Another chapter bites the dust! Now we're moving into the part of the story I'm really excited to write about! However, this chapter needed to be written; with so many fan-favorite characters, some closure needed to be made. Anyways, hope ya like it. Enjoy!

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Chapter 19

Once Again, Face to Face

The five Killjoys stood quietly in the main hall of the dilapidated castle, waiting for judgement. Silently, they waited, each one imagining the worst possible things that their master could do to them, then multiplying it by a thousand. From some distant area of the castle, the clopping and stomping of their master’s approach sent a chill of dread down each of their spines. From the top of the stairs, Bedlam’s twisted shadow rose against the wall, followed closely by the dark being who cast it. The mismatched mash of different creatures anatomies that made up their master lumbered down the stairs, arms folded as he examined his defeated soldiers, each one trembling under his gaze while still trying to maintain a air of fearlessness. The draconequus reached the bottom of the stairs and sat on his haunches, tapping a forepaw before them, massive arms still crossed. Running a scrutinizing eye over his warriors, the villain took in their various injuries; burns, bruises, scratches, cuts, strains, sprains and more than a few fractured bones between them all.

“Oh, my little ponies...” he said, giving them a wickedly devious grin. “... I just don’t know what went wrong. Tell me; exactly how do five of the most powerful, highly trained beings in all the world manage to be defeated by a random group of creatures, some fresh out of the wilderness, with no formal training what-so-ever?” Klokwerk stepped forward, slowly taking in a deep breath, eyes forward as he answered their master.

“Master Bedlam, we... we underestimated the level of resistance. Luna WAS in the marketplace, just as you said. However, she escaped before we could apprehend her. The human-pony somehow managed to rally a diamond dog from one of the mines we raided, as well a griffon that Crash and Burn attacked but failed to eliminate earlier this week.” The twin renegades winced at the mention of their failure, Burn swallowing hard as she struggled to keep her eyes forward. “The daughter of the Chief of the Buffalo tribes of the western frontier, Little Strongheart, was there as well. She was also accompanied by what appeared to be two members of the Apple family,  relatives of the Element of Honesty.” Daring to steal a glimpse at his master, Klokwerk’s eyes shifted upwards, finding Bedlam’s piercing gaze staring back. “Also... two of the Wonderbolts joined with Midnight, sending members of their team to retrieve more guards and Celestia herself to the battlefield. If not for your portal, master... we’d most likely be in the palace dungeon right now.”

“So, let get this straight: After years of training and running successful assaults on factories, mining camps, towns and legions of warriors from all the different countries around the known world, my most powerful warriors, my GO-TO guys... are literally stopped at the gates of their most important campaign ever by a universally-displaced amnesiac and a hodgepodge of the most comically different creatures I’ve ever seen in all my millennia of existence.” The five creatures fought the urge to tremble as their boss stood before them. Bedlam rested his fist on his chin, nodding as he scanned over his warriors. Klokwerk stepped backward, taking his place in line again with his fellow Killjoys, each waiting for the judgement of their master. The chaos god strolled forward, placing his large paws on the shoulders of Klokwerk, taking in a deep breath as he leaned forward and looked deep into his commander’s eyes. Shrugging his shoulders, the cosmically powerful beast gave his top soldier a pat on the head.

“Eh. No big deal.” The monster turned and walked toward a set of double doors on the left side of the large foyer, pushing them open and walking through. The Killjoys all breathed a sigh of relief, Burn and Tumbler almost collapsing as relief washed over them all. Looking each other over and silently thanking whatever spirits of evil saw fit to spare them their obliteration, they all trotted quickly after their leader, already making his way back to his ruined throne room.

“But, master...” Crash started. Bedlam silenced him with a raised paw, giving him a sideways glance.

“Now now, Crash. I can’t say it was very much a surprise. After all, you’ve never had to tangle tails with a human before. I think, as this campaign continues, you’d be surprised by what they’re capable of.” The draconequus turned down a hallway, entering his throne room and taking a seat on the center platform. The five warriors stood before him, waiting as he stretched and grew more comfortable.

“Master Bedlam, you’re... not angry, then? After such a heavy defeat?” Grimdark asked, sheepishly out of character. Bedlam leaned forward, wrapping his clawed fingers on the armrest of his throne.

“Fellows, I have a confession.” he said with a grin. “I never fully expected you to conquer Canterlot all by yourself. This was only a test.” The Killjoys all stared wide-eyed at this revelation, confused at why their master would even consider sending them on a campaign he didn’t expect them to win. “I bet you’re all wondering why I’d even send you on a campaign I knew you couldn’t win, right?” Bedlam asked, seemingly reading all their minds at once. The five nodded as their master got more comfortable. “I knew Luna would be made to leave any scene of violence, and even though I may have misjudge our friend Midnight’s abilities, I am quite surprised by his leadership skills. Not everypony can convince others to fight for him after just meeting them.” Tumbler inched forward a little, clearing her throat slightly.

“So, Master... just to clarify, you’re NOT angry with us?” Bedlam gave her a wide-eyes look, then burst into a fit of laughter. The beast beat his fist on the arm of his throne, kicking all four legs as ht threw his head back, mad laughter filling the large, dark throne room.

“Oh, wow...” he said, wiping a tear away from his eye. “Not at all, dearies! You all played your part to the letter. Nicely done.”

“But why didn’t you let us know you wanted to test Canterlot’s defenses? We would have prepared more accordingly if we had known.” Klokwerk asked, trying hard to hide his annoyance with his master.

“Because, heir doctor, if I did that, you might not have given it one hundred percent.” the chaos god stood up, throwing open his arms. In a moment, they both stretched like rubber out to wrap around the group of villains, pulling them uncomfortable close in an embrace against his scaley, hairy, rough chest. “But I can see that meeting defeat at the hooves of these creatures really bothers all of you. SO... how about Big Daddy Bedlam steps in and we all go have a talk with Celestia, Luna, Midnight and all those other MEAN little ponies who wouldn’t let them kill you? Would that make you happy?” The five looked up at their wickedly grinning master, devious smiles starting to play across their own faces. “Then it’s settled!” Bedlam snapped his fingers, the magical energies needed foe six creatures to teleport already building around them, penetrating their bodies at they slowly became immaterial and transparent.  Just before they vanished in a puff of smoke, Bedlam threw his head back in a wild yell.

“Hold on, critters! We got a palace to crash!”

===

By the time all the fires were extinguished and every last pony was accounted for, it was already well into the evening. Celestia and Luna had to excuse themselves to set the sun and raise the moon half way through questioning the victims and heroes and meeting with panicked show owners and merchants that lost an entire day’s worth of profit, not to mention their wares, carts and stands. Diplomatic alerts were jetted off to all the neighboring countries, half warning their leaders of the five creatures responsible for the attack and half to reassure that Equestria was handling it to the best of it’s abilities. After the destroyed buildings were cordoned off, the main through fair of the city cleared for traffic, the reporters and interviewers all cleared away from the palace and the guards rotated to relieve the shift most involved with the clean-up, the only thing left to do was for Princess Celestia and the Elements to speak with Midnight and the other heroes about what the reporter of Equestria Daily were already calling ‘The Battle of Floodgate Market.’ For now, Midnight rested in his room, recovering after his battle with Klokwerk and the massive headache he gave himself delivering the final blow. As Celestia and Luna waited anxiously outside his bed chambers for any word from the royal doctors, the rest of the ‘heroes’ were allowed to roam free about the palace. Them, and the Elements of Harmony.

“Thank you for your patience, Princesses.” Dr. Cranium said as he exited the room.

“Will he be alright? What was wrong with him? How’s he doing now?” Luna quickly threw a line of questions at the unicorn mare, the concern in her eyes apparent as she trotted in place. The mare bowed respectively and gave her princess a smile, moving away from the door.

“He’ll be fine, Princess Luna. He had a mild hairline fracture near the base of his horn, but that was quickly healed with a restoration spell. Unfortunately, I can’t do much for the bruises, so he’ll have a headache for a while. I recommend two aspirin and a good night’s sleep. He should be fine in the morning.” Bowing before the two deities, the mare trotted down the hall and out of sight. Luna wasted no time bolting into the room, racing toward her champion. Celestia followed close behind, mostly to keep her over-excited sister from tackling the stallion and hurting him further.

Midnight sat up on the bed, examining himself in the hoof mirror. The bandage went around the top of his head and half way up his horn, making magic difficult and painful. Otherwise, the mirror would be floating.

“Midnight!” The stallion jumped at the shouting of his name, almost dropping the mirror to the floor. He fumbled with it between his hooves before placing it on the bed beside him just in time. The moon princess threw her forelegs around his neck, fighting tears as he returned the embrace. This was the first time since before the attack that the two could be together in peace, and the comforting hold they had on each other was exactly what the two needed. Luna relaxed her hold, pulling back just enough to press her lips to his, closing her eyes as the two melted into a deep, sweet kiss.

“Ahem... should I give you two some privacy?” From mid-way in the room, Celestia tapped her hoof, giving the two a grin as she looked over the city’s defender. It still surprised her that after only knowing this human-pony for a short time, Luna could have grown so close to him. Luna and Midnight broke the kiss, both blushing under the gaze of the sun regent. Luna took a more refined position, sitting beside the bed as she placed a hoof over his, Celestia taking a seat on the floor beside her.

“I’m...  I’m just so happy to see you’re alright. I was so worried about you when I had to run off...” Luna said.

“As am I, my friend. You’ve done Canterlot a great service tonight. We are deeply in your debt.” Celestia added with a nod. The pegacorn blushed slightly, smiling up from his pillow.

“Thanks, Luna, Celestia. Really, it was all I could do. I’m just glad me and the others were able to keep them from going anywhere near the residential areas, or getting to the palace. I don’t know what I’d do if either of you got hurt.” Luna and Celestia each had a long string of questions to fire off at the hero pony, ranging from tactics and strategies of the Killjoys to any personal information they may have happened to mention during their battle. However, just as Luna was about to ask him her first question, there was a rapid knocking at the chamber door. All three turned their attention as the door slowly creaked open, a familiar pegasus stallion poking his head into the room.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, Princess Luna, Princess Celestia, but there’s some information you need to be made aware of immediately.” Midnight quickly recognized the pony, smiling as he waved he inside the room.

“Sky Shield! How ya doing, buddy? You missed one crazy party, today.” Midnight joked, eliciting a smile from the pegasus. Sky took a few steps into the room, getting a better look at his friend.

“Yeah, I heard. Great job, by the way. All the Guards are talking about how you fought today. We’re all really impressed.” Sky stopped, noticing the eager look on the faces of his Princesses, clearing his throat as he slipped into a more professional demeanor. “I wish I had more time to talk, but I really do need at least on of you for a moment, Princesses. My apologizes” he said with a bow.

“Luna,” Celestia said, placing a wing on her little sister’s shoulder. “Why don’t you handle this? I’ll be here with Midnight until you return.” Luna nodded to her sister, turning to trot out of the room.

“Alright, Tia. I’ll come back as soon as I can.” As Princes Luna left, she turned back once more, looking at Midnight, giving him a gentle smile. “I’ll be back soon, my champion. Rest until then.” Luna closed her eyes and gave him a quick bow before leaving, following Sky down the hallway and back towards the main hall where the other heroes and the Elements were conversing. Princess Celestia rested on her haunches beside Midnight’s bed, breathing out a tired sigh as he looked down at his hooves, playing listlessly with his blanket.

“Princess Celestia...” he began. “... I’m sorry.” The sun goddess gave him a confused look, leaning slightly closer. The stallion kept his eyes staring blankly at his hooves.

“Sorry? Midnight, what are you talking about?”

“When you and I talked before... I made you a promise. I said I wouldn’t ever use what you and Luna had the Elements teach me against any of your ponies. And I broke that promise already.” Celestia couldn’t believe her ears. After all the madness and destruction in the market place, after the struggle he and the others went through to stop the Killjoys, Midnight seemed most concerned with THIS? Celestia scooted closer to the bed, placing both forehooves on top of Midnight’s. She leaned close, and after all she thought of him when they first met, did something she never thought she would do; Celestia leaned down and gave Midnight a small kiss on his forehead. The pegacorn slowly turned his eyes to hers, a look of shock still on his face.

“Midnight, do you know how many injuries there were today between Royal Guards and civilians?” she asked flatly. Midnight shook his head, keeping his gaze with hers. “Fifty members of the 19th Royal Guard battalion and thirty members of the 22nd Airborne Battalion. All went into battle willing to lay down their lives for their princesses. They have fractured and broken bones, bruises and burns, but all will make full recoveries and will all still have full careers. Do you know how many civilians were injured?” Midnight shook his head again, unsure of Celestia’s point. “None. Not a single civilian was injured today. There were a few who complained about ringing in their ears from the initial blasts from the trailers, but because of you and those other brave souls out in the main hall, the citizens of Canterlot can sleep easy tonight, alive and well. If not for all of you, today may have turned out very, very differently.” Suddenly, the stallion noticed something unexpected. Celestia’s eyes began to glisten, small tears forming in the corners as gentle tears began to slowly roll down her cheeks. “And because of you, my sister is safe at home with me, tonight. And all you can think about is some silly promise you made me...” she leaned in and took him in a gentle embrace. “They were no citizens of mine, Midnight. They didn’t care about others and love life and peace as my ponies do. Or as you do...” Celestia snickered to herself before continuing, ruffling Midnight’s mane slightly with her wing. “... my little pony. There’s nothing to forgive. I greatly appreciate what you did for all of us today. And if there’s anything I can do to ever help you or be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask.” She loosened her hold, meeting his gaze, a silly grin on his face. This was a whole new Celestia from the cautious and suspicious princess he knew the other day. Then, he remembered the conversation he had with Luna. The same one he would have to have with Celestia, sooner or later. With her in such a gracious and thankful mood, Midnight figured it would be now or never.

“Well, Princess, there is maybe... one thing I wanted to talk with you about.” he said quietly, feeling a nervous knot forming in his chest. “About... whether or not sending me back to my own world...”

===

The remaining heroes of the marketplace strolled around the palace, enjoying the same open areas that any normal daily tour group would during their visit. Catered to by both gracious Royal Guards and doting maids, lead by the ever-attentive Dusty and her hoof-picked group of maids and servers. Twilight and the rest of the Elements had returned their respective Elements back to the royal armory and set about heading to the main halls as well, intent on interrogating the heroes about their roles in the earlier attack. For now, however, both heroes and Elements were spread about the palace, partaking of the beauty of the sparkling, pristine palace, in all it’s early evening beauty.

===

The Great and Powerful Trixie sat in awe of the stained-glass windows lining both sides of the massive hallway. They told the story of the history of pony-kind, from the time of conflict between the three pony tribes, to the founding of Equestria, to the fall of Princess Luna, the dark years after the Battle of the Royal Sisters and Celestia’s recovery from the battle and up to current days. As the rising moonlight poured through the murals, Trixie’s attention was drawn by the sudden opening of the door at the far end of the hallway. To her surprise, a very familiar purple unicorn mare strolled inside, scanning the hallway until her eyes fell upon Trixie.

“Is that... it’s... oh, no...” Trixie’s mouth fell open as she realized the identity of the other visitor. Taking a tentative step into the room, Twilight squinted her eyes as she looked forward at the unknown pony across the hall.

“Um, h-hello? Were you involved in the fight at Floodgate Marker? I have some questions for you, if you were.” she announced, taking a few more steps forward. Trixie backed away, slowly making her way toward the door behind her at the other end of the hall.

“N-no, Not me! Trixie had nothing to do with... oh, buck.” The showmare realized too late her mistake, years of flourishing her own name coming back to betray her. At the mention of her name, Trixie noticed Twilight’s ears perk in the dim light. It was obviously she had recognized the name as well. “Um... pardon me!” Trixie shouted, quickly turned on her hooves and made her way for the door, flinging it open with her magic and slamming it just as quickly as she made her way through. Twilight started to gallop after her, but stopped short half way through the hall.

“Trixie...? The same Trixie that...?” Twilight’s mind ran over the list of ponies and other creatures mentioned in the list of warriors that fought in the market, looking it over in her mind. “Well... there’s only one ‘Trixie’ I’ve ever heard of. It HAS to be her.” Turning back towards the door she had entered by, Twilight gave the door at the far end of the hall one more glance. “I think... I have a letter to write.”

===

“I mean, it’s CRAZY! Ponies attacking other ponies like it’s a WAR or something?! And poor Midnight, stuck right in the middle of it! I can’t BELIEVE he and all those other ponies and creatures stood up to them!” Pinkie bounced along side Rainbow Dash, holding a tray of cookies, a pot of hot coffee, a bowl of sugar and two cups balanced on her head. Dash Hovered beside her as the two made their way to an open balcony outside the kitchen, the pristine view over the valley usually reserved for tours and visiting representatives.

“I know, right? Who knew the rookie had it in him? I’m just glad he’s alright. I’d hate for him to have gotten himself hurt due to something we forgot to teach him.” Pinkie bounced to one of the dozen or so table on the large balcony, lowering her head and sliding the tray onto the table as Dash and her took their seats. “So, I say we have our quick pick-me-up and go see if we can go find some of the other ponies that had a hoof in the fight. If we’re gonna have to give them a good old ‘Element’s of Harmony’ blast, we should know what we’re up against.” Pinkie poured Dash a cup of the hot brew before taking one for herself, immediately adding twenty three scoops of sugar before stirring it up and hoofing the spoon to Dash. The cyan mare took the sugar bowl, pouring the spoon and a half of sugar left inside right into her cup. “Gee, thanks for saving me some, Pinkie.” she said with a smirk. The party mare smiled widely, mane bouncing as she settled in.

“Well, well, well. Not surprised at all by this scene.” a voice said flatly from the huge double doors, causing the two ponies to turn to it’s owner.

“Gilda?” Dash said, still unsure of the griffon chick before her. Gilda leaned against the doorframe, crossing her one foreleg across the other as she tilted her head. “What are you... why are YOU hear?” The griffon shook her head, her feathers puffing out as she gave the two a dirty look.

“Hey, I’m welcome here, Dash! I’m the official ambassador from Althera! Plus, I helped take down those thugs in the market!” As she finished, Pinkie streaked over to her, forelegs quickly wrapping around Gilda’s neck.

“Oh, Gilda! Thank you SO much for helping out our little ‘Nighty!’ We were JUST SO WORRIED about him!” she said, forelegs locked around Gilda in a vice-like grip. The griffon chic pushed the earth pony away with a hard shove, sending a deep growl her way.

“Keep your hooves off of me, friend stealer! I helped Midnight because he needed me and I wanted revenge against those two ponies that attacked me earlier this week. I don’t need your thanks!” Pinkie’s expression dropped as she took the verbal abuse, Rainbow quickly swooping down in between the two.

“Gilda! Don’t be such a jerk! She just wanted to let you know how grateful we are!”

“I don’t need ANYTHING from her! Not after she stole you away from me!” Despite her best efforts, Gilda felt tears forming in the corners of her eyes. Dash stopped herself short of a response, bringing her hoof up to her face and shaking her head. Pinkie regarded the two with a sad, hurt look, deciding to keep quiet and find out what the exchange between the two was all about.

“Pinkie Pie,” Dash finally said. “Why don’t you head back to the main hallway? I’ll be there in a minute.” Pinkie nodded without a word, then started to walk toward the doors. Gilda held up a taloned paw, blocking her as tried to pass.

“Oh, no, Dash. I got choice words for the both of you. Stinky Pie, you ain’t going anywhere.” Pinkie backed up beside Rainbow, the pegasus mare blocking her from Gilda with an extended wing. Gilda took a deep breath before getting right to the point. “Pinkie, you stole Dash from me when I loved her first!”

“WHAT!” Both mares looked wide-eyed at the griffon, then at each other. Gilda remained serious and stone-faces, never taking her eyes off either of them.

“Dash has to have told you about us. About our history together, our time at Junior Speedsters? And you still pushed and pushed and pushed, shoving me right out of the picture.” she said, staring at Pinkie. “And YOU! Making me believe you cared about me! Then, going right into that weather patrol job in that little backwater burg as soon as you left school. Do you know what life was like for me after I went home?” Dash kept silent, eyes looking down as her old friend poured out all the pain she felt since they last saw each other. Slowly, the pieces began to come together in Pinkie Pie’s mind, all suddenly becoming clear to the party mare.

“Gilda...” she said timidly, almost sounding to RD like FLuttershy for a moment. “... do you think me and Dashie are... together, like... ‘in love,’ together?” The griffon scoffed, tossing her head to the side at the words. Pinkie pushed past Dash’s wing, standing before Gilda as she reached out a hoof to her shoulder. “Gilda... me and Rainbow Dash are just friends. Well... I love all my friends, but me and Dash aren’t like that. Like...”

“We’re not filly-foolers, Gilda. We both like stallions. Not that we have anything against ponies that are, but we’re just not that way. And what do you mean, ‘making you believed I cared about you?’ Gilda, I ALWAYS cared about you. You were my closest friend!” Dash shouted, leaning down defensively as she did. Gilda did the same, pressing her beak against the end of Rainbow’s muzzle.

“Well, ya sure had ME fooled! You just strung me along, Dash! After you left the academy, I had to go home and be alone again!” Gilda blinked, tears escaping her eyes despite her best efforts to hold them back. “Griffons don’t have cute terms for it like ‘filly-fooler’ or anything. Wanna know why? Because, it’s not NEARLY as acceptable for griffons as it is for ponies! We don’t have a cute name for it because for us, it’s something shameful! I was sent to the academy because my parents wanted me away from other females of my own kind, like that would be some kind of CURE!” Gilda pulled away, the hurt forcing too many tears to the surface for her to feel comfortable showing. Hiding her face, the embassador continued. “... Griffon males are warriors, protecting the country and their females. Female griffons defend their nests and their chicks. A griffon liking their own gender in... that way... doesn’t fit into the way our society works. I thought that, us being so close at the academy... maybe...” Gilda squeezed her eyes together tightly, unable to fight the tears back any further. “... all that time we spent together...”

“It was because you needed me...” Gilda felt a hoof on her shoulder, pulling her forward into a hug. “Gilda... I knew you were lonely, but I just thought it was because you were the only griffon at the academy. Nopony else ever talked to you, so when started to, I I found out just how cool you really were.” Dash pulled away, looking into Gilda’s tear soaked eyes. She reached up a hoof, wiping away a few tears as they continued down her face. “I never knew that you felt that strongly about me. Otherwise... I would have let you know sooner...” Dash gulped down her fear, hoping the proud griffon was open enough now that her words would offer some comfort. “Gilda... I can’t be what you’d like me to be. And I know you this might not be what you want to hear right now, but... I still wanna be your friend. I’m sorry, but... that’s all I can offer you.” Gilda sat there for a moment, taking in Dash’s words as she composed herself. Slowly, the tears stopped flowing and her pain lessened. Gilda sniffled a few more times, gathering her composure as some of the hurt she felt for so long began to fade, if not entirely. Pinkie watched in silence, the party mare feeling very much out of place as the two old friends worked through Gilda’s hurt. Silently, she tried to sneak out of the second open door as far away from the two as she could. However, Gilda still managed to catch a glimpse of pink as it made it’s way out the door.

“Hold it, Pinkie.” Gilda pointed a single talon at Pinkie, causing her to stop in her tracks. The earth pony froze, she and her pegasus friend unsure of the griffon’s intentions. A sense of relief washed over them, however, as they noticed the soft expression in her eyes. “Pinkie... I’m sorry.”

“You’re... sorry?” Pinkie asked, an innocent look on her face.

“I blamed you for stealing Dash from me, when it was my own jealousy that pushed her away. I read too deeply into what I thought our friendship was, and because of my mistake... I wound up hurting not only myself, but Dash and you, as well.” She traced a circle on the ground with her claw, shyly looking up at the two ponies. “Do you think... I mean, could you...?” Gilda never got a chance to finish. Pinkie and Dash leaped toward the griffon, wrapping their forelegs around her tightly. Gilda sat stunned for a moment, before returning the hug, squeezing them both tight enough to lift the two off the ground. She nuzzled against them both, holding tight until Dash had to tap her on the back to be released. Gilda dropped them, allowing Dash to breath again as Pinkie bounced besides them.

“In case that wasn’t clear, you’re forgiven.” Dash said, taking a few deep breaths. Gilda gave them a timid smile before turning to leave. “Gilda, wait. Where are you going?” Gilda shook her head, turning back to them slightly.

“I think I’ve made a big enough idiot of myself tonight. I’m glad I’m forgiven, but... I’ll leave you alone now. We can talk about the marketplace fight later.” She turned back towards the hallway to leave, but found herself lifted up off the ground by a pair of pink hooves. Suddenly, she was plopped down on one of the floor cushions by Dash and Pinkie’s table.

“Oh, come on, Gilda! Me and Dash didn’t even have a chance to make idiots out of ourselves, yet! The night’s still young! We’ll talk about that fight later. But for now...” Pinkie plopped down beside Gilda on her own cushion, Rainbow Dash suddenly noticing a third tea cup mysteriously appearing on the serving on the table. “... I wanna hear all the secret, embarrassing, juicy stuff about school-filly Dash you can think of! OH!!!” Pinkie sprang up, hovering in the air for a moment, bot her eyes and smile impossible wide. “I gotta get a quill and parchment! This is gonna be gold!” With a pink blur, Pinkie was off, leaving a confused griffon and giggling pegasus in her wake.

“So... she really IS always this hyper?” Gilda asked, wide-eyed. Dash just smiled, shaking her head.

“Yeah, but after being friends with her for a while, you’ll grow to love it.”

===

Big Mac, Strongheart and Breaburn strolled through the main dining hall, just past the main foyer. The Three were all genuinely impressed with their first trip to the royal palace, as most would be. However, the trip to Canterlot, not to mention the wild events that they all experienced upon arrival, had left them all starved and dying for a drink of anything cold and refreshing. As the three made their way to the kitchen, they heard a friendly voice shout to them from across the long room.

“Brea! Big Mac! Strongheart! Hold up a minute!” Applejack called to them from the main foyer, the doors closing as she passed trough, running towards them.

“AJ! Good ta see-Ow! What in tarnation was that for?” Big Mac asked, rubbing his shoulder after Applejack gave him a hard jab, his voice echoed through the large dining room. The farmer mare jumped up and wrapped her forelegs around his neck, holding him tight. Little Strongheart started to trot over to greet her pony friend, but was stopped by Breaburn, nervous that either one of them might be the next to get a back-hoof.

“That’s fer makin’ me worry, ya big galoot! What exactly was runnin’ through that southern-fried mind of yours, takin’ on those dangerous mad ponies? Y’all coulda been killed!” Mac pushed her away slightly, noticing a relieved smile on her face, meeting it with his own.

“Aw, c’mon now, AJ. It’ll take more than some thugs ta put down a couple of Apple family colts, now.” he said proudly, Brea gathering up enough courage to stand beside his large cousin.

“Yeah, Cus. The three of us had it under complete control. Heh. Course, I’ll need a new lasso now, but other than tha-OW!” A strike against the shoulder cut him off before finishing, AJ casting a stern stare at him.

“And YOU, ya inconsiderate so-in-so! How could you put Lil’ Strongheart here in such danger? This wasn’t no scrap with the Grape brothers like you two used to get into when you was both little colts. She coulda been hurt, too!” Applejack finished, lunging forward and giving him the same hug she had Big Mac, the stallion bringing up a foreleg in return. “I’m just so glad yer both alright. I can’t imagine goin’ home and tellin’ Granny Smith somethin’ bad happened to y’all.” Timidly, Strongheart stepped forward, ears pressed flat as she walked up to Applejack.

“Actually, friend Applejack, I... had a hoof in Breaburn and Big Mac getting involved in the market fight.” The buffalo shrank back a little, her pony friend giving her a surprised look. “I was so excited to visit a city as big as Canterlot, that I ran ahead of them both and got lost. By the time they found me, I was already in the market place, fighting against that horrible dire wolf.” Strongheart sat beside Brea, hanging her head as she imagined how differently the events of the day could have played out. “I only wanted to see this beautiful city. And because of that, friend Applejack, I almost got Breaburn and Big Mac hurt. Please... forgive me.” Little Strongheart felt a hoof pat her on the shoulder. Raising her head, she saw the gentle smile the pony was giving her.

“Well, I suppose I judged these two big lugs a lil’ too soon. Just be more careful next time, Lil’ Strongheart, darlin.’” AJ ruffled Strongheart’s curly blond mane, Big Mac staring eyes wide as the buffalo got away without so much as a flick on the nose by the country mare. “And fer Celestia’s sakes, darlin,’ y’all can stop calling’ me ‘friend Applejack.’ Applejack or AJ is just fine. I mean, fer how much I hear about ya hanging out with Breaburn back in Appaloosa, it’s like yer already part of the family.” Big Mac and Breaburn grinned at each other at the comment. The frontierspony walked around his cousin, taking place beside Strongheart.

“Actually, Applejack... I thought it would be a good idea to bring Lil’ Strongheart here with us, because... we got somethin’ to tell ya.” Breaburn threw his foreleg over Strongheart’s shoulder, pulling her close. “AJ, me and Strongheart are engaged. We’re gonna get married, cus!” Applejack staggered backward, almost losing her Stetson.

“You... y’all are gettin’ married? You two?” Aj stammered out as the happy couple continued to beam before her.

“It’s true, Applejack.” Strongheart said with a smile. “Breaburn has been an amazing help in relations between not only my herd, but dozens of our neighboring herds. As a result, Appaloosa Orchards selling their apples all across the western planes.”

“And that’s not all!” Brea chimed in. “Not only am I helpin’ out on the farm and expanding sales, but yer lookin’ at Appaloosa’s newest deputy sheriff!” Breaburn pulled open his vest, proudly displaying a silver star badge pinned to the inside. “With the money I pull in from apple sales, AND my salary from bein’ deputy, I reckon Lil’ Strongheart and me’ll be married by this time next year.” Big Macintosh chuckled, patting his little sister on the shoulder.

“We broke the news to Granny Smith waitin’ for the train in Ponyville. I actually didn’t think she’d be as happy with it, bein’ so set in her ways. But she took to the idea like a duck to water. Apparently, Great Grandpa and Grandma did some dealin with Buffalo tribes back before Ponyville was even founded. She actually had a bunch of good friends in the tribe when she was a little filly, and can’t wait to meet some of Strongheart’s kin from out west.” The three smiled at each other, having finally reveled the news to the one pony in the Apple family who’s approval they wanted the most. Slowly, the shock on Applejack’s face faded, giving way to a look of pure joy. AJ leapt forward, throwing her forelegs around her cousin and future in-law.

“Congratulations! Aw, you two are gonna make a such a cute couple! Heck, ya are now!” Applejack let out a very uncharacteristic squeal and laugh, throwing her forehooves over her mouth to catch herself. Regaining her self-control, AJ cleared her throat, still smiling at the two lovebirds. “Have ya told any more of the family besides me and Granny yet?” Though still smiling, both Strongheart and Breaburn had nervous looks in their eyes, the stallion taking a breath to answer.

“Besides my folks, you, Mac and Granny, no. Nopony else in the family knows. I kinda wanted... all y’all support before I told everypony else.” Brea’s ears folded back, his tone growing softer and quieter. Much to her dismay, Applejack realized the reason for his apprehension.

“Ya don’t think they’ll take it too well, do ya?” The two quietly shook their heads, confirming AJ’s assumption. The mare let out a deep sigh, placing a hoof on both of their shoulders. “Has... anypony else in Appaloosa been givin’ you two trouble?” Little Strongheart shook her head, tail and ears low.

“Um... a little. Some ponies think that maybe I...” she turned her head, almost as if to not face the unpleasant thoughts. “... I should have stayed with some bull of my own kind. I’ve heard ponies talk about me in passing, how I stole a good stallion away from all the nice mares in town.” Brea held her a little tighter, rubbing her shoulder with his hoof.

“Too bad they don’t have any control over who either of us choose to love.” Breaburn added, defiantly. For a moment, Applejack sat silent, not believing what her cousin and friend had just told her. The idea of one of her kin and his love, judged and insulted for finding each other, angered her to the core. The farm mare lowered her brow, giving the two the most serious look she could.

“Brea, Strongheart... if nothing else, I think that you two gettin’ together is just wonderful, and you got my blessin.’ As for those neigh-sayers back in Appaloosa...” AJ felt a tinge of anger swell up at the thought once again, gritting her teeth. “... I’m gonna personally talk to the Princesses about this. With her blessin’ your marriage as well, ain’t no pony’ll ever even THINK about givin’ you a tough time, again!”  Big Mac patted his little sister on the back, taking her by surprise, Turning her head, Applejack turned to find her big brother’s smiling face. “Heck, maybe this’ll be the beginin’ of better relations between our nations, Lil’ Strongheart.”

“Thanks, AJ. I know that the rest of the Apple clan’ll go right along with you, me and Granny when it comes to Brea and Strongheart being together. Not that I think they’ll really be against it.” Mac added. AJ nodded, noticing hopeful smiles on the faces of the cautious couple. Taking a cleansing breath, she worked a hoof against the side of her head.

“Alright, y’all. Let’s talk more about this later. Fer now...” AJ said with a grin. “... I think this good news calls for a round of cider!”

===

Rarity walked slowly through the garden, admiring the different critters as they either prepared themselves for bed, or started waking up for their nighttime romps. The unicorn couldn’t for the life of her imagine why Fluttershy turned down her invitation for the garden tour. If anypony could explain to her the different types of creatures, if would be her. However, the timid pegasus seemed almost frightened to return to the garden, backing away and darting around the corner at the suggestion. No matter, anyway; Fluttershy offered her services with the medics and palace doctors treating and comforting the Guards injured in the battle. Quietly, Rarity strolled about from path to path, the tranquil scene calming her down after the hectic events of the morning. As the fashionista continued through, however, another creature was watching her. As she turned and entered the area around the small fountain near the center of the garden, she heard her follower trudging through the grass. Rarity turned just in time to spy her pursuer, looming in front of her.

“Miss Rarity?” The tall diamond dog stood before her, ears down and paws fidgeting as he leaned over to seem less intimidating. The ploy didn’t work, however, Rarity letting out a shriek and quickly stepping backwards, her backside connecting with the rim of the fountain as she beheld the canine with a frightened look. Immediately, he recoiled, making some distance between the two to make the mare feel more comfortable. “I’m sorry, Miss Rarity. I only wanted to speak with you...”

“W-w-what? Just ... speak, with me?” she stuttered out. The recognition was instant, albeit not for anything positive. “Um... s-sure thing, Ro- um, ah... I mean, ‘good sir.’” Rarity knew it was him from the very sound of his voice. How could she forget the creature that ponynapped her and held her for hours to do heavy manual labor in those grimy, dirty, smelly tunnels? Well... THEY did most of the work, she just directed them. But that wasn’t the point! When she had heard that a diamond dog, of all creatures, helped save the city, she never would have thought in a million years it would have been HIM.

“It’s ok, Miss Rarity. I know you know who I am. That’s why I came looking for you.” Rover’s tone was low and calm, the dog hoping not to scare her too much, after all he had put her through. Slowly, Rarity stood up, approaching him while watching him very carefully.

“You... came looking for me? Um... why, pray tell, do you want to speak with me?” Under other circumstances, the classy unicorn wouldn’t DREAM of conversing with a dirty, aggressive creature such as this. Based on past experience alone, that would be out of the question.

“I wanted to say, Miss Rarity, that I am sorry.” Rarity couldn’t have been more surprised if the diamond dog had jumped up and bit her head off. The loud, angry, demanding creature she had met in the mountains that made her work for them had been replaced by this timid looking, sad eyed creature, now remorseful for the wrong he had done to her. “Taking you from your friends and forcing you to work was wrong. In the end, it didn’t help my clan, anyway. We knew it was wrong, but we still did it. And for that, on behalf of my clan, I am sorry.” Rover kneeled down, bowing to her in a display of submission. Rarity just stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do. Finally, the mare laid down before him, forelegs outstretched as she touched a hoof to his paw.

“Rover... darling? I... accept your apology. But please, tell me; if you knew it was wrong, then why did you take me?” The white pony seemed kinder than he remembered, now. Even after taking her away from her friends, she still would speak to him? Had helping the other ponies against the Beast have really meant that much to her?

“We needed your magic spell to find the gems. We were so glad to find a pony with your magic, we believed you could find all the cloudy-white crystals the Beast and the metal ponies could ever want.”

“But why didn’t you just come to me and ASK for my help? Why ponynap me and bring that kind of trouble on yourselves?” Rover looked Rarity in the eye, his mood changing from sympathy to sadness.

“Because, Miss Rarity... no pony, or any other creatures, like us diamond dogs.” The frank and honest statement took Rarity by surprise, giving her no time to try and hide her stunned expression from him. “Like I said, we needed you to help us find the cloudy crystals to give to the beast and metal ponies. We hoped if you found enough, they would never return. It was later we found out that tunnel was all dried up of the crystals. All that work you did for us wouldn’t have made a difference, even of you left all the gems you found for us.”

“Um... yes. The gems I found...” Rarity immediately felt very guilty. After she exhausted the patience of the dogs, they practically BEGGED her to leave. An option she took, along with all the gems she had helped them find. That large stockpile kept her in shiny baubles for months, garnishing her fashion creations in ways she could scarcely dream. However, the unicorn needed to know the extent of the damage she had caused in doing so. “My dear Rover... did... you need those gems for the ‘beast’ and ‘metal ponies?’ I didn’t... cause more trouble for you, did I?” Much to her relief, Rover shook his head, meeting her gaze once again.

“No, Miss Rarity. Only the cloudy crystals were ever taken by the beast. He never took any other kind. We just polish and sell them to other races that come and ask for them.” The canine allowed himself a hint of a smile, chuckling slightly. “Honestly, you earned every gem you took that day. You deserved much more than that after our disrespect, Miss Rarity.” The designer pony sat before him, looking him over. Any malice or wariness she had about ever seeing him again or how he would be was gone now, replaced by a deep and curious sense of compassion for him and his clan. Clearing her throat, Rarity sat straight up, taking a professional stance before Rover.

“Your apology, as I said, dear Rover, is accepted. And also... I apologize for tricking you and taking all those jewels. I may have found them, but you and your clan are the ones that dug them. But anyway...” A white aura took hold of Rover’s paw, lifting it from the ground and forcing him to stand. Seeming mystified, the diamond dog allowed himself to be brought to his hind legs, the white unicorn maintaining a hold on his paw as she lead him out of the garden. “... right now, you and I have business to discuss.”

“B-business, Miss Rarity? What business?” Rover asked, nervously.

“Why, the business of exclusive jewel rights, of course.” Rarity chimed, happily. Pausing for a moment, she released his paw and looked over her shoulder, Rover now following her of his own accord. “The entire event between us in your mines was handled horrible, by both of us. To make up for it, I propose a partnership.”

“A partnership?” Rover said in surprise, having to resort to running on all fours to keep up with the jubilant mare.

“Yes! In return for me coming to your mines and finding large veins of jewels in the dirt, you and your clan will give me a certain percentage of the gems you excavate. At a reasonable price, of course. And in return, you’re welcome to a percentage of the profit from the sale of your gems I use in my dresses. Doesn’t that sound lovely?” Rover’s head was spinning as he tried to comprehend so many long words at once. However, the canine WAS able to understand the word ‘profit.’

“So...” he began, making sure he correctly understood her. “... you show us big patches of gems, we dig them up, sell you some and then you give us MORE money when YOU sell them?” The mare nodded, smiling back over her shoulder.

“Of course! That’s what a partnership means; everypony, or should I more correctly say, every ‘being’ involved makes out ahead.” Stopping at the doorway out of the garden, Rover caught his breath. Rarity was surprisingly quick, though the exuberant mood she was in made her feel like she wasn’t winded at all. Extending a hoof to Rover, she batted her eyes and gave him a sweet smile. “So, my dead Rover... do we have a deal?” Rover looked at her hoof, then up to her smiling face. In one quick motion, he scooped the unicorn up, giving her a tight hug and pat on the back, causing her to let out a squeak.

“It’s a deal, Miss Rarity!” The mare gasped, prompting Rover to quickly release her, stabilizing her on all four hooves again. “Heh.. Sorry, Miss Rarity.” Taking a moment to catch her breath, she flashed a pair of bright blue eyes back at him.

“Please, Just ‘Rarity’ is fine, darling. No more ‘Miss.’” Opening the door for him, Rarity motioned for him to step through. “For now, let’s you and I go discuss the finer points of this arrangement more carefully.”

“I would like that, Mi— I mean, Rarity. Let’s go.” Taking the door from her magical grip, he bowed and motioned her through first. Charmed, Rarity walked through, waiting for him to walk through as well.

“Rover, I believe this is the beginning of a beautiful partnership.”

===

“Are you sure? I mean, have you received word back from every city and town within our sphere of reach?” Luna asked Sky Shield. The pegasus nodded sadly, standing still and tall before.

“I’m sure, Princess. In all towns and cities under Equestrian control, there are no records of ANY ponies named Tumbler, Klokwerk, Crash or Burn. And unfortunately, we have no possible way to contact the buffalo tribes of the west OR any way to even FIND the dire wolf nomadic packs to verify the name ‘Grimdark.’ As far as we know, the five that attacked Floodgate Market don’t exist.” Luna shook her head at the news, turning away from the guard.

“This is troubling news. The dire wolf, I can understand, but to have four ponies with NO history running wild in my city...” Her words drifted off, the princess holding a hoof to her chin in deep thought. “This means we can’t even find where they’re from or talk to their families or find anything we might be able to use to combat them.” Luna paced back and forth before him, the guard wishing he had anything else to report.

“Is there anything else you would like me to report to Commander Shining Armor, Princess Luna?” The night goddess shook her head.

“No, Sky. Thank you. You’re dismissed.” With a wave of Luna’s wing, the pegasus stallion threw his hoof up in a salute before turning and taking off. Luna watched him disappear into the evening air, a small smile forming on her face. “He seems to have matured a bit since we first met. He has a bright future in the guards.” Luna trotted over to return to Midnight’s room, but paused before she magicked open the door. “I know Midnight wanted to discuss his staying in Equestria with her. Perhaps I should allow them more time.” Trotting away from the door, Luna made her way toward the kitchen, the memory of Pinkie Pie’s delicious cupcakes surfacing in her mind.

“I’ll leave them alone a while longer. Those two should spend some more time together, anyway.”

===

Trixie made her way to the stone garden behind the palace, panting and gasping for breath. Losing Twilight Sparkle in the very place she spent most of her foalhood in was not an easy task. However, the Great and Powerful Trixie had pulled it off, now proudly holding her head high as she turned around to return to the palace, silent and unseen.

“THERE you are, Trixie!” a voice chimed, right in Trixie’s face as she turned. The light blue showmare jumped from the shock, losing her hat and cape as she fell backward and rolled across the grass.

“T-Twilight?!? How did you find me?” Trixie shouted, looking up at her rival.

“I lived here for years, Trixie. I know the set-up of the palace and grounds by heart. But that’s not the point. Why in the world were you running from me?” Standing up, Trixie pointed her snoot high, putting on a haughty look. She levitated her hat and cape back into place, making sure they were both perfect before addressing the mare.

“Trixie was not running. Trixie simply wanted to...” she tried not to show her nervousness outwardly. “... to... to partake the beauty of the statues of the garden, that is all.” she lied, somewhat unconvincingly. Twilight raised an eyebrow, tilting her head slightly.

“Yeah... right... Anyway, I just wanted to thank you personally. Midnight, Blueblood and Luna might have been in real trouble if not for your help. The other Elements and I, in fact, all of Canterlot, owes you a debt of thanks.” Trixie held her poker face strong under the praise, waiting for her chance to speak so she could get away from her as quick as possible.

“Thank you, Miss Sparkle. But really, was there any doubt? After all, this is The Great and Powerful Trixie you’re talking to!” She flourished her mane, putting on a smug grin. She began to trot past Twilight, hoping their exchange was over. “Is there... anything else, then? Trixie is very busy, and has very little time to chit-chat with fans.” A sudden look of surprise came lover Twilight’s face, the mare tracing her hoof on the ground.

“Wait, Trixie! I want to talk with you.” Twilight says, reaching out a hoof. The showmare stops, turning slowly to meet the purple mare. “How... how have you been? I kept looking for advertisements for your shows, but I was never able to find anything. Have you been busy?” The cocky showmare blinked a few times, wondering what exactly Twilight was playing at. She starts to stutter, already forming what she hopes will be a believable lie.

“Of...of course, Miss Sparkle.” she lied.

“Twilight.” the purple mare interrupts.

“Alright... Twilight. I’ve been ALL over Equestria and beyond, performing my feats of awe and exuberance for all that wish to partake of a glimpse of greatness.” Trixie says with a flourish, tossing her mane and cape with a smug smile.

“That’s really... great. I hoped you’d be out there, wowing ponies and living your dream.” Twilight said with a smile. The showmare tilted her head to the side, detecting a hint of what she can only equate to condescending in her voice.

“And WHAT, exactly, do you mean by that?” Twilight is immediately taken aback, stepping away as Trixie slowly approached, staring her down the whole way. “Was there, there some DOUBT in your mind that Trixie would be famous and successful? Did you think Trixie would be RUINED by that minor fluke in her otherwise STELLAR career?” Twilight cringed under Trixie’s heated gaze. The light-blue mare huffed, her magic rising up inside her and manifesting as small jets of steam as she exhales from her nose.

“T-Trixie, I didn’t mean anything by it.” Twilight said, hoping to defuse the quickly souring situation. “I just hoped you would have found more... successful performances. You know... after... the Ursa incident...” Trixie scoffed, then scoffed again, holding a hoof to her chest as her eyes went wide. Turning up her muzzle at the purple mare, she turns away with a ‘humph!’

“Well, your concerns are unfounded, Twilight! The Great and Powerful Trixie is ALWAYS at the top of her game at EVERY show she performs. You don’t need to worry your simple little mind about Trixie’s ability to find work.” Trixie started to walk out of the garden the way she and Twilight came in, allowing her cape to flow in the aura that surrounds her, and all other unicorns, naturally. Is that all you wish to discuss with me, Twilight? Trixie is a very busy mare and has some very important ponies to see.” she said, lying. Reluctantly, Twilight nodded, hanging her head as she felt her chance to come to terms with Trixie slipping through her hooves.

“Well, that’s pretty much it... but-” The apprentice mare was cut off by a sudden swirl of purple and green smoke and fire flowing from nowhere and swirling before her. Trixie watched as the smoke condensed and solidified into a small, simple cardboard box, Twilight taking it in her magic before it had a chance to fall. “Ah! Here it is.” The showmare gave the box a quizzical look, compelling Twilight to explain. “My assistant back in Ponyville knows a transportation spell. He can send scrolls, books and all kinds of stuff to Canterlot, or wherever I am, with ease.” Trixie held a hoof up slightly as she perused the container, it’s flaps taped shut, hiding the contents.

“Oh. Well... whatever. Now, Twilight; what, prey-tell, is IN the box?” Trixie said, feeling annoyed. Effortlessly, Twilight splits the tape on the box, unfolding the flaps as she sets it on the ground.

“Oh, this? This is what I really wanted to speak with you about.” A purple glow shined from inside the box, the items inside rising up between the two. Trixie’s eyes went wide as they fell upon a familiar looking purple hat and cape, speckled with swirls and stars. Trixie felt her eyes fill with tears, her hoof unconsciously reaching forward, running down the silky fabric of the cape. “After you ran out of Ponyville, we had to clean up the mess the Ursa made. Everypony was kinda mad at you for attracting the Ursa, and they wanted to-”

“TRIXIE DID NOT ATTRACT THE URSA, THOSE COLTS DID!” Trixie barked, Twilight immediately dropping her cape and hat as Trixie threw her hooves over her mouth, wide-eyed. Giving a nervous giggle, she waved her hoof at Twilight as she caught the two items before they hit the ground. “Heh... sorry, Twilight. Please... continue.”

“Um... anyway, after the ‘incident,’ the rest of the town wanted to toss everything you had in the trash. But being the apprentice to the princess, as well as an Element of Harmony, carries some weight, so...” Trixie took hold of the items from twilight and levitated them in front of he, regarding them with a sense of awe.

“... you saved them...” Twilight nods, feeling comfortable enough again to approach the showmare a second time.

“Not only that, but a lot of books, some jewelry, a few bags of bits and an old photo album.” Trixie sat down hard on her haunches, mouth agape in disbelief. Trying hard to fight the tears of joy that yearned to flood forth, she struggled to comprehend information she was just presented with.

“You... saved all my things? My bits and...” Trixie stopped and sniffled. “... and jewelry, a-and... my cape and hat...?” Twilight sat before Trixie, extending a hoof to her shoulder. “Trixie’s... I-I mean... MY mother gave me this hat and cape...” Misty eyes looked up to meet Twilight’s, the mare smiling at her younger rival.

“I thought they might be important, Trixie. I sensed a powerful ‘anti-decay’ spell placed on them. It seemed like it was put on them both over one hundred yea-” Twilight’s words are halted by the blue mare grabbing her in a tight embrace, tears flowing freely as she wailed into Twilight’s shoulder.

“I’m so sorry!!! That chaos in Ponyville that night was ALL MY FAULT! If I hadn’t stirred up the excitement in those two little colts, then half the town would have been saved!” The showmare continued her weeping as she struggled to take a breath big enough to continue. “S-since that night, my career has been big long horrible mess! I... I’ve been out of work ever since that day, performing on street corners and train stations for tips to survive...” She pulled away slightly, her red, watery eyes looking at the ground, too ashamed to meet Twilights. “I left town that day determined to grow stronger and defeat you in a duel. But I wound up losing everything...” Twilight wiped a few tears away from Trixie’s cheeks. Carefully, she pondered what she could possible say to help ease the pain she saw in the mare before her.

“Trixie... had no idea... Why didn’t you... why didn’t you come back? We would have helped you... You could have gotten back on your hooves again.” Trixie just shook her head, giving a weak grin.

“Twilight, after my... defeat, that was the last thing on my mind. The only focus I had was to become stronger and go back to face you... my new rival. I think I’m ready to believe now, that... it was my own vanity and pride that brought me to this lowly state I’m in now.” Twilight leaned in and gave the mare a hug, patting her on the back as she removed her hat and cape.

“I don’t want to be your rival, Trixie. I’d much rather be... well, your friend. Well... that is, if you’d let me.” she added timidly. Trixie stood silently for a moment, every painful memory since her retreat from Ponyville playing through her mind; nights spent in forests and city parks, performing for tips to uninterested passers-by, shivering in the cold rain in dark alleyways... She was meant for more than this life than this. Luna had introduced her to the golden past of her ancestors, defending Equestria and serving the royal court as the Lunar Knights. Twilight looked at her with a hopeful smile and kind eyes. Was THIS really the cold-hearted, conniving mare who ruined her live? Was she even responsible for ANY of the pretend offenses that Trixie had blamed her for? She even saved Trixie’s precious hat and cape. She couldn’t possibly have know that her mother had given those to her, or how much they meant to her. She just did it... to be kind? Slowly, Trixie raised a hoof to Twilight, a weak smile slowly forming as she steadied herself.

“I... I think I’d like that, Twilight... Thank you.” Twilight returned the smile with one of her own. Twilight magically removed Trixie’s current hat and cape, setting them on the ground. Slowly and carefully, almost ceremoniously, Trixie replaced them with the two precious family heirlooms, the mare puffing up as her ensemble and pride were restored, the later being with a healthy dose of humility. Trixie took a moment to shake her shoulders and head, feeling the old familiar items settle on her form. “Twilight, I believe you and I have some, as they say, catching up to do.”

===

“Pretty crazy stuff, huh?” Sky said as he landed in the main courtyard leading into the palace proper. He stood on the side opposite the his fellow guard, an older, more experienced earth pony stallion, gave a grunt in response from the other side of the huge double doors. Chuckling nervously at the stone expression of his companion, Sky continues normally. “The week starts off with a one-of-a-kind pegacorn falling from the sky, then at the end of the week, Canterlot gets attacked.”

“Makes me wonder if the two events are connected.” the earth pony said, coldly. Sky quickly turned his head, half surprised by the statement, half angered by it.

“Hey, c’mon, now. Granted, he claims to be from another world, but do you HONESTLY think he would have something to do with it? Even Princess Luna likes him, for goodness sakes.” Keeping his eyes front, the veteran Guard shrugged his shoulders,

“I wouldn’t put it past him. We don’t really know anything about him. And truthfully, I’m a little worried about Princess Luna liking him so much. Who KNOWS what she was thinking after a thousand years alone on the moon. Maybe stirring up trouble for her sister, as well as all of Equestria, would be a good revenge.” Sky’s jaw dropped, the young stallion taking an aggressive stance as he faced his fellow Guard.

“Hey, buddy! Princess Luna is just as sweet and kind and benevolent as her sister in EVERY regard! She would NEVER do that! And Midnight might not be a real pony like you or me, but he’s a true-blue, good being, no matter WHAT he really is! I can’t believe you’d even SUGGEST that either one of them would be up to no-good around Equestria!” A knock at the heavy wooden gates across the long courtyard caught the attention of the two, offering a good distraction from this south-bound conversation. The older guard trotted from his post to the doors across the yard, thankful that this offered a break from the debate he and the younger, less experienced stallion had found themselves in.

“Look, greenhorn,” the veteran said as he walked away. “I’ve been doing this job for close to twenty years already, and I’ve seen it all. Battles between representatives, conflicts with griffon and dragon forces, diamond dog raids. Buck, I’ve even seen Celestia belch at a garden party.” He stopped at the large wooden gates of the yard, shaking his head at his obvious inexperienced younger co-worker. “After a while, it all becomes just part of the job. Trust me; I’ve been doing it so long, NOTHING surprises me anymore.” As he reached a hoof for the door, the guard noticed a strange noise on the other side. Leaning closer, he tried to identify the sound. To him, faintly, it sounded almost like... hissing?

With a thunderous blast, the huge double doors of the gate blew open, launching large pieces of lumber and the hapless guard back into the yard. The plume of smoke and fire blew through the yard, drawing the attention of several guards walking the top of the various walls around the yard, and sent Sky to his knees. As the unconscious body of his fellow guard his the ground before him, Sky scrambled to his side, holding his head up as he checked him for injuries. As he tried to shake the veteran awake, the smoke and dust cleared, revealing the silhouettes of five sinister looking creatures, now just inside the gates.

“Knock, knock, everypony.” the center figure said, stepping forward out of the cloud with his companions. As the cloud cleared, Sky’s eyes went wide in shock, the figures standing before him exactly matching the descriptions of the five that had attacked Floodgate Market. Leaning forward, the center pony gave him an evil smile from under his black top hat.

“Good evening, my good stallion.” he said with a hiss. “Can Princess Luna come out and play?”

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Now comes the chapters I really have some fun with. Not that I'm not having a good time writing now, but gloves come off when you're writing about a chaos lord :D So...

The Killjoys have breached the palace grounds, intent on finding Luna once again. Will the Elements and their friends be able to hold back the brutes and send them packing once again? Or will Bedlam intervene and turn the tide? And if so, what chaos will this unpredictable monster unleash on the city of Canterlot? Find out all this and more in "The Ultimatum," the next exciting chapter of...

STAR CROSSED! Next Chapter: The Ultimatum Estimated time remaining: 6 Hours, 51 Minutes