Another early morning befell Sweet Apple Acres as Applejack climbed out of bed and stretched. Today wasn’t anything special for her, just another jump start on harvesting before dawn. Yet another harvest season came and unfortunately, only two ponies were harvesting since Applebloom was away and Granny Smith was feeling ill lately.

Applejack washed up and ate her breakfast before meeting with Big Macintosh outside by the orchard. The stallion had a crestfallen look about him and upon looking around, Applejack realized why.

“All the crops are lookin’ mighty bad.”

“Eeyup.”

“Corn looks undergrown, carrots just look unhealthy, an’ the apples?”

“Ain’t too many good ones from the look of it. A lot of trees are dry, an’ a few are infested.”

Applejack shook her head in disappointment. “Ah had a feelin’ this would happen. Lack of trade means lack of fertilizers. The dry weather ain’t helpin’ matters neither.”

“Eeyup.”

“Ah fear we ain’t gonna get much outta this. Ah ain’t never seen crops more bad lookin’. Well, we’re gonna need ta’ get rid of those pest as fast as we can, or else future harvests won’t fare any better.”

“Apple Bloom is learnin’ under that Zecora. Maybe she can find some remedies.”

“Ah ain’t that worried bout’ the pest to be honest with ya. They’re natural an’ ain’t too difficult to get rid of. Ah’m more worried bout’ the weather.”

The morning went on as Applejack and Big Macintosh worked to harvest whatever they could while also managing the infestation. It was a dry season and many ponies could feel it. Not only Sweet Apple Acres, but many gardens, flower shops, and other plant related endeavours were struggling to stay afloat. Much of the dry weather, in Ponyville at least, was caused by the moving of Cloudsdale to the East. This resulted in a drop in clouds around Ponyville, making it much harder to get rain in the area. Few of the resident pegasi also left for Cloudsdale, further limiting the weather controlling capabilities of the weather patrol.

If that weren’t enough, the one pegasus who used to carry the weather on her shoulders now rarely visited Ponyville with her job in the Wonderbolts. The few times she did, Rainbow Dash hardly stayed for longer than two days at the most. While Applejack couldn’t exactly blame her for not wanting to stay and understood her job involved traveling a lot, it still frustrated her at times like these when Ponyville struggled. Thinking about Rainbow Dash however cause Applejack to look into the sky as she took a breather from her own work, which seemed to take more effort than she remembered.

“Ah wonder what Rainbow is doing right now anyway…”

“C’mon squirt! You’ve got this in the bag!”

In the mountains near Cloudsdale’s new location, Rainbow Dash and Soarin’ were giving flight training to Scootaloo, who was now more grown and was closer to conquring her hinderance. Such an activity became routine for the three pegasi over the past several months and it wasn’t hard for Scootaloo to convince her parents to let her take flight lessons from two Wonderbolts, especially since they knew one of them quite well.

“You’re doing great, kid. Keep it up,” Soarin’ shouted as Scootaloo pulled off tricks alongside Rainbow Dash. While Rainbow was doing most of the coaching, Soarin’ was also there on the off chance that something happened to Scootaloo, like getting injured and falling.

Scootaloo had already gotten the hang of flying and could do so no problem. It was performing advanced feats that she wanted to learn. Rainbow led the way as she gestured for Scootaloo to follow her through the clouds, clearing the clouds in stylish ways. For the most part, Scootaloo performed fairly well, but her wings were not quite as strong as her trainer’s so she was using a little too much energy trying to keep up. Soarn’ noticed this and because of an incident earlier that month, he decided it was time to take a rest.

“Alright, let’s wrap it up for now! It’s almost lunch anyway.”

The other two ponies sat down on a cloud to catch their breath for a moment before joining Soarin’ in a trip back to Cloudsdale. The city wasn’t too far off from where they were, only about a ten minute flight.

“That was quite a workout, eh Scoots?” Rainbow Dash said panting slightly.

“Yeah, it was a lot of fun,” Scootaloo responded also panting.

“You are getting better. I dare say you’ll even be as good as me someday.”

Soarin’ chucked at her antics and once the trio stepped on a solid cloud in Cloudsdale, he began to glance around for a good place for lunch. “So, where would you girls like to eat?”

“You choose. I chose breakfast,” Rainbow Dash said nonchalantly.

“What about you Scootaloo? Anywhere you want to go in particular?”

“Not really. I’m game for wherever you want.”

Soarin’ decided to settle on a restaurant he liked since his early days in the Wonderbolts. It wasn’t the cheapest place in Cloudsdale, but it certainly had some good food, including a great pumpkin pie recipe. Rainbow Dash wouldn’t be surprised if he chose this restaurant solely for said pumpkin pie. Surprisingly, there weren’t many other patrons inside the place. A look at the menus said why.

“Woah…. The prices sure went up since the last time I was here,” Soarin’ said nonplussed.

“Sorry about that, Soarin’,” a waitress said walking up to the table. “We’re suffering from a shortage of ingredients lately so we needed to compensate.”

“Ah, that explains it. Well, I’ve got plenty of bits to spare right now.”

“So I’m assuming the usual for our best customer then?”

“Please. You girls have your orders?”

“I’ll take a hayburger with no onions please,” Scootaloo said putting down her menu.

“Uh… I guess I’ll take a hayburger as well,” Rainbow said doing the same, not wanting to drain Soarin’ wallet too badly.

“Okay, we should have your orders in just a minute,” the waitress said walking away. Not too much later, she came back with a tray and three plates on it. “Thank you for waiting. Enjoy!”

The group enjoyed their lunch and talked about different topics, some of them relating to personal life and others relating to the political issues. At the latter, Scootaloo didn’t contribute much to the conversation as she wasn’t really interested, nor did she really know what to say. Her mind wandered to Silver Spoon who, just like Sweetie Belle thought, was showing genuine interest in making friends with her friends and her. Scootaloo was a little resistant at first, but she warmed up pretty fast.

Once lunch was finished, the three pegasi walked out of the restaurant and decided to walk a bit before getting back to the flight lessons. It wasn’t often that Scootaloo was able to go outside of Ponyville so she wanted to see if she could pick up a souvenir to take home with her.

In their stroll, they couldn’t help but overhear a few ponies talking here and there, ranging from political issues to food shortage. From what they could gather, many cities in Equestria were forced to go with smaller portions of food due to a combination of trade issues and crop failure, Cloudsdale only being a minor case of this. This only increased the irritation most ponies nowadays felt and with the nobles hoarding a lot of food, the distrust against them was growing ever so stronger.

Some of those higher on the social ladder such as the Wonderbolts weren’t as affected, but could still feel the effects of the shortage. Soarin’ was thankful his position paid so well, but at the same time he was careful how he spent it. This day wasn’t much of a problem and he was happy to treat his two favorite girls to lunch.

That said, both he and Rainbow Dash still wondered about whether or not the crisis was only going to get more serious. More than likely, the answer was yes.

Another evening get together between the six mares was held on the Grand landmass in Elysium, another weekend to themselves to relax and catch up with each other. Five of the six waited in the Plaza in front of the gates to await the arrival of their friend who, right on time, emerged from the portal. Ditzy had made a promise to deliver a monthly report on the status of Equestria whenever one of these get togethers happened. Sadly, she never had a lot of good things to say and today it applied doubly so.

“Hi girls,” Ditzy said putting up a cheerful front. “How’ve you all been?”

“Sore, as usual,” Lightning Dust said bluntly. “Just assume that’s going to be my response to everything for awhile.”

“I don’t doubt that,” Sunset responded. “As for me, I think I’ve built up some sort of heat tolerance or something.”

“Nothings really changed that much since you were here last, Ditzy,” Canvas said with a giggle.

“That’s good… Where is Twilight though?”

The other three mares in front of her just now noticed the absence of Twilight and Trixie. They were right behind them when they came to the Plaza, but the panic was short lived as they caught a glimpse of Trixie hailing them from the other side of the area from where the villa was and they rushed towards her.

“Geez, warn us before you go off like that!” Sunset said in an annoyed tone.

“Sorry, Twilight just needed to lie down for a bit. I don’t think she is feeling too well right now and I didn’t want to leave her alone, just in case she needed something.”

“Yep, same old Trixie.”

The blue unicorn escorted the group inside the building to the brazier from their first visit. Twilight was laying down in front of it with a pillow under her and a quilt covering her body. She shivered with the kind of quivering one would expect from being sick. Putting two and two together, it wasn’t hard to see Twilight had a cold of some kind.

“Hi girls,” Twilight said tiredly.

“Twilight? Are you alright?” Ditzy said with concern.

“I’m fine, just a little under the weather. I think one of the other angels brought a virus from their trip to Equestria or something and I caught it.”

“Huh. I didn’t even know that could happen.”

“Neither did I, but here we are.”

“So why did you persist on coming here anyway if you’re sick?” Canvas asked.

“We only get one weekend out of the month to see each other and one little cold isn’t enough to stop me from doing just that.”

“Well don’t strain yourself too much, hon. It’s hard enough seeing one bedridden filly in my house,” Ditzy said.

“Bedridden? Is one of your foals sick too?”

“Dinky. She’s having some nutrition problems because of the shortage of food recently and as a result, she’s been getting sick a lot.”

At the mention of a food shortage, the amusement among the mares turned into glumness and Twilight got that cold feeling in her stomach again as she attempted to respond. “Food shortage?” she asked warily.

Ditzy hesitated for a moment as she was about to go into a topic she knew Twilight wasn’t going to want to hear. “Remember that bit about the Griffon Kingdom nulling the trade negotiation you worked so hard to establish? Well partially due to lack of trade with them and other nations, Equestria is short on both food and the supplies to grow them. Another part of it is also the weather patrol being so limited that they can’t supply the proper rain for crops. Applejack’s harvest was severely below average earlier this year and it’s been going downhill from there.”

“Oh dear…” Twilight said grimly.

“Personally, I don’t care about myself in this crisis. I don’t mind forgoing food. But I don’t want my babies to go hungry. They’re just too precious to me and it hurts to see them suffer. No child should ever have to go through the kind of thing Dinky and Sparkler are. It’s getting harder to provide for them, even with the increased salary I have. Thankfully, their schools give them enough for the most part, but the same cannot be said for the arrogant weasels in Canterlot. Not only are they hoarding food, but they’re consuming it in front of us! It’s just…”

Ditzy sobbed a bit as Lightning Dust patted her back in a comforting manner. While the situation was indeed disheartening, Twilight was mentally kicking herself in the gut. “This is all my fault…”

“What are you talking about, Twilight?” Trixie asked.

“I… All these issues are coming up because I left so abruptly, because I just couldn’t take it anymore. Now I’ve caused a domino effect that’s slowly shattering the harmony in Equestria.”

“Dear, don’t be so hard on yourself,” Ditzy said trying to revitalize the situation.

“I’m not going to lie, I can’t entirely disagree with you, Twilight,” Sunset admitted earning a sharp glare from Trixie. “BUT Celestia ultimately caused this by intervening in your decisions and by doing everything else she did. I used to be a student under her as you all know, so I know just as well how fickle she is.”

“And she really isn’t helping things with the new policies she is trying to enforce,” Canvas added.

“Yeah. With that recent ruling, she pretty much cut the nuts off of free speech.”

“As, uh, colorful as Lightning Dust worded that just now, they have a point,” Trixie said pulling Twilight in for a small hug. “Don’t be blaming yourself for something somepony else ultimately caused. Besides, even if you didn’t do anything, I think these things would’ve happened eventually, only dragged out even longer.”

As warm as her friends’ encouraging words sounded, the guilt that Twilight felt didn’t go away in the slightest. Maybe they were right, but she still felt responsible as some of her actions indirectly hurt one of her friends, or rather her friend’s child. Try as she might, she couldn’t suppress a strong shiver, both resulting from the thought and the cold acting up.

“Even so, I want to fix this mess like I said long ago.”

“And when that time comes, we’ll be ready and willing,” Trixie said as she leaned to nuzzle her but pulled back abruptly. “By the way, I’m not going to catch your cold, am I?”

Rarity left her apartment in haste as she completely forgot about time concentrating on her newest creation and the estimated arrival of the train Applejack was supposed to take to Canterlot was in fifteen minutes. That’s not saying she didn’t pay attention to her appearance before she left, far from it, but she opted to forego fretting about which dress she would wear, simply picking the nearest one. To her luck, the yellow summer dress with floral pattern matched her chosen hat perfectly.

She walked through the streets of Canterlot with apparent urgency in her step, but not even arriving late would force her to run. Such behavior was simply unbecoming from a respected member of higher society. However, she couldn’t but worry about what could happen if she left Applejack waiting for too long. She wouldn’t just get scolded, the danger would arrive from the other citizens and aim mainly against her friend.

She spotted with bitterness that yet another of the shops she used to frequent had closed down since she last passed this part of the city. She wasn’t too surprised. All businesses run by non-unicorns tended to close down sooner or later. Some chose to take a unicorn partner and present them as the executive partner to avoid losing their racist customers, but only few such partners proved reliable, mostly just leading the money out of the business and vanishing.

As she was walking, she started calming down again. Why would there be a problem after all? Ponies still come to Canterlot as tourists, though I really wonder why. They will just ignore her like they always do and then I will be around to prevent problem. She slowed down, sure that her delay wouldn’t cause any difficulties for her friend. Soon enough the building of Canterlot’s train station came to sight, along with a small gathering of ponies in front of it. Rarity’s worries returned full force and rightfully so.

“How dare ya to put those filthy hooves on mah things?! If ya don’t stop right now Ah’m gonna buck you in the face!” Rarity sped up immediately, forgetting her rule about running. Surely enough, in the middle of the group stood furious looking Applejack carrying a big parcel on her back, a unicorn city guard facing her with no less fury.

“This is standard control to locate any and all contraband, ma’am. If you are going to resist, we will have to arrest you,” he said barely containing himself, hatred underlying his words.

“So anypony who has some food must be immediately a smuggler? Tell ya what, some of us can grow things! Do ya want t’ arrest me? Come and try!” Applejack reared on her hindlegs and slammed her forelegs into the cobblestones, positioning herself for a fight. The guard assumed a fighting stance too, but they didn’t get a chance to deliver a single hit, as Rarity stepped between them, facing the guard angrily.

“What is going on here, guard?” she said as haughtily as she could. The guard immediately eased the stance and stood up straight, saluting her.

“This filthy mare is resisting a standard control, ma’am. I am about to arrest her.”

“Really now? Is the control really standard? Are you controlling anypony who passes by?” Rarity inquired in a sweet tone as if she was genuinely interested in the anti-smuggling procedures.

“Where t’ hay have ya-” Applejack started, but Rarity waved her off to stay silent.The guard shuffled a little, scratching his foreleg with the other one.

“Well… not everypony, just those who look… suspicious.”

“And what does look so suspicious on this… filthy mare as you say?” Applejack threw her a dirty look, but Rarity kept her calm facade. Not waiting for the guards answer she continued, still in her sweet tone. “Isn’t it for example the fact that she is an earth pony? I should remind you that racism is still not officially tolerated and one word from me would be enough to get you fired!”

“I-”

“Do you have any idea who you are bothering here? This mare happens to be one of the Elements of Harmony, close friend to the crown and national hero.” A few gasps echoed in the crowd, but Rarity promptly ignored them, along with Applejack’s blush. “You have exactly five seconds to vanish and never to come back to my sight again.” The guard hightailed immediately, most likely to find another victim for his power abuse. Then Rarity turned her attention to the oglers around. “What exactly are you doing here? Don’t you have anything better to do?”

As the small crowd dispersed, Applejack stepped to Rarity and patted her on the shoulder. “Ah say, ya really know how t’ rule them around! That vermin deserved a good buck though.”

“Indeed he did, Applejack, but one shouldn’t resort to violence if another way remains.”

“Mighty stylish one too. The way he galloped away on your mere word… Racist scum!”

“Welcome to Canterlot, darling,” Rarity deadpaned and gestured Applejack to follow her. “You will get used to both the racism and the cowards.”

“Ah couldn’t live here. Ya should return to Ponyville too. This place stinks.”

“I would love to, darling, but then I wouldn’t sell a single dress anymore. I have to make living somehow.”

“Speaking of making living, Ah brought ya something. A care package of sorts, heh. Ah’ll show ya when we arrive t’ your place.” They walked in silence then, taking turns in glaring on the passersby. The apartment wasn’t that far from the train station, allowing them to arrive there before their facial muscles got too tired.

“Welcome to my home, Applejack. It’s not my old boutique, but I don’t really complain.” Rarity gestured Applejack in and the earth mare’s jaw dropped to the ground. It wasn’t Rarity’s old boutique, no doubt. It used to be stylish but simple. The apartment however screamed luxury. Silk wallpaper covered the wall, thick velvet curtains framed the windows and the sofa set looked fabulously inviting with its soft cushions. Everything from the china in the cabinets to the furniture shared the tones of blue and beige.

“Darn it, Rarity! Ah thought you couldn’t go beyond your boutique. Ah’m afraid to touch anything so Ah don’t ruin it.”

“Oh don’t worry, Applejack. Sweetie visits me regularly and so far the place fares quite well, so it must be really endurant,” Rarity said with a chuckle and walked toward the kitchen. “I’ll start preparing the lunch. You must be famished “

“Ya could use mah present then.” Applejack followed Rarity into the kitchen and set her parcel on the table. “Behold, t’ work of t’ countryside!” She pulled the string and the paper slid down, revealing an assortment of foodstuffs ranging from fruit and vegetable to flour and honey. “We collected what we could spare so ya wouldn’t go too hungry with the famine,” Applejack said proudly, a warm smile spreading across her face. Rarity looked at the assorted gifts in awe.

“Oh my! This must have cost you fortune, Applejack!”

“Not really.” Applejack took a glass of water and sat down by the table. “See, ponies in Ponyville stopped caring ‘bout bits a little. Most of us grow something, so we just trade it among us, not selling to big merchants.”

“So you traded all this for your apples?”

“Yep.”

“Just for me?”

“Darn right, Rarity.”

“Oh Applejack, that’s so sweet from you!” Rarity exclaimed and pulled Applejack in a massive hug. “You are a glorious friend!”

“Shucks, Rarity, it’s no biggie. We hav’ta help each other.”

“It is… a biggie, Applejack. You sacrificed your own food to provide for me and took a real effort in it. Now I feel really bad…” She pulled away with a pout and walked to one of the big cabinets. “I am far from starving, darling. Unicorns in Canterlot are living better than ever now.” She opened the cabinet and revealed it was stuffed with food from bottom to top. “I have been giving food to Sweetie and Fluttershy whenever they visit to help them a little too.”

“Darn. How’s that possible? Ah thought that Canterlot was starving for sure. Ya’ll can’t grow anything here.” Applejack walked up and reached out incredulously to touch the food as to confirm it was there.

“We… can afford to buy the imported stuff. The nobility is getting richer by day and I profit on it as well. Are you angry?” Rarity asked as she saw Applejack’s confused expression. The earth mare turned to her and smiled kindly instead.

“Of course not, sugarcube. If anything, Ah¨m glad you are doing fine. Ah just don’t know what to do with this.” She pointed at the unwrapped parcel. “Hay there isn’t even enough space to fit it in.”

“Well…” Rarity mused as she looked at the food collected, “maybe we could find some use for it. Not all of Canterlot lives in affluence - just the visible part.”

“Are you suggesting we hand it to some starving ponies?”

Rarity nodded sadly. “Pegasi and earth ponies. You won’t see them, but they are still here.”

“Well, Ah’m certainly not carrying it back t’ Ponyville. That thing is heavy. So what are we cooking today?”

Once they were finished with their lunch and with cleaning up the kitchen as Rarity insisted, they rewrapped the package and went into the streets. Applejack insisted on carrying the package instead of Rarity levitating it, despite it being much more effective in the long run, saying that Rarity wouldn’t be able to maintain her pose. After few minutes though Applejack realized a serious problem.

“Um, Rarity? How exactly are we gonna find the ponies in need?”

“I have no real idea, darling. It is not every day I look for them. I thought we could give it to whatever beggar we meet, but so far it seems the city guard hunted them away from the centre.”

“Well then let’s go to wherever the city looks rundown,” Applejack suggested and looked around choosing the way.

“That will take a while actually. And…. that part is not exactly safe either.” Rarity shuddered at the thought of those quarters. Not every part of the city sucked up to the unicorns and Rarity didn’t exactly wish to know what emotions the small portion held toward them.

Seeing her friend’s unease, Applejack took a lead and flexed her muscles ostensibly.
“Ahh don’t worry, sugarcube, nopony will hurt while Ah’m around.” With the reassurance Rarity resumed walking too, secretly wondering just how Applejack managed to get such a perfect figure without ever going to spa. In few minutes the houses lost something of their luster, but still spoke of good enough standing of their inhabitants. The composition of ponies walking by changed too, the stuck up nobles being replaced by middle class clerks and small merchants. From time to time they even spotted some non-unicorns.

“Pardon me for interrupting your stroll, ladies,” a cultivated voice came from a side, “but would you be so kind as to spare few bits? I am trying to get home and luck is no longer on my side.”

They turned and to their surprise spotted a bordeaux crystal pegasus whose sand yellow mane glittered in the sun despite his disheveled state. He was gazing at them intently, tired resignation apparent in his eyes, his hoof reaching toward them. They exchanged a quick look and with a nod walked to him.

“But of course,” Rarity said with a smile, retrieving a purse from her saddle bag, “though how much would you need for your journey?”

The pegasus seemed taken aback by them actually stopping, having sat there since morning with little luck, but got ahold of himself quickly. “Because of the recent unfortunate development, the price of the ticket to Crystal Empire rose to eighty bits. Though I will gladly accept any coin you are willing to give me.” He bowed his head in submission, not wanting to look greedy.

Rarity cringed, not having realized just how bad the relations grew, but she wouldn’t back away. “Well, eighty bits is a hefty sum, but I guess I can spare that.” Applejack gasped for breath and stepped away from Rarity looking her over as if she just grew second head. The pegasus shared Applejack’s feelings to the dot, waiting just for a catch in the too-good-to-be-truth situation. “Under one condition.” There it was. He slumped down further, expecting some kind of mockery from the unicorn in front of him. “You will join us for a small snack and tell us what brought you so far in the first place.”

He certainly didn’t expect that. Instead of humiliation in order to get home without further ado he was to be treated to food in a pleasant company. By one of Canterlot nobles no less. “If you so please, I will gladly share my tale,” he blurted out, “but won’t it stain your reputation to be seen in my company?”

“An’ just why would it? Rarity’s been walkin’ around with me with no problem. She’s not like those racist stuck-ups, right Rarity?”

Rarity flashed Applejack a grateful smile, finally being assured that her friend thought no less of her for the luxury she lived in. “But of course. There is no difference among ponies. Besides, you look positively famished, darling.”

Not seeing any reason to try to convince his benefactors that his presence is not desired, he quickly got up and fell in step on Applejack’s right side. Seeing her carrying a massive parcel, his inner gentlecolt stirred up again. “Would you like some help with that package, madam?”

“That would be mighty nice of ya. But beware it’s quite heavy”

“Don’t worry, we crystal ponies don’t break easily. Also, I will most certainly not run away, with your belongings. That would be simply uncouth.”

“Ah’m not worried about that, sugarcube. We have been planning to give that to ponies in need anyway, so you would simply do us a favor. What’s yer name though? Ah’m Applejack, pleased to meet ya.”

“Rallying Net, at your service.” He bowed his head curtly. “And my benefactor’s name is miss Rarity, I take it?”

“Indeed, darling. Though you can drop that miss. I think this café will suffice. Take a seat, I will go order for us.” She vanished inside and her companions assumed placed by one of the outside tables. It was a pleasant sunny day and many tourists were streaming around, the quarter offering cheaper ways of sating hunger than the downtown. Before the silence between them could grow uncomfortable, Rarity reemerged and sat down too. “So, tell us about yourself, darling. You don’t look like a regular beggar, if you forgive me that expression, nor do you speak like one.”

“Neither the poverty nor the injustice can force me to abandon my ways, Rarity. I wasn’t raised to be a ruffian,” Rallying Net began his explanation, pausing to allow the waiter to set their plates on the table. He noted that his ration could swallow those of the mares’ easily. “You are too generous to me.”

“Nonsense. I wasn’t raised to be greedy,” Rarity answered with a cheeky smile, earning a chuckle from the others. “But what were you meant to be then?”

“As a foal I was lucky. I was chosen by the Dark lord to help with the bureaucracy needed to run the regime.” He pointed at his cutie mark of a massive open tome. “The position required high level of manners and I did what I could to not fail our ruler.”

“I can’t imagine how horrible it must have been to live under Sombra’s dark rule!”

“That is a common misconception, Rarity.” He paused to take another bite of his sweet treats, being actually famished. “In a tyranny, same as in any other regime, it only matters what class you belong to. Besides, would you call Equestria free nowadays?”

They couldn’t say anything to that. With the events of last few years, Equestria resembled the peaceful harmonious land they were born to less and less. “I didn’t think so. For many, the change of the ruler for the benevolent princess Cadance posed an existential problem. We were simply not needed anymore.”

“So ya set for a journey hoping to find a greener grass? Ah know that feeling. And how disappointing it can get,” Applejack interrupted, reminiscing about her search for herself.

“Something along those lines. Would you terribly mind ordering me a cup of coffee? I haven’t had any in days.”

“I was meaning to get one too. Two latés please,” Rarity called to a passing waiter. “So you went to Canterlot and found out the life being even worse here?”

“Not from the beginning. Finding a job in one of the royal agencies didn’t take much work, especially with my formal training and special talent. But after princess Twilight disappeared, things started going downhill. By the way,” he took a sip from the cup placed in front of him seconds earlier, “did you hear those rumors of her being spotted? Do you know if there is any truth on them?”

The mares slumped a little, gazing to the ground at the sensitive subject being mentioned. Every now and then a news of Twilight returning ran through the nation like a hurricane, spreaded by the supporters of princess Twilight, only to be proved fake in a week.

“No, sugarcube, false alarm again.”

“I thought so. Pity. Well, after she disappeared, the work conditions started to get worse. They cut our salaries, forced us to work overtime and so on. Few months ago they came and announced that due to the reorganisation caused by shortage of funds we are all fired.”

“Didn’t ya say unicorns have more money than they can use, Rarity?” Applejack asked in confusion.

“Only for themselves, darling. Only for themselves. Have you been on the streets since?”

“No, actually, I am not completely homeless even now. I came with few friends and we found shelter in an abandoned house. Nopony has cared so far.” He finished the drink and set it on the table. “Strange too. I thought those pesky unicorns would come immediately and chase us out. No offense, Rarity, there are always bright exceptions.”

“None taken, I see them the same way. So now you are going to return to Crystal Empire?”

“That’s my intention, yes. I may be unemployed there as well, but at least I will be treated with dignity. I can’t thank you enough for what you are doing for me. You are epitome of everything good in ponykind!”

“Just remember to give others as you are given, darling, and we will be even,” Rarity said with a smile and handed him the purse, intentionally leaving in more than the required sum.

“Indeed I will, Rarity. I just wish I could pay those nobles as I was given too.”

Pinkie Pie tried her hardest to maintain the same level of partying as she used to. For her, nothing compared in importance to ponies staying happy and smiling and she took it on herself to keep them that way. No matter the circumstances, she would hold her crusade for joyful Equestria.

That being said, how does one keep going the same when the only unchanged circumstance is their enthusiasm? Pinkie would have to find a way since she found herself exactly in that situation. When she finally accepted that Twilight wasn’t returning, she had a long road in front of her to trot.

Her friends stayed by her side the whole time and even prompted her to keep partying. She refused at first, but when they went out of their way and organized a string of celebrations all for her, she realized just how selfish she acted. No matter her personal feelings, the ponies around her counted on her. She would stay strong for them, hiding her true thoughts from them at any cost. After such a long time without her providing regular events for entertainment, since nopony would come to her creepy ‘Welcome home, Twilight’ parties, they stormed Sugarcube Corner with roars of joy.

They all needed their spirits lifted, even more so when the peaceful coexistence started faltering. Ponyville remained mostly out of the scope of the most fierce conflicts and hardly anypony expressed any racist thoughts; if they did, they were reprimanded quickly by their own. Ponyville wasn’t chosen as the seat of Elements of Harmony for nothing after all. But the grim atmosphere affected the citizens too and they felt the effects as fewer still travelers visited the town and the outside trady slowly went to screeching halt.

That posed another problem for Pinkie. She couldn’t resupply on her party decorations too often and the pyrotechnics ran out completely. She would have to reuse not only the banners, but confetti and occasionally balloons too. She scrutinized the current state of Sugarcube Corner critically as she walked among the foals roaming the place. She still managed to deliver well, even though there were definitely fewer balloons and they didn’t match quite so well and the banner saying “Happy Birthday, Misty Sky” bore signs of older writings. She masked most with ornaments, but some stains can’t be helped.

Of course, lower quality meant smaller payments from whoever wanted a party thrown and limited flow of funds meant ponies less willing to spend money on frivolous activities. Birthday parties for foals, Pinkie’s favourite kind, remained unaffected though, so she didn’t fret she would have to close the business.

Then the famine came and the one thing she took pride in the most was taken away from her. When ponies struggle to get bread, they hardly ever spare flour for cake. While the almost purely agricultural Ponyville managed to feed its citizens rather properly, the bakery still refrained from producing its typical decadents sweets for the most part. Not to mention that more exotic ingredients became completely unobtainable.

Pinkie heard how ponies in other parts of Equestria were starving to death. She knew she should be happy about what Ponyville had, but looking at the meager assortment of treats on the table still hurt her. She found ways to prepare food for her parties, mostly with help of Applejack and Fluttershy, who were regularly giving her apples and wild berries, but the quantity couldn’t compare to her brighter years.

Still, a party was a party and as long as the foal had fun, it would be called a success. Most of them didn’t care for mountains of food or for how many times the same streamer hung on the wall. They just wanted to meet their friends and enjoy a playful afternoon with them. Some of them had different priorities and tastes though, todays guest among them.

Pinkie scanned the room and quickly located the disgruntled pegasus filly. She had no trouble doing so. While the guests mingled and laughed, playing party games and running around under attentive scrutiny of few adults present, Misty Sky sat by a table on her own, glaring at anypony who dared to come closer.

At the beginning of the party she tried to draw all attention to herself, as any birthday foal would. She was flexing her admittedly beautiful and obviously expensive dress to the others and earned gasps of adoration just as expected. Though their attention quickly wavered and they started having fun with each other. Nopony can make 9-year-olds admire a dress and haughty demeanor for longer than five minutes and Misty Sky learnt that the hard way.

Normal foal would ignore that small loss in favor of joining in on the festivities, but Misty Sky was used to be the centre of attention all the time and she refused to accept such blow to her pride. If she couldn’t have fun to her liking, she wouldn’t have fun at all. Pinkie felt her smile falter as she saw her all alone by the table, sipping on her strawberry juice. No foal should sulk on their birthday party. Thankfully, Pinkie knew just the thing. She trotted quickly to the filly and sat down right next to her.

“Hi there! How’s the party going? Why the long face?” she asked giddily, not betraying her worries in the slightest. The filly turned to her, not dropping her glare and slammed her hoof into the table.

“All wrong!” she cried out. “This should be my celebration and nopony pays any attention to me. It’s like I don’t even exist to them.”

“That’s because you are here and all the games are over there, silly filly!” Pinkie gestured to the flock of ponies playing Pin a Tail On a Pony by the opposite wall. Earning only a deadpan look from Misty Sky, Pinkie knew she would have to pull the big guns. “Well, not everypony likes the games. But do you know what everypony likes? Cake!”

The filly perked up significantly. When cake would be served, all the foals would gather again. And since it would be her birthday cake, they would all be grateful for her and finally show her the appreciation she deserved.

“Awesome! Where is it? Bring it right now!”

Pinkie saluted and ran to the kitchen immediately, happy to see the filly’s cheered, if bratty, behavior. She pulled the cake from the cooled storage she kept it in - this wasn’t one of her own creations, she wouldn’t be allowed by the Cakes to bake something so big now. But Rarity sent some food from Canterlot from time to time. Mostly it would be more mundane things, but a pearl like this cake would show up occasionally. This one arrived just in time.

Pinkie couldn’t but salivate at the smell of the vanilla and hazelnuts goodness. She felt dizzy just from being in its proximity, admiring the tender frosting decoration of three storey cake, but a shout from the main room snapped her from the reverie.

“Everypony come here! There will be cake. Where are you Pinkie Pie? I want my cake!”

“Here it comes!” Pinkie called back in singasong way, sure the mood of the filly would improve soon. She picked the cake with her forehooves and walked out into the main room balancing on her hindlegs. “Tadaaa! Happy birthday, Misty Sky!”

She placed the cake on the table in front of the filly who eyed it hungrily. Misty Sky immediately grabbed a knife and cut into the cake, not caring about its intricate design. She was the birthday filly so she would get to cut the cake and also sample it first. The piece she cut for herself would be enough for three foals, but she didn’t care. She placed the knife so she would have control over it, not allowing anypony to have any cake until she decided so.

All the foal watched her with held breath as she raised the fork and prepared a morsel for herself. She slowly brought it to her mouth, teasing everypony with her theatrical moves, and chewed slowly. Then to everypony’s horror she spit the cake out.

“Bleh! Hazelnuts? I hate hazelnuts!” She shouted and glared fiercely at the perplexed Pinkie Pie. “You stupid earth pony, why do you keep ruining my birthday?!” She grabbed the cake and threw it to the ground. It splashed there and she even went so far to stomp on it, staining her dress. “Gah! Now you caused even my dress to get ruined. I hate you! I hate you all! Just go away, this is the worst birthday ever!”

She ran to the exit and left it wide open, the other guests too shocked to react. Pinkie bore a horrified and dejected expression, her eyes darting from the door to the destroyed cake and back. Suddenly a pegasus mare woke up from her stupor and started for the door too.

“Sweetheart, wait! We will make the birthday alright again! I will take you to some better patisserie and we will buy some more presents, what do you say?”

The other guests took it as a signal to react too. Some foals started sniffling, their parents calming them down and making way outside. The party apparently ended on the most sour note and everypony sensed it would be better to leave as quickly as possible. Soon only Pinkie Pie and a fairly angry pegasus stallion remained in the room.

“I hope you are happy, Miss Pie. You ruined my daughter’s special day.”

“This… this was horrible. Why did she do this? Why would she storm out like that?” Pinkie Pie asked more to herself, too shell-shocked to realize she was being reprimanded again.

“She is a delicate filly and your party obviously hurt her. I hope you realize this will have consequences.”

“What consequences? I didn’t do anything bad,” Pinkie finally noticed the situation and wanted to at least defend herself.

“You planned this completely inappropriately! I demand full refund plus cleaning cost for that dress and immediately!” The stallion knew he had an upper hoof. She had no way to compete with his influence and if he wanted, he would make sure she didn’t get to organize a party ever again. Staying in good grace with some of the nobles in Canterlot despite being a pegasus paid off really well.

“B-but I planned it just as you requested!” Pinkie stammered desperately. “And all the money went directly into the party. I didn’t have any profit of it!” She was now almost curled to a ball, too scared by the meanie who was towering above her.

“I don’t care where you take the money!” he shouted and stomped angrily, “The party wasn’t to our liking so you will give the money back! Be glad I won’t make you pay for the mental trauma of my d-”

“That would be enough,” a composed nonchalant voice came from behind him. He turned quickly, not expecting any witnesses and his stare went blank. The moment he faced to the newcomer, he felt a finger on his forehead and everything was shrouded by a thick fog.

When he turned back to Pinkie, his anger was all gone. Then he noticed the cake splashed on the floor and Pinkie’s crestfallen and shaking form. His heart sunk at the pitiful sight and he walked to her, stroking her mane reassuringly. “I am so sorry about the behavior of my daughter. She had no right treating you like trash. Please accept my deepest apology and this meager sum for the trouble caused.”

Pinkie lifted her eyes to meet the stallion’s, incredulously taking the hefty bag of bits from him. He then bowed a little and started for the door. “Rest assured she will be grounded for a month. Until next time, Miss Pinkie Pie.”

The door slammed shut and all that Pinkie could do was blink in confusion. “What just happened?”

“The world has become a better place, my dear Pinkie Pie,” Discord said and sat down next to Pinkie on the floor. “Or maybe not. Is the world good when ponies aren’t allowed to be themselves? Forced to comply with norms of proper behavior and the expectations other have for them?”

Pinkie finally took notice of who her savior was. Most ponies would freak out, having the era of Chaos Capital in live memory, but Pinkie knew that a race didn’t matter as long as they were friends, be it pegasus, unicorn or draconequus.

“Hi Discord! You have no idea how great it is to see you. The place has been boring lately.” She returned to her happy self immediately, pulling the chaos got into a bear hug to his amusement.

“You don’t have to pretend in front of me, Pinkie,” he said kindly, stroking her mane. “When you don’t feel happy, don’t force yourself to look so.”

“If I am don’t stay happy, then who will?” She pulled away, but despite her words dropped the smile plastered on her face. “I am still happy to see you. That guy would make me slave for him in the end. I would offer you cake, but that mean filly ruined it. Oh well.” She trotted to the backroom and retrieved an assortment of cleaning supplies. “Time to clean… up?”

Discord was sitting there by the table, a plate in his paw and a knife in his talon. “Cake?” He gestured to the restored confectionary goodness on the table. “It looks delicious to be honest.”

She dropped the rags and bounced to the table, the smile appearing. “Sure! Now I am double glad you showed up.” They each took a piece, though smaller than what Misty Sky reserved for herself previously and allowed themselves drift on the sugar high. “Mmmm. That’s even better than I expected. I have to thank Rarity for it. And thank you, this would be such waste if it remained on the floor!”

“Does this happen to you often, Pinkie Pie?” Discord asked and patted his mouth with a handkerchief summoned out of thin air. Then he threw it over his shoulder and it immediately turned into a small white bird. “Go tell Fluttershy that I am around, buddy.”

Pinkie watched the bird fly out the open window and sighed. “Not really, but they aren’t as cheerful as they used to be. I’m trying my best, but I have nothing to work with.” She glanced at the cake and then at Discord. “Couldn’t you give me some more sweets? Restoring the cake was a piece of cake for you,” she asked with a giggle.

It was Discord’s turn to sigh wistfully. “I wish I could, Pinkie Pie. But nothing good would stem from that. To my knowledge, the only creation spell of mine not causing chaos in the end brings chocolate milk.” A pink cloud appeared above the glass and Discord squeezed it a little, making the brown liquid rain. “Want some?”

“Sure!” Pinkie grabbed the glass and downed it in one gulp. “Can I keep that cloud?”

“Sure, just don’t eat it. The cotton candy went stale.”

“Thanks! But why don’t you want to cause chaos? I thought that’s what you do. Heck I would expect you to revel now, even though you are not evil anymore!” Pinkie hugged the cloud lovingly and then cradled it like a little foal, making cooing sounds in the process.

Discord leaned in the backrest, although he was sitting on the ground, and folded his hands behind his head. “It’s not that easy Pinkie Pie. While I admit the world turned closer to my domain, I can’t feel happy about it. I am not evil, but this chaos definitely is. I don’t want to harm others anymore.”

“I don’t want that either,” Pinkie agreed and got up, placing the cloud next to the cake. “That’s why I pretend and continue partying. I don’t want to anymore, not without others loving it.” She pulled a string and the banner folded itself neatly. She then went around the room and gathered all the decorations. “These can’t be used anymore, they are too damaged.”

“By not being yourself you won’t help anypony, Pinkie Pie. If you don’t feel what you want for them, you can’t bring them to it. And even then, they have to be willing. I learnt that the hard way with chaos.” He snapped his fingers and the pile of ruined streamers repaired itself. “Thankfully this spell doesn’t harm ponies,” he muttered to himself, inspecting his fingers.

“Maybe you are right. Maybe I should let them pull through somehow and then help them smile again,” Pinkie mused, packing the streamers into an entirely too small bag. “They will worry though.”

“There is no helping that. Just don’t let anypony decide how you are supposed to feel and act. Not even me. Do you understand, Pinkie Pie?”

“I think so, but it will be hard. I will try to be happy again. Thanks Discord.”

“You are very welcome,” he said and got up. “Now that the party is wrapped up, would you like to go with me to visit Fluttershy? I hope she won’t mind me staying for some time.”

“Don’t you live in Canterlot?” Pinkie asked quizzically, but fell in step nonetheless.

“I grew tired of that scenery,” Discord stated with a wave of his paw. “That and Celestia may have terminated the lease of my room.”

“You didn’t pay any rent, then what lease? And why would she even do something so mean?” They were now walking the main street of Ponyville, ponies turning head as the two most chaotic entities in Equestria passed them in amicable conversation.

“I am not sure. But how else am I to interpret her saying ‘Get lost, you pointless god, if you won’t serve, you won’t live here’?”

“That’s easy, silly. You got fired!”

“Ah! Well, that still better than getting petrified, I guess.” Discord chuckled and ruffled Pinkie’s mane. If only she knew how bad he felt, mostly because he couldn’t serve. “Do you think it will be hard to find a job as a retired chaos spirit?”

Flip Coin was strolling down one of the Canterlot main streets toward the seat of his company. He was humming happily, skipping from time to time in giddiness, a behavior absolutely unbecoming of a stallion of his age and wealth. At that day though, he couldn’t mind less about his image. Money would soon repair any potential damage.

Every few minutes he would pause on his journey, checking if that day’s issue of Business Ponies Daily was still sticking out of his saddlebag. He would pet the paper lightly and resume his walking. To most ponies his actions seemed fairly eccentric or downright crazy, but the few other merchants he met understood his happiness fully. They too shared it.

Soon enough he found himself in front of the three storey building at the edge of Canterlot downtown. As most of the buildings of the city, even this one had a facade of ivory white and roofs with golden trimming reflecting the sunlight into the streets. The whole city was projected as a praise to Celestia in Flip Coin’s opinion. How it took Luna so long to get fed up with it, he still couldn’t fathom.

His entry to the building wasn’t met with any special shift in attention of his employees. For a long time now he was coming to the headquarters only to keep the appearance. After all, his business partner, Sterling Silver, managed to take care of the endeavours fairly well on his own. With the foreign trade department being reduced to a stump of its former glory because of the duty increase and the rigid relations to Equestria’s neighbours, Flip Coin had fairly little to deal with.

All would change for him soon though. No more hours of sipping coffee with nothing productive to do. No more taking money for simply participating on founding the company all those years ago. No, he would get in control again. And the money flow would increase too. Drastically so.

“Ladies and Gentlecolts,” he called out theatrically and all heads in the hall turned to him. “Mark today well, because our prosperity will soon return. Personalist and head supply manager to my office. The rest of you start checking the old trade roads to Griffon Kingdom.” He walked past the baffled ponies who were used to many things, but certainly not to happy Flip Coin, and toward the stairwell. “Oh and somepony get Sterling, I need to talk to him,” he called already from the stairs, the two ponies he required making their way to him already.

“That won’t be necessary, I heard you well enough.” A middle aged gray earth pony stallion said from the top of the stairs and corrected a strand of his light gray mane falling to his glasses. “Why are you shouting like that, Flip? And why are you taking our staff from their tasks? It’s not like we will need those routes anytime soon and the shipment details need to be ready before noon.”

“That’s exactly where you are wrong, Sterling,” Flip Coin countered with a winning smile. “You will see soon enough that any shipment you are having in progress will pale compared to this.”

“If you say so…” He leaned past the railing and called down to the hall, “Half of the staff is to finish the designated tasks. The rest please follow Flip Coin’s instructions.” He returned his attention to his business partner and beckoned him to follow. “It must be rather important if you warranted you to show up so early today, Flip. My office is more spacious, let’s talk there.”

“Did you switch rooms again? You could never sit in one place for too long.”

“The sun was bothering me. It’s hard to do business with it sticking its rays everywhere.” The two stallions shared a laugh to further confusion of their employees.

“Still nice you came to greet me. That didn’t happen in ages.”

“Neither did it today. I was just getting some coffee.” Sterling pointed at the cup balanced on his back. “Anyway, take a seat. What’s so important you rescheduled all our work?”

“Well, maybe the fact that all our trade in Equestria pale in comparison to this.” He reached into the saddlebag and pulled out his cherished newspaper, handing it to Sterling. “For some reason they put it only on page three. Enjoy.”

Sterling took it and opened at indicated page. “Another trade directive? You are right, we can close the business completely.”

“No, just read it and keep the quips when the crown is doing something for us once in a blue moon.”

“Alright then, if you insist.” Sterling returned his gaze to the article skeptically and started reading. Flip Coin watched with satisfaction as his friend’s expression gradually shifted from pessimistic to incredulous and finally pleased. “What the hay? What got into her so suddenly?”

“See? I told you this was worth it. But it’s not so sudden if my sources are to be trusted. She was trying to convince griffons to change the trade politic for quite some time. So when they don’t remove the duty, she will do that for us.”

“That will sure be costly for her and the griffons will be jumping in happiness when they hear,” Sterling remarked. “But you shouldn’t jump to conclusions; this means rather little for our trade.”

Flip Coin raised his eyebrows in confusion. “Pray tell, what else would you want? You have an open way to trade with griffons again, you have an entire market of starved ponies demanding food of any quality-”

“-who don’t have any money left with what our unicorn friends showed us in last few years,” Sterling added, breaking Flip’s monologue. “We can get the goods now, but selling them poses entire different problem. Pardon me, but I am not willing to sell cheaper than I buy and that would be the only way to.”

“You are wrong once again, my friend, though I can’t you blame this time.” Flip Coin looked at the two other ponies in the room and lifted his hoof warningly. “If this information leaks, you will be fired immediately. Is that clear?” Earning a confirmative nod from both, although he didn’t fear betrayal from their side, since they have been always perfectly loyal, he continued, “From my sources I learnt about another ordinance in works. The crown will be buying half of the imported goods for the prices standard in Equestria. Celestia wants to distribute the food to her starving subjects for free!”

Sterling folded the newspaper and stood up, retrieving a bottle of whiskey and four glasses from a cabinet behind his table. “It looks like Celestia’s tolerance to suffering finally ended. To future gains, gentlecolts.” They emptied their glasses and set them back on the table, ready for a refill. “How many ponies know of this other ordinance?”

“Just us, as far as I know. I wonder what drove her to such desperate solution, though.”

“I have family in Ponyville, Flip. You have no idea how bad it is outside Canterlot. Ponies eat grass and bark.”

“Well, now the grass and bark will be imported from Griffon Kingdom,” Flip Coin remarked without a care. “Do I have green light for setting this to motion?”

“You could show some heart,” Sterling said with mild disdain, “but yes, you can. That’s why you requested the presence of our dear colleagues, isn’t it?”

“We will have first caravans ready before the day’s end. May the profit begin.”

The citadel was warm and cozy as it had always been for Canvas. As content as she was to just lay down and draw that night before bed, the most recent of Ditzy’s monthly report clouded her concentration. From what she gathered from Ditzy, Equestria’s crime rate was steadily increasing, whether it be from desperation, hate, or simple greed. The nation was becoming more split as each week passed.

It doesn’t sound good out there. I wonder how daddy is doing in this situation. Hopefully he’s okay. After several frustrating minutes of not being able to draw anything, Canvas decided to blow out her lantern and just tossed her things aside to go to bed. Try as she might, no matter how comfortable her quilt was and how tired her body was, too many thoughts raced through her brain and a good hour passed before she got fed up and sat up.

“Dang it. I can’t sleep,” she said thinking out loud. “Hmm, my body is sore. I guess I can understand why Dusty keeps complaining about achy muscles.”

Canvas glanced out her window to a view of the citadel’s courtyard. It was one of the first sights she set her eyes on when she first relocated to the landmass, with a large garden with many abstract hedge sculptures, many of which were too bizarre for even other angels to make sense of. The first time she saw them, Canvas couldn’t even tell what half of them were. The courtyard as a whole was interesting but with repeated visits to the gardens and the inside conversary, Canvas quickly grew bored of the area within the first month, a boredom that she was feeling this moment.

After getting up the motivation, Canvas decided to get out of her bed and go relax in the citadel’s hot springs. She made her way towards the east side of the building where there was an open air bath. It was becoming something of a habit for Canvas to come to this hot spring after training as it had many benefits. Aside from the soothing hot water relaxing her body, it also helped whenever she had to clear her mind whenever she couldn’t focus, as was the case this night.

“Γεια σου? ποιος είναι εκεί?”

The sudden voice startled Canvas and made her yelp as she dropped the towel she was carrying in her mouth. The voice belonged to a changeling angel who was already submerged in the hot spring. She had the characteristic vertical halo of the Sanctorum, her’s resembling an olive wreath with a scale attaching the branches. Her wings were moth wings that were folded and resting on the edge of the bath. Unlike other angels, she had no horn and her eyes were completely white and featureless which stated she was blind, evident in the fact that she normally wore a blindfold. Perhaps the most obvious feature was a tetralogy of sentient tails, each with a marble foal head representing the four principles of justice.

“M-mother Integ-grity?” Canvas stuttered with her heart still racing.

“Oh Acrylic Canvas, it’s just you. Sorry for scaring you. I just expected you to be long asleep by now, as everyone else should be by this hour.”

“I w-was trying to, b-but I had a few things on my m-mind and couldn’t fall asleep.”

“I see. Well, since you are present, might I invite you into the spring then?”

Canvas exhaled slowly to calm down and picked up her towel, placing it down by the edge of the bath for when she got out. She took a small folded towel and placed it on her head after tying her mane back before inching herself into the steaming water, starting with her legs then gradually the rest of her body. Once all but her head and front hooves were submerged, she used her hooves to remove her glasses and placed them on top of her other towel, reclining back and enjoying the bathing experience.

“Might I ask what is troubling you so much that you join me here?” Mother Integrity requested.

“Oh, it’s nothing much.”

“No need to be coy, my child. I only wish provide guidance.”

“Well… It’s just that I’ve been talking with the others a lot whenever we have time together and Ditzy told us about some of the things going on in Equestria. The rise of crime is something I’m worried about.”

“Do elaborate.”

“M-my father is a judge in Canterlot, but he’s also a unicorn. Even though he always fights against injustice like that, I fear me would become a target in this crisis.”

“Do you love your father?”

“Of course! I couldn’t ask for a better daddy than him.”

“Then you should have faith in him. He will not have the easiest time nowadays, but his moral courage is indeed a grand virtue. Trust me, I am familiar with his line of work.” One of Mother Integrity’s tails stretched out behind Canvas, making her jump a bit when it made contact with her shoulder. “If he is as compassionate about his work as you imply, he will be fine.”

“I hope so,” Canvas said feeling little assurance.

“Tell me, Acrylic Canvas. What do you think the difference between Justice and Revenge is?”

Canvas glanced at her mentor with a confused expression, thinking her question came out of the blue. “What do you mean?”

“Please answer the question to the best of your abilities.”

“Well…” Canvas put a hoof to her chin as she pondered. “I guess I would say that revenge is usually fulfilled for personal reasons whereas justice is giving what is deserved by the whole. Sort of like displaced anger versus righting an imbalance.”

“One is motivated by virtue and the other by vice. Is that what you are saying?”

“More or less,” Canvas shrugged.

“I can understand where you are coming from and for the most part, you are correct. However, what if I were to tell you that justice can be seen as revenge by the society? After all, society is composed of many individuals who might wish to see punishment brought upon a criminal. Would that still be called Justice?”

“I supposed it would depend on the crime.”

“Precisely. It is all about context. Does the punishment fit the crime? Many times, those who seek revenge wish the punishment to exceed the crime. Displaced anger as said before. Many claim justice to be about equality but by that logic, that would mean treating a rapist the same as treating a litterer. If that were the case, than the justice system would not deliver proper justice.”

“I… guess.” Canvas wasn’t entirely sure where Mother Integrity intended this conversation to go but she still listened attentively.

“Here is another question. You remember the difference between a Sin and a Vice, correct?”

“A Vice is a minor offence that can be overlooked where as a Sin is a more serious offence that can stain the soul, rendering them unable to achieve a Paradise.”

“Correct. Now one could compare these terms to those used in law: a Vice is to a Sin what a Misdemeanor is to a Felony. The minor offences don’t usually stain one’s reputation whereas the more serious ones do. Now let me ask yet another question. Would you consider all killers a lost cause, condemned to spend the rest of their lives in a prison?”

“By default, yes.”

“I see. By that logic then those who perform executions on criminals would surely become criminals themselves in that regard. Or how about the soldiers who must kill one to save the lives of tens or hundreds. There is a difference between a killer and a murderer. As I said before, it is in the context.”

“I… never thought of that before.”

“I find that hard to believe, Acrylic Canvas. Your father is a judge after all and if I am understanding correctly, he would sometimes talk with you about his cases. But I digress. Allow me to present a quiz. What is greed?”

“Greed is the desire for wealth, goods, or objects of abstract value with the intention of keeping it for one’s self.”

“What separates ‘greed’ from ‘avarice’?”

“Greed is a common vice, if not the most common, among society while avarice is the excessive presence of greed, far beyond what dictates survival or comfort.”

“An exemplary answer! Very well then, how would you dictate the difference between the two in person? How would you determine between which type of greed you see?”

Canvas pondered for another moment before responding. “I guess I would look for intention. Desire for money might make one seem shallow but if that desire overshadows other goals, then that’s when I think greed would turn to avarice. And I think if excess is blatant, such as conspicuous consumption, that would definitely be avarice also.”

“What separates excess from gluttony?”

“Excess is over-indulgence or over-consumption of food or wealth, but if that leads to extravagance or waste, then it becomes gluttony.”

“How would you determine between which type of excess?”

“I would look for attitude. I haven’t been to many parties but I’ve heard a lot of those in Canterlot really go all out, with big feasts or unnecessary spending on decorations. Something like the Grand Galloping Gala. But that didn’t discriminate as it was only open to those with invitations, not to a certain social group or race. This would contrast to a few New Years parties I’ve heard about, a lot of them too proud to let others in.”

“What separates pride from vanity?”

“Pride is a normal emotion and is often a good one. You need to have some pride in order to accomplish things. Vanity is when that pride exceeds the acceptable amount, not giving credit where it’s due.”

“How would you distinguish between them?”

“By nature, I would also look for attitude on this. I’m guilty of it from time to time, I admit it. I’ve been told my art is amazing and I know it. But if somepony else’s pride makes them do unspeakable things…” Canvas looked down into the water with a feeling of shame. “Pride motivated by anger and jealousy.”

Mother Integrity recognized her pupil's demeanor and grew troubled. “You shouldn’t blame yourself for the actions of others. I apologize for reigniting distasteful memories,” she said extending a hoof to pat Canvas’ head. “Let us move on. What separates anger from wrath?”

Canvas pushed aside the shame and glanced back at her mentor. “Well, anger is also a normal emotion. I don’t think there is a single living being that hasn’t felt anger at some point. Anger turns to wrath when you let it dictate your actions.”

“What separates jealousy from envy?”

“Jealousy and envy are very similar. I guess if I had to choose, jealousy is wishing misfortune on others whereas envy is actually bringing it on them.”

“Both jealousy and anger can lead to or result from the last two sins: Lust and Sloth. How would you differentiate between desire and lust?”

“Desire can be for many things, but if you are referring to… you know what, right?”

“If you feel uncomfortable about it, I will not make you talk about it further.”

“N-no, I’m okay. Desire is a normal part of the mind, but if that desire can’t be quenched, then it turns into lust.” Despite saying the contrary, Canvas was growing increasingly uncomfortable about the subject due to her own experiences with it.

“Let’s move on shall we?” Mother Integrity said brushing aside the awkward topic. “Now why do you think I would ask you all of these questions?”

Canvas opened her mouth to try and answer, but she really didn’t have one. With the split delay, Mother Integrity spoke again.

“Do you see a theme in the system? There is one thing that connects the comparisons, one thing that determines the difference between a minor offence from a major one.”

The magenta apprentice pondered for awhile before finally understanding. “Oh, context! I see. Each of them depends on the context of the action.”

“Very good! It’s all about perception and context. The severity of a sin is not the action itself, but the context in which it is committed. One’s perception can may say one thing but the context can say something entirely different. Nevertheless, not all vices can be excused, but some more than others.” Mother Integrity slowly stood up and got out of the spring, stretching as her tails picked up the clothes she had sitting to the side. “I would like for you to think more on our talk from tonight, but do remember that while many crimes are subjective, many others are as clear as day.”

Mother Integrity dried her body off and dressed it in her robes before putting her blindfold back on. She left the hot spring area, leaving Canvas to sit back and relax for the remainder of her visit. The mare in question sat in the water for awhile more before getting out herself, feeling drowsy and wanting to sleep. She dried herself off and headed back to her room. Once she was tucked into the covers, her heavy eyes closed with the last sight being the clear sky with a full moon as she drifted off into her slumber.

Big midnight blue chariot was circling high above the parched fields just outside Manehattan, the pegasi pulling it making sure it would remain out of the sight of the gathered ponies below. Betraying their presence before having been given the order was out of a question. A silver head poked out of its window and took in the plain underneath.

“It looks like the whole city gathered here. Surprisingly, there are only few scuffles; the ponies are waiting with great discipline,” Sharp Note stated and leaned back into the chariot. “I wonder how many guards are hidden among them. Not that I would criticize anypony for having them there.”

“Neither would I,” Luna said, anxiously tapping her hoof against the soft cushions. “Is she there?”

“Yes, I saw Princess Celestia personally overseeing the expenditure of food. She is close to the wagons. The guards around aren’t masked at all. Not surprising really.”

“Did you see how much they have left?”

“Only briefly, but even if the wagons were still full, it wouldn’t be enough for the crowd. At least not for more than one meal.”

“Then we are coming just in time.” Luna opened the small window facing forward and called to the chariot pullers, “Find a place to land and give a signal the others to be ready for our sign.”

“The crowd is too thick, your majesty. We have to land quite far away,” one of the pullers called back.

“Then we will at least enjoy a walk.”

Soon enough the chariot was on the ground. The pullers unhitched themselves and retrieved their spears from the holders before opening the door for Luna and her chancellor. Excited whispers were running in every direction through the crowd. Not one, but two princesses were suddenly present. Even though she was no longer their ruler, the ponies still held Luna in high regard and as she started walking in the direction of Celestia, they parted in front of her and bowed.

She regarded them with a sad look, noting how scrawny and tired they looked. “Fillydelphia truly suffers in these dark times,” she said to her entourage. “Worse than is appropriate.”

As they neared the wagons and the bowing of ponies became visible from the wagons, the work stopped, everypony anticipating whatever would was to happen. Celestia went rigid at seeing her sister, their last conversation still fresh in her mind. She felt a pang of fear at what she would be told. Still, this time she was sure her actions were right and she wouldn’t back down. That’s why when Luna got close enough, Celestia stood up and assumed an authoritative position.

“If you came to cause unrest, you better leave now. These ponies need the food and I won’t allow anypony to interfere.”

Luna didn’t slow down at all and stopped only when she stood directly in front of Celestia. She glanced at the half-empty wagons and then at the crowd around, patiently waiting for their saving grace. “Do you have enough for all of them?” she asked quietly with concern, shocking Celestia more than if she hit her.

Celestia checked if the ponies were far enough to not hear her and then she let her head bow a little. “No, Luna. I couldn’t get food for them all. We are failing here, but I want to help as many as I can.”

“As do I, sister.” Luna smiled and flared her horn, sending a burst of fireworks into the sky. On the signal, wagons of varying size and shape started landing behind the ones already unloading. The pullers immediately opened them and revealed a supply of food sufficient for an army. “I am sorry about some things I told you, Tia. We need each other and we can’t let our differences cost our subjects’ lives.”

Celestia stood there mouth agape, watching her servants and guards quickly approaching the newcomers and retrieving the supplies after greeting the ponies wholeheartedly. “What does this mean, Luna? What is this?”

“A mere gift from Lunar Domain citizens to their brethren in Equestria, along with my own.” The word of arrival of new wagons spread as quickly as about Luna’s showing up and soon the crowd was cheering. They too understood that what Celestia brought wouldn’t be enough for them all. Now the mood of the gathering improved greatly. “We are far from peachy ourselves, but we still manage to produce slightly more than we need. So if the border is open, our merchants are eager to cross it. And more help is on its way too.”

“Why the turn, Luna? I thought you wouldn’t forgive me barring you from power.”

“I haven’t, Tia. That’s why we remain independent. But our ponies need food and I refuse to sit by, sulking about our differences and they feel the same. Just look.”

Indeed, the pullers joined the effort of giving out the food to the waiting ponies, working side by side with Celestia’s employees. No disagreement stemmed among them, all understanding the grim circumstances.

Luna watched the scene with a warm smile and when the time was right, she shot another firework to the sky. Seconds later, the clouds formed in the air and swirled into a big circle around the space where the wagons rested. Pegasi were crisscrossing the sky, preparing every detail and then as one pony they bucked the clouds, starting the rain.

“No matter how bad you treat other races, Celestia. No matter how many times you wronged me and how unfair your regime is, we don’t want to see ponies hurt. So whether you like it or not, the citizens of Lunar Domain will help by any means necessary.”

Since the weather situation after the moving of Cloudsdale to Lunar Domain significantly worsened in all of Equestria, the perfectly tempered downpour brought almost as much rejoicing among the ponies as the food provided. It meant they would be able to grow their own vegetable again and that the worst would soon pass.

“Maybe an exchange of diplomats is in order, too,”Luna mused. She waved to the ponies and then flashed a sincere smile to Celestia. “Until next time, Tia. Hopefully in a happier moment.”

“Thank you, Lulu. If you wanted to show me you are a mature ruler, you just succeeded. I hope we will see each other in the eye again, sister.” Celestia returned Luna’s smile and reached a hoof to her which Luna took in her own gladly.

“I am sure of it, Tia. Just give it time.”

Mother Integrity: "Hello? Who's there?"