With the ear-splitting shriek of the morning trumpets greeting the rise of the fiery inferno, Flash Sentry groaned. Lying on his stomach, face buried in the pillow, his dress uniform damp with sweat, he slammed his eyes shut.

Is this what dying feels like? Uuuurk…

Hammers struck the anvil of his head at the knock on his door. Too pained to move, he muttered, every syllable aggravating his sandpaper throat, ”Five more minutes…”

More clamor rang out as the door opened, then closed, thudding hoofsteps following. Each noise was a knife.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, sire.” Greyhoof may have whispered, but it was all but a shout. He approached the bed, something rattling along the way. “Turn over, please.”

With nigh-insurmountable effort, Flash pushed himself to his side. He flinched at the growing sunlight filtering through his window, then looked over at Greyhoof, who held two things in his forehooves. A large glass of water, and…

A bucket.

“I don’t have to puke,” Flash mumbled, his stomach twisting. Bile rose in the back of his throat—so acidic and sweet and That was the wrong thing to say, wasn’t it?

Greyhoof set the bucket down on the floor beside the bed and the water on the nightstand. “I won’t look,” he said, trotting over to the closet.

Groaning again, Flash sat up on his haunches. He coughed, nausea rolling through him in waves. Maybe I can… Another cough. His stomach clenched. Nope!

While Greyhoof opened the wardrobe, Flash buried his muzzle in the bucket.

Each gag and retch sent more of that sweet bile burning through his throat. Pilsner was just as sweet, but not as smooth, on the second taste. Thankfully, none of it dribbled down his sweaty uniform.

Just when he thought he was done, Flash grabbed the bucket again.

A minute later, his stomach still in knots but empty of any conceivable contents, Flash set the bucket down. Panting, he brought his forehooves up and rubbed at his temples. “Gah… Nggg… Ohhh, Celestia...”

“Should have thought about that last night, sire,” Greyhoof said as he polished Flash’s armor.

“Ugggh… I know…” I didn’t think it would get so out of control. Drinking’s never been my thing. I guess I see why now. Flash moved down to his hooves, taking care to avoid the bucket. As he started unbuttoning his uniform, he said with a sigh, “Thanks, though… I do feel a little better.”

“A shower will help, and a toothbrushing too, Flash.” Greyhoof nodded towards the door. “Take care of those first. Then, we’ll get everything else ready.”

“Thanks, Greyhoof.” Flash removed his uniform and laid it down on the bed. As he did so, two envelopes poked out of a pocket—one red, one white.

Greyhoof raised an eyebrow. “What are those?”

Flash picked up the envelopes, both unmarked. A hazy memory of two Wonderbolts and a cloud high above Canterlot flickered through his mind. “Oh, uh… Well, when we were at the bar, Soarin and Spitfire showed up. They wanted me to give these envelopes to, err…”

Greyhoof raised his other eyebrow.

Flash bit his lip. “Um…” Think, think! Let’s see… Both were… strange requests. One for the… “stallion I’m guarding”—okay, that’s Blueblood—and the other for… my Captain. My Captain? Flash shook his head. Wait a minute! No, Spitfire said not Ironhoof. Or was it Soarin? Either way, there’s only one other stallion it could be for. But that would mean…

“Have you figured it out, Flash?”

“Uhh, I think so,” Flash muttered, snapping from his reverie. “I think I have to give this one to Blueblood—” he pointed at the white envelope—”and this one to Prince Shining Armor—” he pointed at the red one.

Greyhoof trotted over and took the envelopes. He studied them carefully, his brow furrowing, for several moments, before he said, “I do believe you have that backwards.”

“What do you mean?”

Greyhoof held up the red envelope. “I don’t think anypony would be sending a red envelope to Prince Shining Armor. That is, unless…” A coy smile teased across his muzzle.

Flash rubbed at his temples. “Greyhoof, no offense, but I’m not the best at thinking right now.”

“Nor were you last night.” Greyhoof’s smile faded. “But we are pressed for time, so we won’t get into that.”

Flash flinched, his ears drooping.

“Anyway, a red envelope usually designates… Well, a message that Prince Shining Armor shouldn’t be receiving, unless the Princess of Love is a lot more generous than we’ve thought.” Greyhoof half-snorted at his joke. “With that in mind, it is probably for Blueblood.”

Flash looked back at the red envelope. “So… You think it’s a love letter?”

“From what I’ve seen, yes.”

“Huh…” But why would—unless. Maybe they’re just passing it on for a friend? Like I am? Because I’m not giving Blueblood a love letter! Flash turned back to Greyhoof. “That’s… really odd.”

Greyhoof nodded. “Indeed. Odd that a Wonderbolt would give you any mail to pass on, but… I suspect this has something to do with your trip to the Empire, yes?”

Though Flash wanted nothing more to reply honestly, he could only shake his head. “Not that I know of.”

“Hm.” Greyhoof paused. “I see. Well, in any case, do you intend to deliver them?”

“I don’t see why not. I…” Flash looked away. “Apparently agreed to do so.”

“I see. Well, do try not to get yourself in too much trouble.” Greyhoof frowned at the envelopes. “I don’t know why you of all ponies are involved with whatever these are, but do be careful, Flash.”

Unfortunately, I think I know why. Because I’m Blueblood’s only guard, and… I can’t tell you the other reason. Still, Flash put on a smile and said, “Thank you, Greyhoof. I’ll be right back.” He started for the door.

As he did, Greyhoof waved a forehoof. “Before I forget, there is something else I should mention.”

“Oh?” Flash asked.

Greyhoof cleared his throat. “How should I put this?” He coughed, then raised a forehoof. “Ah, well, I suppose I’ll be blunt. First, your friends—” Greyhoof clicked his tongue—”brought you back a little after midnight—”

”Pull me up, an’ I’ll tell you.”

Oh… shit. That wasn’t a dream.

“—Which, I suppose, you should thank them for. And second…”

Greyhoof picked up an unfamiliar book from the nightstand. “You had another visitor last night. Care to take a guess who?”

For a moment, Flash said nothing, squinting through his headache at the book. Of The Moon And Stars—an astronomy text. Between its thick pages was a thicker piece of parchment. A letter? But who would—

… Oh no.

“Well, Flash?”

Feathers shaking, Flash looked up at Greyhoof’s frown and matched it with one of his own. “... Twilight.”

Greyhoof set the book down on the nightstand with a thud. The noise echoed through Flash’s head. “Correct.”

“Did she say what—”

“No. She seemed in some distress, though.”

Flash hung his head. Of all the times I have to lose it…

“But,” Greyhoof said, “although she was unable to speak with you last night, seeing that you were passed out on your bed in your uniform—”

Flash’s eyes bulged. “What?!”

“—And since your two ‘friends’ were shoved in the closet while I spoke with her—”

“Steel and Spear were in here?!”

“—Considering they didn’t act so surprised, I suspect they already knew. Whether you intended for them to know or not.” Greyhoof stared hard at him for a moment before he continued. “However, she not only wanted to give you that book.” He paused. “She wants you to meet with her, Flash. Tonight, after your shift. In the maze.”

Meet me? Tonight? After court? When I’m like this? It could have been the hangover, but Flash felt his head start to spin. “Th-the hedge maze in the Canterlot Gardens?”

“I assume so. Now…” Greyhoof cleared his throat. “While I definitely do want to talk more about all of this, and soon, you have barely an hour and a half to clean yourself up, get in your armor, and eat before the trial begins. So, I would suggest you head off to those showers, sire.” Scrunching his muzzle, a slight smirk crossed Greyhoof’s muzzle. “Especially since you smell like a brewery.”

Dizzy, aching, thirsty, and sore—and, as one whiff of his wing confirmed, sweating beer—Flash obeyed, heading off to the showers. There, the water slicked away the remnants of last night, but failed to wash it all away.

~

Twilight Sparkle knew she could not skip tea with Celestia and Luna this morning. That didn’t stop her from wanting to regardless. Still, she headed down to the Royal Dining Hall and joined the two, who were already in the middle of breakfast and conversation.

“Good morning, Twilight.” Celestia spoke with the same smile she always wore during their morning greetings—warm and welcoming and even a little eager.

Twilight found herself forcing herself to return it. “Good morning…”

“Sleep well?” Celestia asked, stirring her tea.

“Oh, uh, well, you know…” Twilight grabbed the sugar bowl and began dumping teaspoon after teaspoon into the piping hot cup of tea before her. “As well as I could. Heh, heh.”

“Are you ready for this morning?” Luna took a draught of her tea.

The spoon hovered above the sugar bowl. A cutting reply rang out in her thoughts. Ready? I don’t know, Luna. I spent the last two days reading about things that contradict everything I’ve ever known. I wasn’t exactly reading up on Lex talionis or something.

Along with the urge for sarcasm was a moment of genuine fear; the law books Twilight had intended to peruse as a refresher had been long forgotten, lying jumbled under the desk along with everything else she had flung in her long night.

Worry twitching at her features, Twilight replied after the long pause, “Y-yes! Yes, of course.” She added two more spoonfuls of sugar to the tea.

Celestia poured herself another cup of tea. “I’m glad to hear that. I figured you were using yesterday to prepare.” She briefly frowned. “I hope you didn’t mind that I sent the servants up with your dinner. I hope they weren’t an int—”

“Them? Oh, no! No, no! They were fine!” Twilight loudly sipped at her tea. “All fine! Dinner was great! Thank you very much!”

The two elder alicorns exchanged a glance.

Sweat dribbled down Twilight’s neck. Calm down! “Soooo… How has Royal Court been, Luna?” Act natural. Ask some questions. Her ear twitched. Stop twitching!

And try not to think about secrets, lies, conspiracies, or prophecies. Not right now! Not until later! Freakout time is later! Freakout time is not scheduled until after Orion’s trial! Then, you can freak out all you want!

“Court has been… fine.” Twilight flinched at Luna’s reply. “But tell me, Twilight Sparkle, is there something bothering you?”

Twilight brought a forehoof to her chest. “Me?” She blew a raspberry. “No, no!”

Luna hummed. “I see.”

Celestia looked between the two for a moment before clearing her throat. “Alright, Twilight. This has gone on long enough.”

Twilight’s teacup almost fell along with her stomach. No… Nonononono! Not now! “Wh-what do you mean?” Both of her ears twitched repeatedly. “Everything’s—”

Luna raised a forehoof. “It quite clearly is not, given how restless you are.”

Twilight bit her lip. Should I just—no. Wrong time, wrong place. Potentially wrong information. That and… She inwardly sighed. Not yet. Just keep reassuring them. Willing her twitches to cease, Twilight took a breath and plastered on a big smile. “Luna, I appreciate your concern, but really, I’m fine.”

“Twilight,” Celestia began, her voice quiet but firm, “please, do not lie to us. You have been stressed since your return from the Empire.” Her eyes shone with the almost-motherly concern Twilight had long come to recognize. “If you do not want to talk about it, you do not have to. But there must be something we can help you with. It pains me to see you so distressed.”

And it pains me to know that you might be a liar.

Twilight winced at that thought; it wounded her far more than she expected, even if it hadn’t been the first time in the past few days it had passed through her mind. She hung her head and sighed.

The two watched her in silence, teacups down, both of them wearing concerned frowns. Knowing that a continued denial would not satisfy them, Twilight searched her mind for an excuse. It only took her but a second.

If what Starswirl’s book says is true… Then I need to talk to Cadence. And my brother. And my parents. And Spike. And my friends.

And Flash.

And I can’t really do that confined to this castle…

Twilight swallowed. “W-well, I was thinking…” It’s not entirely a lie, is it? I mean, I’ve been meaning to go see everypony soon anyway… “I’ve been thinking of…” So it’s not as bad as outright lying, right? “... Taking a vacation.”

Once the words rolled off her tongue, Twilight felt her stomach lurch. The table was littered with pastries and fruits and breads amongst the tea, but she had no appetite for any of it.

Celestia immediately perked up. “A vacation? Of course you can take a vacation, Twilight. You don’t have to ask us for that.”

But I had no say in my own guard, did I? Twilight bit the inside of her cheek, suppressing her wince. Her mind seemed determined to make her every thought painful.

Luna nodded. “Tia and I can take care of things while you are gone. Where are you going? And when should we expect you to return?”

Twilight rubbed the back of her neck with a forehoof. “Um, well, I was wanting to visit my friends first, and then my parents.” Over a month since I’ve seen my friends. And I haven’t seen my parents since my coronation. So there’s no lie in that. Right? “I’m not really sure how long. But I was thinking about leaving… this weekend.” Gives me a few days to get things ready. Send out some letters, pack, tell Flash—

I-I mean, tell everypony.

Celestia smiled. “Take as much time as you like, Twilight. All I ask is that you keep in touch with us while you are gone.” Seemingly satisfied, she then picked up a banana with her magic and began to peel it.

“Agreed.” Luna buttered a slice of toast. “Now then, let’s enjoy our breakfast, take care of this trial, and put this all behind us.”

Twilight wanted to agree with her. It was impossible.

~

One shower, several glasses of water, and an awkward morning routine later, Flash Sentry made it out of his room and towards Blueblood’s chambers, spear in forehoof and reddened eyes focused. He made sure to stash both Spitfire’s envelopes and Twilight’s book before leaving, intent on delivering them within the next few days.

Due to his delays, there was no time for breakfast. Not that he wanted to eat anyway—or see his friends.

I can’t believe myself, Flash thought, wincing at each of his own heavy hoofsteps. I not only mixed up those envelopes—thank Galaxia Greyhoof knows better than I do!—but I spilled my guts. Literally. Twice. And I missed Twilight… I was looking forward to seeing her and—! Ugh.

I just meant to try and have some fun. But I guess I can’t be trusted with that. Flash kicked at the floor. Stupid pilsner. I’m never drinking that again.

Scowling at himself, Flash rounded a corner and started up the stairs. At the sound of hoofsteps behind him, he tightened his grip on his spear and turned around. I swear, if that’s Ironhoof, I’ll—

“Well, good morning, sunshine!” The grinning visage of Discord in all his merry glory, dolled up in a suit with a smiley-face tie, stared back at him. “How are we feeling today? Ready for the big trial?”

Unlike his last encounter with the chaos god, Flash had neither the time nor patience for Discord’s antics. He turned back around and continued up the steps, staying silent.

Discord took to the air and hovered along beside him. “Oh, why the long face there, Flash? Other than the usual physiological reason, of course?”

“Just tired,” Flash replied, near a grunt.

Discord rubbed his chin. “Tired, hmm?” Discord leaned in close to Flash, who didn’t flinch, and stared at his eyes. Then, he gave a hearty chuckle. “Ah, the good ol’ hangover. Don’t worry; you’ll feel better in a few hours.”

Flash snorted, pressing on through the hallway. Note to self: never take drink recommendations from a draconequus ever again.

Discord continued to follow him. He straightened his zany tie and chuckled. “Though, I’m glad to see that you had some fun last night. Definitely better than last time, wasn’t it?”

Flash froze. How would you…?

Discord floated in front of him and snapped his fingers. A frothy mug of pale lager appeared in his grasp. He tipped it back, drained it in one swallow, and wiped his mouth. “Ahh, yes, nothing like a good ol’ pilsner. Goes down so easy, it’s hard to drink just one.” He opened his jaws and threw the mug into his mouth.

“So, you were trying to get me drunk?” Flash snapped.

Crunching on the glass, Discord said through his full mouth, “Well, it worked, didn’t it?”

“Why?” Advancing on him, Flash raised his spear. “And what do you mean better than last time?”

With a mighty swallow, Discord wagged a claw and said, “Ah ah, Flash. You could put an eye out with that thing.” He pushed the spear away from his face. “And to answer your question, well, you wear your heart on your sleeve, lad.” He stretched out his lion paw, where a playing card—the Queen of Hearts—winked up at Flash.

Hackles rising, Flash jabbed the spear back up at him. “Answer the question!”

Discord folded his arms across his chest and scoffed. “Oh, we’re going to be like that, are we? Very well then.” Another snap of his claws. Discord now wore a blue-and-yellow flightsuit. “I don’t take kindly to poles in my face, m’boy. I bid you good day.”

Before Flash could react, Discord rocketed out of the hallway, his tiny bat wings propelling him through the castle corridors. Several horrified screams followed, as did a shout of, “Oh, c’mon, it’s not that tight!”

Bringing his spear back down, Flash stared down the hallway, his eyes narrowed. Something tells me you know more than you’re letting on.

Scratch that. I know you do.

~

The iron cut into his fur as it always did, but today, it didn’t cut deeply. The chains rattled with every step, but he didn’t have to be forced to march. The limiter was still snug, but not painfully so, and he knew, above all else, that the pain would be worth it.

The warden and two of his lackeys had roused him from his sleep, allowed him a few minutes for breakfast, then slapped the lead-chains on him. The Captain joined them from there, and the four of them led his way.

The journey from cell to corridor to stairs was far quicker than the first time. Though he wasn’t skipping to his fate, he wasn’t exactly marching either. He matched the guards’ pace, never needing to be yanked.

By the time Orion reached the Royal Courtroom, he had passed no fewer than fifty reporters. They milled about the doors of the courtroom, snapping pictures of the prisoner in chains, scribbling quills on notepads, calling out questions he had no intention of answering.

”Orion, rumor has it you’ve changed your plea! Is this true?”

“Orion, have you spoken to your family since the assault?”

“Orion, do you hate Princess Twilight?”

Ignoring them all, he focused instead on the doors, the doors, the doors. Once they were right in front of them, the warden and the Captain spun around, facing him.

“You will bow this time,” the warden said with a growl.

“Yes, you will. And you will behave yourself, because—” the Captain leaned in close to hiss in his ear—”if you don’t, once these reporters are gone, I’ll—”

“There’s no need for that, Captain.” Orion grinned, really grinned, and grinned even further when the Captain’s eyes narrowed and brow furrowed in response to his grinning.

Turning back around, the Captain lit up his horn. The doors opened inward, bowing to the silver magic, and the chains rattled again.

Heart beating but head held high, Orion entered the courtroom.

Once inside, the doors slammed shut behind him, silencing the jabber of the reporters and the incessant flashing of their cameras.

Orion took a deep breath.

Four podiums stood before each throne on the dais, one with a tome of Equestria law spread open upon it. Three alicorns and a unicorn occupied them. In front of each podium stood a corresponding guard.

The one in front of the Prince’s podium—the pegasus with the honeycake and the truth—locked eyes with Orion.

Orion nodded.

The pegasus nodded back.

Beside the Prince’s podium, the court stenographer was stationed and ready, already scratching her quill on the parchment. She, too, was protected by a guard.

Eight guards, three Princesses, one Prince, and Orion.

Across the red carpet laid over the checkerboard floor, Orion continued to walk. His heart thundered in his ears, beating louder than his chains, with each step. The four guards leading him shot him daggers with their narrowed eyes, but said nothing.

Once they reached the center of the Royal Courtroom, the Royal Guards and stenographer bowed.

So did Orion.

It felt so strange, bowing before the orchestrators of a system he no longer believed in. But it was for a higher cause.

As Orion rose, he locked eyes with the Captain, and smiled.

The Captain glared back with a look meant to kill.

The clearing of a throat snapped the Captain back around and drew Orion’s attention. Princess Twilight Sparkle raised a forehoof and addressed the room.

“Good morning, everypony. You may be seated, if you so desire.”

All but Orion did.

“This special session of Royal Court has been convened in the case of Equestria versus Orion, son of Comet Tail and Starlight.” Princess Twilight waved a forehoof around the room. “As everypony can see, there is no jury present this morning. This change is in accordance with the defendant’s request for a judge-only trial and a withdrawal of his original plea.”

Princess Twilight looked down at him, and Orion looked up at her.

“Orion, is this statement true?”

All eyes turned to him.

After one last breath, he said, “Yes, Your Highness.”

Princess Twilight looked down at the book before speaking again. “Orion, please remind the Court of the new plea you have submitted.”

Orion ignored their eyes this time. There would only be a few more moments like this, and he had to make them his.

“Guilty, Your Highness.”

Though it was subtle, Orion saw her sigh of relief.

Silence. Orion broke from his focus to look around the room. The Prince looked close to falling asleep, a forehoof propped under his chin. The other two alicorns watched Princess Twilight flip through the law book, their expressions stoic. The Royal Guards appeared as stone and statue as ever… all but two of them.

The Captain continued to glare sideways at him, standing beside Orion in heated, raging silence.

The pegasus let it show for but a second, but when Orion’s eyes alighted on him for the second time, he smiled.

Orion smiled, too.

Princess Twilight began to speak again, pulling his attention back. “Orion, because you have entered a guilty plea, waived the right to a jury, and previously waived the right to a lawyer, Equestria’s case ends with you here.

“I must ask before we move forward: do you understand the rights available to you, and is there anything you would like the Court to consider regarding your sentencing?”

Everything came flooding back to him at once.

The very first time he met Clover… The first time he realized he was in love with her… Their first kiss, their first fight, their first tears shed together…

The decision they had made, to come forward, to be honest, to spark a change. The anger and outrage he felt at her fear and grief. The guilt and shame that rippled through him when he learned of her pain.

The elation he felt when a stranger told him there might be a chance.

All of that came down to this moment. The cards had been dealt, and it was time for the showdown.

If he played them right, maybe it would all be worth something.

With head and heart heavy as one, Orion nodded.

“Yes, Your Highness. I understand that I am waiving my rights. I understand that I will have no trial by jury, no legal counsel, no way of defending myself.

“But that is because I cannot defend what I did.”

All eyes upon him were wide, but he ignored them.

Orion seized his moment.

“I still disagree with many of the laws you uphold. The order of things is the old way.” Orion paused. “The old ways are not always to be done away with. But this is one that must be.

“We divide ourselves, drawing lines between each other, while still trying to pretend that we don’t. We try to justify things as ‘maintaining tradition’ or ‘for the good of the foals’ or because the vast majority of us don’t say there’s a problem. But there is, and keeping things as they are doesn’t solve anything.”

As Orion paused again, he noted that the court stenographer’s quill had stopped scribbling. Instead of writing, she leaned forward in her seat, listening to his every word.

Orion sighed. “I understand why the ancients did things as they did. We almost killed each other because of our hatred and spite. How could we go from hating each other to loving each other overnight? Friends is one thing, but love? Love is different, Your Highness.”

Orion breathed in slowly, determined to be strong. Strong for her.

“And in our small tribes, how could we have guaranteed there would be mages, and warriors, and weatherponies, and farmers and merchants and all else without passing it down through the family line? How could we have guaranteed families at all if we didn’t place restrictions on what was and wasn’t acceptable?”

As Orion’s eyes swept the Royal Courtroom once again, he found that even the Royal Guards were hanging on his words, leaning against their spears.

“I understand that, Your Highness. I understand the history. I understand the reasoning. But enough is enough.” Orion bit his tongue for a moment, holding fast to his anger. “It is over a thousand years since the founding of our unified nation, and we are still not unified. We are taught everypony is equal, but we are not, because our birth still dictates part of who we are. Who we must be.

“I came to you in anger and frustration over this order, and I let that anger and frustration take control of me. Instead of being strong for my wife—”

Orion let the hushed silence thicken on wife, let them never forget it.

“—I failed her. I failed us. And I failed anypony who feels the same as me.”

Orion saw the Princess’s gaze break away from his.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness, for what I have done. I not only hurt you, Your Highness, and your Royal Guards, but I hurt my cause. And you may not believe me, but I am not the only one who believes in it.

“So, to do the right thing, both for myself, and for Equestria, I enter my plea today as guilty. I plead guilty in the hopes that you will listen to the next pony with the same message as me.”

With that, Orion sat down on his haunches.

Princess Twilight slowly looked back down at him, then at the book, then around the Royal Courtroom. Her eyes fell to the pegasus Royal Guard in front of the Prince’s podium.

A crazy thought entered Orion’s head for just a moment, and he smiled.

“I… I see.” Princess Twilight turned back to him. “Thank you for confirming your plea, Orion.”

“You’re welcome, Your Highness.”

Princess Twilight nodded, then cleared her throat.

And closed her book.

“Orion, son of Comet Tail and Starlight, you have pled guilty to three counts of assaulting an officer of the Royal Guard and one count of attempted assault upon a member of the Royal Family.

“Due to your change of heart, both in your behavior while imprisoned and your admission of guilt and expression of remorse today, the Court has decided to give you an alternative punishment to the recommended prison time.”

The Captain’s eyes nearly bulged from his skull.

“Orion, son of Comet Tail and Starlight, I hereby sentence you to five years of hard labor in the Crystal Empire’s mines. Equestria shall provide you with lodging, food, and other basic needs during your sentence in the Empire. After five years, you will be a free stallion.”

Tears sprang to Orion’s eyes. He looked across the Royal Courtroom at the pegasus, and smiled.

The pegasus smiled back.

Taking the Royal Court’s gavel in her violet aura, Princess Twilight struck her podium. “Court is adjourned. Captain Ironhoof, lead Orion back to his cell. He shall be transported to the Empire first light tomorrow morning.”

As the Captain rounded on Orion, grabbing his lead-chain in his silver aura, Orion raised his forehoof. “Princess Twilight?”

“Yes?”

Orion placed his forehoof over his heart and bowed, meaning every second of it.

“Thank you.”

~

By the light of the moon, Flash searched through the hedge maze. His eyes darted through the dim darkness in search of any observer as much as they did to navigate. Twists and turns cropped up with every step, it seemed, and Flash didn’t want to risk being seen by flying above the labyrinth.

Navigation had never been Flash’s strong suit. Maybe I should have brought Blueblood along… his cutiemark is a compass rose, after all.

… Blueblood? Leave his room? Hah. Maybe I’m still a little drunk.

As he trotted on, Flash kept his ears pricked. I’m pretty sure Twilight meant the center of the maze, since she definitely wasn’t at the entrance. Hopefully I didn’t keep her waiting too long. I just had to eat dinner.

… At least Steel and Spear weren’t there. Then I would be even later. Heh.

Flash stopped to sigh. They probably just finished dinner early. I’m sure I’ll see them tomorrow. Shaking out of his thoughts, he continued on, hoping to hear Twilight trudging through along with him.

A few minutes later, Flash caught a break. The rustling of wings beyond the hedge to his left snatched his attention. He spun around, placing his ear to the hedge.

Sure enough, he heard a mare sigh—and not just any mare.

With a grin, he looked around, only to realize that he would have to backtrack at least ten minutes to get to the other side of the hedge.

Sorry, Twilight, but I’m gonna have to cheat a little.

Pushing his forehooves against the thick bush, Flash shoved his way through the hedge.

On the other side, Twilight whirled around with a gasp, her horn aglow. It fizzled once he settled to all four hooves.

Twilight giggled as she trotted up to him. “That’s cheating, you know!”

Flash laughed back. “Yeah, I know, I know.” He brushed leaves from his armor, wings, and saddle blanket. “Mazes were never really my thing.”

“So I can tell,” Twilight said with a smirk.

Flash brought a forehoof to his chest and winced. “Ouch. My pride.”

They shared a laugh.

“So…” Folding his wings back, Flash gave a nervous chuckle. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting for too long. Dinner took longer than expected.” And the maze.

Okay, mostly the maze.

“No, you’re fine.” Twilight blinked. “I-I mean—you’re good. Heh.” She coughed. “Annnnyway, did you have a chance to look at that book?”

Flash shook his head. “Unfortunately not. I…” He bit the inside of his cheek. “Was a little, uh, rushed this morning, and Prince Blueblood doesn’t exactly allow reading on post.”

Twilight’s ears flattened. “Oh…”

Flash pawed a forehoof at the dirt. “I’m sorry.”

“No, no, it’s okay!” Twilight waved a forehoof. “It’s just…” She fidgeted. “It summarizes everything I wanted to talk to you about, but we could still talk here. I-if you want.”

“Of course.” Smiling, Flash sat down and rested his back against the hedge. “I’m all ears.”

Smiling back, Twilight sat down beside him, letting out a sigh as she, too, rested. “Thank you. I really appreciate this, and on such short notice.”

“You’re welcome.” Flash frowned. “Sorry I wasn’t… available last night.”

Twilight waved a forehoof. “Oh, no, no, it’s fine. I mean, kinda crazy for me to think you wouldn’t be sleeping at midnight, right? Heh…”

“Well, I used to have trouble sleeping—” Flash resisted the urge to throw a forehoof over his mouth as soon as he said it.

“Really?”

Of course she asks. It’s Twilight! Flash nodded.

“What changed that?”

“Um, well…” Flash looked away for a moment. “Fixing some of the problem, I guess?” Kinda/sorta/not really? The dreams help… Butlet’snottalkaboutthose…

Twilight sighed. “Makes sense. I don’t think that’ll work for me right now, though.”

Flash turned back to her. “What’s wrong?”

Looking around the maze, the sky, and back to him, Twilight lit her horn before answering. A pink shield surrounded them, shimmering and glowing, as she held the spell aloft.

That’s never good.

“Sorry, I hate to have to do this, but…” Twilight bit her lip. “It’s really, really, really necessary in this case.”

Flash looked up at the shield. “I understand, but…” He shifted as he looked around them. “What are we supposed to say if somepony comes out here?”

Twilight chewed on her lip, then shook her head. “Nopony comes out here. Not that I know of. The one guard who patrols the Gardens—”

“Quickshield?”

“—Er, yeah.” Twilight gave a sheepish smile. “He never comes in here. So we should be fine. And if anypony sees, I’ll take care of it.”

“I know you will.” Flash smiled, smothering the urge to facehoof. Not the time for flirting, Casanova.

Twilight, however, just smiled and scooted closer to him. After a moment, she then lowered her voice to a whisper, even as the shield surrounded them. “It’s about Starswirl’s book. I finished translating it.”

That was fast. But of course you did. It’s you. Flash prided himself for reigning in that one. “What does it say?”

“A lot of things.” Twilight looked at the ground. “None of them good.”

Flash waited a moment, then asked as gently as he could, “Like what?”

Twilight slumped her head against the bush. “Where do I start? There’s just so much…” She trailed off, rubbing at her temples. “Sorry. I don’t mean to sound frustrated. I mean, well I am.” Her eyes widened. “But not with you! With… well, everything else.”

Flash offered her a slight smile. “Well, at least the trial’s over, right?”

Though she sighed, Twilight returned the smile. “Yeah… You’re right. I’m really glad that ended the way it did.”

“Me too. That was really nice of you, Twilight.”

“Thanks.”

They held their smiles for another moment before Twilight looked back down at the ground.

“But yes… There’s so much. What I wrote to you explains most of it, but, to summarize, the book talks about the early events that occurred after the founding of Equestria.”

Nodding, Flash replied, “And it also mentions that Discord lived with Luna and Celestia in the old castle in the Everfree, right? And it’s all written in a code? Almost like a fairytale?”

Twilight smiled. “So you haven’t forgotten.”

“Why would I?”

It could have been Flash’s imagination, but it seemed like Twilight moved even closer to him.

Then, with a shake of her head, Twilight said, “I wish I could forget what I read. Let’s just say that it not only completely contradicts everything I know about history, but, if it’s true, it makes Celestia—and, to a lesser extent, Luna—out to be the biggest liar in history.”

Flash started to reply, but Twilight continued speaking.

“Along with Discord apparently being a part of Equestria’s Royal Family from the beginning, there’s a lot about the Crystal Empire. Some of which I already know, like about the Eternal Wall, and the Crystal Heart, and the algems. Quartz wasn’t lying about the algems; Starswirl himself said he figured them out and told the Crystal Ponies how to use them. But not only as thanks; as potential defense.”

“Defense?” Flash asked.

Twilight nodded. “The book also says that Celestia and Luna wanted to learn how the Crystal Ponies lived, but the six unicorns—the ones who used to raise the sun and moon before Celestia and Luna came to Equestria—went there instead.”

“And what did they think?”

“They were…” Twilight huffed. “Not pleased, to say the least. Well, except for one. Regent Shadow.”

A chill ran down Flash’s spine. “Regent Shadow? That sounds like—”

“King Sombra,” Twilight said, her voice now near monotone. “And Starswirl’s sketch of him and his mare confirm it.”

Flash tilted his head. “His mare?”

“Regent Shadow abandoned Equestria to learn about the Crystal Empire. He lived in the library there, where he met a Crystal mare.”

A mixed-race couple, one of them being a former ruler, right after the founding of Equestria and the order being enacted by the leaders of the three tribes. And then that same former ruler turns into a monster, enslaves the Crystal Ponies, then curses them to disappear. Could that be the reason the order has stayed in place this whole time? To prevent something like that from happening again?

Flash broke from his reverie to see Twilight watching him intently. A wave of heat washed across his cheeks as he chuckled nervously. “Err, sorry. Didn’t mean to space out there. I was just thinking.”

“Thinking that’s the reason why things are as they are?”

“... Yes?” I think?

Twilight smiled. “That’s what I thought too.” Her muzzle fell. “At first. But there’s more.”

More? Like what? Instead of asking, Flash just nodded, prompting her to continue.

Twilight took another breath, then began again. “Not only that, apparently the Crystal Empire had been… accepting of … different ideologies even before Regent Shadow came.” She fidgeted for a moment before continuing, “Things like… Apt and Quartz.”

Explains why they are open. Flash nodded again.

Twilight rubbed at her shoulder. “That was why the six—er, five—unicorns who went to the Crystal Empire decided not to integrate it in Equestria.”

“And Celestia and Luna agreed?”

Twilight shook her head. “No, they wanted to include the Crystal Empire. But not because of the gems, or to expand Equestria, or anything like that…”

Trailing off, Twilight looked between the sky, her shield, and the ground before meeting Flash’s eyes. “They wanted to make Equestria more like the Empire.”

Jaw falling agape, Flash muttered, “R-really?”

“Yeah. Really.” Twilight sighed and leaned back further against the hedge. “It makes no sense, does it? First, because it’s clear from this book that Celestia and Luna were trying to change the order. They even called it your ways instead of ours! And second, the Crystal Empire was never a part of Equestria to begin with, but they still tried to save it from Sombra, both then and now.”

Silence hung between them. Flash managed to get his jaw to close, but his mind was not tamed so easily.

They wanted to change things? They had all the time in Equestria to do it! Well, Celestia did, anyway! Why would they let something they don’t agree with go on? Unless… unless they had no other choice. But they’re alicorns! They’re the most powerful ponies in Equestria! So that doesn’t make any sense, but…

“There’s… there’s more,” Twilight whispered.

This time, Flash couldn’t rein it in. “More?”

“Y-yeah…” Twilight tittered. “Crazy, isn’t it? But yeah, there’s more… Heh…”

After another awkward titter, she said, “In addition to all of this, it says that Discord and Celestia… knew each other. In the… umm…”

“C-carnal sense?”

Twilight nodded.

Flash almost fell backwards as he, too, slumped against the hedge. “Wow.” He shook his head. “Wow.” His hangover almost gone, it all but came back at this revelation, a headache rising in his forehead. ”Wow. That’s just… I mean…”

“It makes no sense!” Twilight threw her forehooves up. “Celestia’s always talked about Discord as a threat—an adversary, an antagonist, an opponent. Somepony who harmed ponies and made their lives Tartarus for the fun of it! And then this book comes along and I’m just supposed to believe there was something going on between them?”

Twilight grit her teeth. “I don’t have a reason not to trust Starswirl’s testimony—and I honestly don’t have a reason to doubt that the book is his creation, but…” She gave one more long, heavy sigh. “I… I can’t really act on a decision with this until I’m absolutely sure that the facts are correct.”

“Yeah, I un—”

“And that I’m absolutely sure of what I think.” Twilight met his gaze. “Especially because there’s one more part of the book that… if it means what I think it means…

“Then what I think will matter more than anything…”

“What do you mean?” Flash asked.

“The end of the book… There’s this symbol. I drew it on the scroll I gave you, but I can draw it here too…”

Using the tip of her forehoof, Twilight traced a pattern in the dirt. Flash watched intensely, trying to discern what she was creating, but none of her strokes made any sense. When she was finished, Flash studied it even more carefully, tilting his head to the left and right, before he finally looked to her for an answer.

“The book calls this ‘a crystal star, borne of chaos’.” Twilight traced six lines on the symbol in the dirt. “I can kind of see where the star is. There are also four lines this way—” she pointed to the respective points—”and this way also. So I thought… Four. Four alicorns. Four tribes. That could be it. And I guess the chaos is this circle…” She traced the circle. “Since the ouroboros symbol refers to Discord, and this is similar to an ouroborus, Discord is all I can think of it…”

After a pause, Flash said, “It… kind of looks like Blueblood’s cutiemark, too.” He set his forehoof in the middle of the crystal star. “The compass rose.”

Twilight grinned. “That’s what I thought too.”

Great minds think alike, right? Heh, heh—

No, stop that! Flash just smiled back.

Twilight then drew her forehoof across the symbol, erasing it. “But yes… If the book is true, then I think that Starswirl might have been referring to a point when three things came together: the star, the crystal, and chaos. Chaos would be Discord, the crystal could refer to the Empire or Cadence, and the star…”

As her words fell to silence, Twilight’s eyes drew to the sky, and Flash followed her gaze.

The blanket above was littered with stars. Not as many shone here as did in the Crystal Empire, for Canterlot itself barely slept. Still, they were plentiful, and peaceful, and beautiful.

The star Twilight referred to was seated beside Flash, and, though she was but one and far from peaceful in this moment, she was still beautiful.

“So…” Twilight’s words brought them both back, eyes meeting again. “That’s what I’ve learned. I’m still going to study it, and I may end up going back to the Empire to talk to Quartz and Apt, or at least do some cross-referencing, but… there’s another part to this.”

“What’s that?” Flash asked.

Twilight tapped her forehooves together. “I told Celestia today that I needed a vacation. Wh-which isn’t really true, but is at the same time. Because I need to talk to my friends about all of this. And, depending on how things go from there… my parents too, and Cadence and Shining.”

“I… I see.” Ears drooping, Flash asked, “How long will you be gone?”

“I… I’m not sure, but… I-I was wondering…” Slowly, Twilight looked up at him, crimson blossoming with the violet on her cheeks. “If it’s not too much trouble, um… Would you mind if I… wrote to you?”

The same heat sparked across Flash’s muzzle. While his mind could only scream, Yesyesyesyesyesyes! he hesitated, an order and an edict rising above his glee. How could we do that? The castle mail staff will notice who it’s from, and word will get out for sure…

Plus, how could I explain this as friendship? Sure, friends write to each other, but a guard and a Princess?

Twilight waved her forehooves. “I-if you don’t want to, that’s fine! I-I was just thinking that maybe—”

“H-how would we do that?”

“And if you don’t, that’s—” Twilight’s eyes widened. “Oh, you said yes!” She beamed. Then frowned. “I-I mean, you don’t have to say yes, I was just thinking that maybe we could talk about these things and what I’m learning because I know you’re cu—curious about what’s going on and I don’t want to be taking advantage of your kindness but I’m kinda sorta a little frustrated and tense right now and letters are always fun aren’t they!”

Panting, Twilight stared at Flash, wide-eyed, then threw her forehooves her mouth. “I’m sorry! I didn’t answer your question!”

Caught between the instinct to laugh or to get even closer to her, Flash settled for grinning, shaking his head. “No, it’s okay! And yes, Twilight, I would like to.”

With a smile, Twilight said, “In regards to your question, I will take care of that. So please don’t worry.”

“I promise I won’t.” I trust you.

Twilight nodded, then looked up at her horn, extinguishing it. The silencing shield around them dissolved, and Flash’s ears filled with the songs of crickets and nightbirds. For a moment, neither spoke, both lying back against the hedge and letting each other’s words sink in.

Discord and Celestia… The rise of King Sombra… The fall of the Crystal Empire… The crystal star. So very much, and all from one book…

Flash glanced over at Twilight and smiled. But if anypony can figure it all out, it’s you.

Then, when Twilight turned to meet Flash’s eyes, she said, “Thank you again, Flash, for everything.”

“You’re welcome, Twilight. And thank you, too.”

“Mmm.” Standing up, Twilight yawned and stretched her wings. “We’d better get going.”

Flash rose to join her and yawned in turn. “Yeah, it’s getting late.”

Twilight nodded, charging up her horn. Flash took a step back, giving her room to teleport.

Before she did, Twilight said, “One more thing…”

“Yes, Twilight?”

Twilight smiled. “Thanks for using my name.”

As she blinked away in a flash of violet, Flash Sentry realized he hadn’t used her title once. He had spoken her name without prompting, without confusion.

That both excited and scared him, sending two sorts of shivers through his nerves.

Author's Notes:

Welp, here's part three! Took a bit longer than I expected, but hope it was worth the extra wait!

I plan on doing another sizable update like this, if not two more, for August. Hope you guys enjoyed this arc!

Next chapter title for those who want to speculate: Ivory Tower And Oasis — Part I