rainbow then gave a warm and friendly smile to Alice.

“Thank you, Rainbow. I will keep that in mind. May I go now?” Alice asked simply. Rainbow nodded to her and the dark maned pegasus left the office and headed to her living quarters.

Once Alice found herself in her bedroom, she thought again on her day and wondered what it was that was bothering her. She had seen children suffer far worse than death before, yet for some reason it was bothering her more than she thought it would.

She heard a familiar sigh from the corner of her bedroom and turned to look. “So what is it that’s bothering you, Alice?” Said a welcomed deep voice from an equally welcomed cat. The cat had his ever knowing and all too wide grin in place.

Alice, surprisingly, gave Cheshire a smile and sat next to him. “Oh Cheshire! I am for once actually somewhat pleased to see your grin.”

The cat gave a deep chuckle. “Try to deny it all you want little Alice, but you and I both know you severely miss my presence when I take off suddenly.” Alice gave him a halfhearted frown, which caused the cat to only chuckle more. “So what is it you wish to ask of me, Alice? You do know that I am always with you in a sense right? Even if you may not know it.”

Alice gave a scoff, “If you were always with me, like you say. I have a feeling it wouldn't be long before I tired of your company, Cat. However this isn't the case. You always come and go as you please, and though I do sometimes wish for your companionship. I more often than not wish for you to disappear altogether.”

Cheshire just grinned before he replied. “Alice… Alice… Alice. Getting me completely out of your life is the same as getting yourself out of your own life. I am surprised you still haven’t fully understood this. Anyways we digress. What is bothering you?”

“I am not sure, Cheshire. I went through my first harvest today and it seemed to bother me a lot,” Alice said with confusion and a little horror in her eyes.

“You are surprised by this, Alice? You do realize what you are doing here, do you not?” Cheshire said with a hint of distaste on his tongue.

“I know what my job entails. I have seen children go through much worse before and it stopped bothering me eventually. Why would this get to me?” Alice looked over the Cheshire cat before her as she spoke and noticed his tail twitching slightly.

“I agree the things you witnessed happening to children in good old Rutledge are far worse than a painless death, but you are overlooking one key fact here, Alice.” Cheshire looked to her with his eyes narrowed.

“What would that be, Cheshire?” Alice asked.

“At the asylum you weren't responsible for their suffering. Even when you were at ‘Houndsditch Home for Wayward Youth’ under Bumby, you weren't the one actually causing the children harm. You were witness to their suffering and knew what was happening at some level, but your only crime there was your silence. Here you are the one that actually pulls the lever, which kills the fillies and colts,” Cheshire said to Alice with an unnervingly solemn face.

Alice grimaced and refused to believe this, and defended herself. “They don’t feel anything here. I am saving them from suffering far worse as they grow up. It isn't the same, Cheshire.” Alice deep down knew this wasn't true, but she would squash that voice and continue on her way.

Cheshire’s tail started twitching more fiercely as he gave Alice a glare. “Clearly you aren't willing to listen to that voice inside you that knows the horrible truth.”

Cheshire stood up and gave her one last look before saying, “Lie to yourself all you want, Alice. Eventually the truth will hit you harshly and it will make the idea of being skinned alive by tiny razors seem like heaven in contrast. When that time comes, you will have to choose whether you do something about this situation, or if you allow this darkness to swallow you as it has so many others.”

Cheshire faded from existence leaving only his mouth as he gave a few last choice words. “Think carefully on that day, Alice…. Your decision will have a far reaching effect beyond your comprehension.” The cat’s mouth then disappeared leaving Alice alone in her bedroom.

Alice’s green eyes stared at the corner where her constant companion recently departed from. Alice tried to blow off the cat’s words with a scoff. She then tried to dismiss his warning by saying, “Stupid cat…. I should have known he wouldn't be helpful.”

Alice got ready for bed knowing tomorrow was going to be an even busier day, since they were having multiple shipments coming in at the same time. She was going to be spending a little time on the floor working the levers and buttons again for the experience, but most of the day she would be on lookout duty.

When they had multiple containers arriving at once they used the extra arms and extractors, but they also had Seekers and messengers on lookout duty. Many of the sacrifices thought their odds of escaping were better with more around and got ideas. Her job would be to prove them wrong.

{-} {-} {-}

Alice was in her official flight suit today. She preferred her “Executioner Dress” but when Seekers and messengers were on lookout duty they had to wear the uniform. Alice had little problem doing her job at the start of the day when she was working the floor. She could tune out the cries and moans easier when she could focus on the levers and buttons.

However being a lookout was harder on her than she thought it would be. Alice had no choice but to hear the sacrifices and watch as the machine did the work. She gazed over the floor with cold green eyes that managed to frighten some of the other lookouts who dared look at them directly. She even made Night Chill uneasy with the atmosphere around her.

Alice did all she could to stomp out that annoying voice Cheshire talked about that was telling her this was wrong. It still pestered her even though she wasn't actually pulling the levers and pushing the buttons now. Alice’s cold green eyes panned around the floor. She was mentally daring and pleading some pegasi would try something. She needed to do something instead of just stand here and watch.

Alice finally got her wish as a total of ten ponies started to take flight at the same time. Before any of the other lookouts could do anything she zoomed in and slashed a couple of ponies sending them back to the ground hard, but keeping them alive.

Alice’s green, blue, and purple butterfly trail followed behind her as she subdued two more would be escapees. The first one was a filly with a light purple coat. Alice broke one of her wings and heard the filly scream in pain and agony as she fell to the floor.

Alice then looked at the colt with a brown coat as she threw her Vorpal blade and struck his side. The colt yelled aloud and fell quickly to the ground with a trail of blood behind him.

Alice’s green eyes darkened as she looked at the filly below her. Alice almost wondered what the filly’s life was like before she failed her flight test. She even wondered if the filly was forced to take it before she was ready by her parents. She seemed so young. The terrified filly looked into her eyes wondering what was about to happen to her.

Alice shook her head as she went and lifted up the pony before depositing her back in the cage by dropping her. “She is a sorry excuse of a pegasus and deserves nothing. She failed her flight test and her fellow ponies as well as Equestria.” Alice thought to herself to try and get back into it all. Her little self-reminder worked in a way.

Alice’s cold dead green eyes looked over to the colt she nailed with her knife. One of the top fifteen, a gruff looking stallion, picked up the colt and tossed him back into the container. The stallion then went back to join the other lookouts and Alice made her way over to him. “Thanks for that,” Alice said to him.

“Just doing my job,” He replied simply in a deep voice. The two then watched as Night Chill took care of two other attempted escapees and the others from the recent spree were rounded up as well. Alice’s eyes looked over the area and she saw a pony that was about to try and escape. Alice narrowed her eyes at him and got herself ready.

{-} {-} {-}

Rolling Thunder looked around the horrible nightmare factory. He couldn't believe rainbows were made here. It seemed so sickeningly wrong to him. How something so beautiful that usually stood for hope could be made from such a nightmarish process, was beyond him. He had already puked three times in this place.

Rolling Thunder was a dark blue pegasus with an alethic build. He had a dark green mane and a thunder cloud Cutie Mark. He was very good at sky hoof ball and would have likely gone pro in the future he would never have. Despite being a jock he was still actually a likeable stallion to most. His father and mother had always taught him that respecting other ponies was important regardless of their social status.

He was always a gentle stallion to the mares as well. It was because of this he was here now. He saw an idiot shoot a spit wad at a mare that clipped her wing and sent her crashing into a thunder cloud pillar where she was shocked during the test. She then started to plummet to the ground and he took to the air quickly after her.

He was fast and managed to catch her before she hit the ground. They both were well out of bonds and he got a bad cramp from his sudden pursuit, so he couldn't get too far before he had to rest on a bottom safety cloud. One of the proctors told him if he couldn't get back up he would fail. He couldn't make it. He had done what he could to save her life at the time. However, shortly after coming here he saw her killed by that machine before his very eyes.

Rolling Thunder decided it was time he left this place. He had worked out the cramp by now. He vowed to escape here and tell those he could about this place and bring an end to it. He no longer cared about going pro in sports or anything like that. Ending this place for good was more important to him.

He was one of the fastest flyers in his class. He knew if anypony stood a chance it was him. He got ready and soon took off into the air faster than ever before. Several of the other ponies cheered for him.

He was just past the container now. He kept thinking to himself, “Just a little further!” He was always defying the odds for his school’s team. He saw this as no different. He was fighting to save Team Equestria now!

He was making his way and saw a pipe he knew he could fit in and then he would show these monsters what it was like to fight a real pegasus that could fly better than even them! He smiled as he put on more speed.

His eyes widened as he saw cold dead green eyes above him, and right away he heard a blade sing through the air. He gasped as he felt a wing of his fall off and felt warm liquid spurt from the joint. Rolling Thunder started to fall back to ground. He heard several cries from the other ponies in hopeless disappointment.

As he fell, his eyes just stared at the dead green eyes in front of him. He had two questions in his mind. The first was how she had beaten him like that. The second was why did she have to have such beautiful green eyes and do something so horrible like working in this place. He took some solace in the fact he knew it would be over soon. He was falling too far and too fast to survive the impact.

Rolling felt a pair of hooves catch him and slow his descent. Rolling Thunder cried hot painful tears of frustration and sorrow to this. Why couldn't they just let him die already? He had saved a mare only to watch her be ‘harvested’ and now he wasn't even allowed to feel Death’s cold yet inviting embrace.

When the claw later grabbed Rolling, he couldn't help but say aloud, “Thank you! Thank you! Finally, it is over for me.” He smiled as the stun gun readied to fire and soon he felt no more as he slipped into the inviting unconsciousness followed by death.

Alice looked down over the factory floor from her perch once again. She felt deadened to the harvesting now. She was happy that she would have two days off after today. She wanted to visit Cloudsdale or anywhere but here.

It was rather bleak and harsh working on harvest days. She didn't know how Rainbow did it. She knew Rainbow Dash had to be there for all of the harvest days to oversee operations. She had to give that speech over and over again as well.

Alice shook her head again and once more reminded herself that these were ponies that failed their own people. It sort of worked for her; yet as she did this she couldn't help but think back to that last colt.

He had a gift. He could fly well. There was something about him that few other ponies had she just knew it. She wondered how he ended up here as a sacrifice. She quickly shoved those thoughts a way into the back of her mind. If she dwelled on them, it would only make things worse for her already blackened soul.

{-} {-} {-}

The Sun outside Cloudsdale was setting. The beautiful colors of twilight provided the city in the clouds a very warm and romantic glow. Several families were out and about going to different restaurants and shops.

Some pegasi were flying around the track laughing with each other. A group of fillies and colts were practicing and getting ready for their big flight test that was soon to come.

Down below the city in the deepest parts of the most secretive of facilities, the last container was now empty and the floor cleaned. Some pegasi were preforming quick maintenance on the factory equipment and the lookouts were relaxing before leaving for the day.

The factory was completely silent now. A massive contrast to what it had been only an hour ago. One could only hear the mutterings of the floor workers as they recounted the day to themselves and the other full time floor workers. They were getting ready for tomorrow’s shipments.

Alice spent most of her time that evening in silence as she recovered from her day. Alice decided it was much harder to be a lookout. She did eventually get somewhat used to it, but it still wasn't easy. She also secretly feared the toll this day would have on her very soul. She now had a darker appreciation for what Rainbow Dash told her once ‘The Rainbow Factory. Where not a single soul gets through’.

Alice enjoyed her meal quietly that night with a few other equally quiet Seekers. She couldn't help but smile a little to herself despite everything though. She was off for two days now. It would be a very welcomed break, even if she had only worked a little bit of the harvest.

Alice knew she needed this time to absorb what all she had done and get over it. She went to sleep a little uneasily that night, but she did eventually sleep. She was used to horrible and sleepless nights, so it didn't bother her too much. Besides at least here, the nights were peaceful and quiet.