Exile means to be away from one's home (i.e. city, state or country), while either being explicitly refused permission to return and/or being threatened with imprisonment or death upon return. It can be a form of punishment and solitude.[1]

Twilight stood before her mentor who was looking down at the ground in anger, just as bad was Princess Luna who was glaring at her along with her friends and family while Cadence stood off to the side with a smug look on her face. She knew that there was something wrong and no one was taking her seriously, she had tried to take her brother aside and talk to him. Tell him his wife was actually a bug worked about as well as Twilight imagined. But even the Princess and her friends all blew her off, the years of friendship tossed aside stung Twilight like a dull blade. Spike was the only one that believed her now, and all that meant was that they were both in chains glaring at Cadence now.

"Twilight Sparkle and Spike Dracul, you have been found guilty of attacking a member of the royal family with neither provocation nor evidence of your claims of MY niece being a changeling." Celestia growled while Spike glared back at her.

"How ‘bout the fact that she didn't even know Twilight when she saw her? Or the dance? What about the spell she used on her brother?! Cadence was Twilight's foalsitter for years! They adore each other! Not to mention the way she treated her and her friends! Something isn't right!" The tiny dragonet yelled.

“ENOUGH!” Luna’s voice split the air silencing Spike’s protests. “Cadence is getting married today. Her nerves are allowed to be on edge, and on that note; Cadence hasn't seen Twilight in years! The spell she used on her brother was, as she said when she was attacked, is for headaches that naturally come with performing a spell as large as her Captain Armor has, a spell that even now keeps Canterlot safe!" Luna stated.

"And as I said before THAT WASN'T A HEADACHE SPELL! I think I would know that since I'm the Element of MAGIC!" Twilight yelled glaring at the smirking Cadence.

"You have gone too far Twilight and the only reason you still live is because you have done a great service to both of us personally along with this great nation.” Luna took in a breath before continuing, her voice as hard and cold as the lunar surface.

“Twilight Sparkle and Spike Dracul, for your crimes against the crown you are hereby exiled from Equestria, all of our territories and any of our allied lands under pain of death should you ever step hoof on our lands again. All of your assets are to be seized by the state at the end of the solar day." Luna stated with judicial finality. Celestia continued to looked down.

"Your sentence is to be carried out immediately," Celestia droned while Twilight and Spike looked on in shock.

"NO! YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE ME SHE'S NOT CADENCE AND CANTERLOT IS IN GRAVE DANGER!" Twilight yelled, trying to moved but the chains held fast, digging into the chafing flesh around her fetlocks.

"SILENCE!"

"NO! LISTEN TO ME SHE'S EVIL I KNOW SHE IS! YOU HAVE TO STOP HER NOW!" Twilight yelled tears streaming down her face.

"I SAID SILENCE!" Celestia boomed, the windows shook and even the sun seemed to darken as power radiated from her alabaster form.

"You have shamed your family and yourself enough Twilight. Be gone." They were the last words the faithful student heard from her teacher before he alicorn’s horn flashed with golden light. Twilight and Spike were gone.

On the Equestrian Boarder

Twilight and Spike appeared out in the wastelands but didn't move as Twilight up next to Spike, both were in a state of complete shock. They might have stayed there forever had all their things not appeared above them moments later.

"AHH!" Spike and Twilight leapt backwards, barely avoiding being crushed under their suitcases and what few sentimental possessions they had been allowed to keep. Twilight’s mind began categorizing what they had been left with by rote. It was a dull and meaningless exercise but she let it happen. Anything to keep from thinking about what she had just experienced.

A bag was sitting nearby, every bit she had ever saved spilling out of it. That would have be used carefully until they could find a job. One item checked off the list. Almost comically, they had let her keep her bed from the Golden Oak Library in Ponyville, much good it would do now cracked in half. She made a note to gather up the sheets and blankets though, nights in the wastes were cold if she remembered. Two items checked. Two suitcases containing the small amount of clothing Twilight had for various occasions. Out of one of them was spilling the sequined gala dress she had worn at her first Grand Galloping Gala.

First, last, and only, she thought bitterly. Maybe she could sell it. Either way she had to pack lightly, take the most durable things, leave the rest out, use the extra space for the bedclothes. Three items checked. Twilight stepped forward, having run out of the readily visible things to review and something cracked under her hoof. She looked down, it was a photograph of six mares posing together. All her friends surrounding her, Pinkie and Rarity on her right, Applejack and Dash on her left, and Fluttershy in the middle, almost seemed to hide from the camera behind her long pink bangs.

For several minutes Twilight just stared at the picture until Spike put a clawed hand on her withers and shook her out of her daze.

"Twilight we need to get moving there's no telling what's out here." He said in a dull tone, barely getting a nod from her.

"Yeah, you're right. Spike, I'm so sorry I dragged you into this," Twilight looked back at him with tears streaming down her face.

"Hey come on Twi it's gonna be ok. I know things seem really bad. Like, really, really, unequivocally awful. Like, the worst possible thing that could have happened ever-” With a herculean effort Spike clamped his claw over his mouth to arrest his downward stream of logic.

“...but I'm sure everything will work out ok," Spike finished lamely. The tiny dragon gave his mother figure the best smile he could, trying to reassure her as much as himself even as he wiped her tears away.

"Everything will work out some way or another, you'll see." He said helping her up. Under Twilight’s directions they moved to their meagre pile of things, grabbing blankets and any food they could find before splitting the money between them.

"Come on Spike lets go." Twilight said as he looked back at their things they had to leave, the beds all the furniture and any books they didn't think would be necessary which was hard for Twilight to choose from. But now they had to worry about survival.

"Where are we going Twilight?" He asked as she stopped before looking back at him.

"I don't know Spike, I just don't know." Twilight swallowed heavily as she put a hoof on the young dragon's shoulder to try and comfort him.

"AHHHHHHH!" Without warning Spike doubled over, screaming in pain as runes began to flare over his skin. Twilight gaped at what she was seeing, barely processing it through the maternal terror that was tearing through her at the sight in front of her. It was a contact rune with Celestia and it was being cancelled none too gently.

"Hold on Spike!" She grabbed him and wrapped her hooves around him again and began channeling numbing magic into him, praying it would help with the pain as the last rune sizzled away leaving blackened scars. Spike cried tears of confusion and pain, as Twilight cooed soft, reassuring sounds and held him close to her.

"Shhh it's ok sweetie everything's going to be ok." Twilight murmured over his sobs, running her hoof over his spines while she let him cry into her chest. Something inside Twilight snapped as she looked down at her baby dragon and it was at there, in that moment, that Twilight made a decision.

'Fuck Equestria.'

10 years later The Forgotten City

Six ponies made their way through the city streets, being sure to keep close together as creatures from all walks of life stared at them. More specifically for the direction in which they were headed than for their presence in the City. They headed for the heart of the city, passing armored boars and griffons with strange weapons who glared at them as they passed.

"Are you sure Twilight would be in a place like this?" A rainbow maned mare asked looking at the only stallion of the group.

“I mean, c’mon, that egghead?”

"From our reports this is the last and most frequent place she's been seen," The white stallion replied evenly as they came to the gates of a palatial villa. There were several griffons in suits standing guard.

"Can we help you?" The foremost one stepped up, looking at them through his tinted shades.

“I need to know if you’ve seen, had contact with, or know the location where this mare staying?" Shining asked holding up a picture.
The griffon leaned in, lifting his shades revealing a pair of feral, yellow-gold eyes. He took a good look at the picture and let out a harsh, barking laugh.

"Hey Talon, look at who these chumps want to see." The griffon nudged his friend who cracked a smile.

"BWAAAAHAHAHAH! You want to see her? HA! Hahahah… Oh man... No." The other griffon said, suddenly serious.

"What do you mean no?" The rainbow pegasus growled. The guards exchanged glances with each other before turning back to the her with a pair of matching smirks.

"What are you deaf or just stupid? No one see's her unless they got a death wish or an appointment." One said as the other chuckled.

"Same thing really, depending on the appointment," yellow-eyes stated as a red dragon came to the gate.

"Talon, Rust, the boss wants to see you two. Now." The dragon’s voice was strangely light and feminine for her imposing bulk. The two griffons paled and immediately took off towards the villa, the dragon sighed and came through the gate while another griffon landed beside her.

"Sorry about that they're new,” the dragoness gave a short bow, “from some small time gang we absorbed. Now, what can I do for you?" In response the stallion held up the picture.

"I'm looking for my sister Twilight have you seen her?" He asked, and she grinned.

"Yes, she's expecting you inside. Once the two newbies come back they will escort you to her. The boss likes to have her guards be well mannered around guests, so she just needs to instill some discipline, you understand of course, Captain." She said in silken tones. The stallion’s eyes widened a fraction before he mastered his surprise. Moments later the two griffons landed looking like they had gone through a meat grinder. Their eyes were swollen and they bleeding from a dozens of shallow cuts in various places as they opened the gate.

"We apologize for being so rude to you before please follow us." Rust stated, his even manner barely betraying the faint tremor of terror in his voice. They moved through a beautifully kept lawn, in the middle of which there was a fountain where a few children were playing near a large playground on property.

They were dragons, griffons, boars, and donkeys. Not one pony was playing on the grounds under the watchful eye of the guards kept an eye on them, making sure they didn't get hurt.

"Momma!" The six ponies watched as a young griffon ran passed between them and to one of the guards, leaping into her embrace.

"I guess those must be the guards’ children and family? Are all of those children the family members of your co-workers?" The white stallion asked.

"Nope, not of those kids are any of ours by blood. They’re orphans from the take over that happened a few years back when the boss came into power. The coup made for a lot of dead, and a lot of dead make for a lot of orphaned kids. Not that you’d know I suppose.” He spoke without rancor, instead it was almost like he was proud.

“Our city has thrived, we're even poised to start up international trade with some of the surrounding nations." Talon smiled as they walked through the doors.

Another drake was waiting for them, he had his claws behind his back, wearing a black suit with a white undershirt and red tie on. Over his hip was another one of those strange weapons.

"Hello, a good day to you," the drake smiled before looking at the two griffons and sighed. "What did you two do this time? How are you going to move up in rank if you keep pissing off the boss?" The griffons looked down, unwilling to meet the drake’s unusually intense gaze.

"I'll take it from here just go back to your posts and for the boss' sake don't fuck anything up on the way there." The well-groomed drake groaned as they left.

"Sorry about that come with me, the boss sent me to take you the rest of the way to her office." He gestured forward and strode ahead, fully expecting them to follow as they headed upstairs.

They stopped at a pair of double doors carved from some dark, heavy wood. The six ponies mouths dropped as they recognized the carving. It was her mark, each door had a great six pointed star carved intricately into the wood. Except there was something missing. The primary star was there but whoever had carved the door hadn’t included the five sparks that orbited it. The ponies shared worried looks between them. They had all noticed the omission.

The drake gave three brief raps on the door and, without waiting for a reply, pushed the doors open and led the group into a massive office. If the doors were a surprise, then they got the shock of their life seeing Spike, standing tall in a pinstripe suit with a red undershirt and black tie on. Next to him was a mare they had been searching the surrounding lands for.

For 9 years.

She wore a perfectly tailored black suit that hugged her body comfortably, beneath which was a white undershirt, the ensemble accented with a rich, royal purple tie. Resting on the table beside her right hoof was a fedora with a purple, six-point star pinned to the left side, the star was blood red. She was talking to another dragon as they entered. Unfortunately they caught the last leg of the conversation.

"-and make it look like an accident, you know what to do Gar." Her smile was almost predatory as she got a nod from the red dragon some of them recognized as Garbal from years earlier.

"As ya say, boss," the red drake replied with a deep bow. He rose and walked past the group, not even sparing them a glance.

"Dash, Rarity, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Shining,” she acknowledged each of them with a brief glance before leaning back.

“How can I help you today?" Twilight asked putting her hooves together in front of her face, looking at them with an unreadable expression.

"Uh, nice place you got here Twi." Rainbow said looking around getting a growl from the mare. The prismatic pegasus dropped to the ground at the sound and backed up.

"Don't you fucking insult me," Twilight snarled, each of them went wide eyed at the curse. And how easily it spat from her lips.

"Twilight w-we came to take ya’ll home." Applejack stepped forward and was rewarded by getting a raised eyebrow from Twilight.

"Is that so?” Twilight scoffed. “So I guess that I'm no longer exiled?" She asked getting smiles and nods from them.
Like a passing cloud her face went from unreadable to an angelic smile.

“Perfect! I was just waiting for my best best friends and BBBFF to come collect me, I’ll get all my things together and we can leave right away! I just had one teeny tiny question!”Everyone shared another mildly worried glance at the sudden change before Rarity stepped up beside Applejack.

“What’s that darling?”

“Do I look stupid to you?” Her voice, her expression, nothing had changed. But the bald, venom that hung in the words left the five mares working their mouths in confusion. Shining Armor went rigid.

“Well?” Twilight leaned forward with both hooves on the desk between them, her smile turning poisonous,

“Do. I. Look. Stupid. To. You?”

"Uhm, beg pardon?" Rarity asked getting a growl from Spike while Twilight held up her hoof.

"You really think after everything you’ve seen here that I would just come back with you to the country that banished me to die in a wasteland? I have far more gain here than I ever will in Equestria.” Twilight stood up, her posture carried with none of the modesty or shyness it once held.

“Being abandoned out here, you know? It really opened my eyes to the rest of the world and the struggles that so many have to go through to make it in the world. I mean, on these very streets just ten years ago you would have been mugged and beaten for your bits, or just because some sicko thought it would be fun." She stated leaning back in her chair as Spike came around to light a large cigar for her. Held in a telekinetic sheathe, Twilight took a deep draw on it before blowing out the pungent smoke.

"You six and the princess' sent me out here in exile to most likely die and I nearly did, Spike and I both have seen and done things neither of us are happy about as living beings." She said taking another drag.

"What do you mean darling?" Rarity asked seeing a sinister smile cross Twilight's face.

"I mean I killed, slept with, conned, and framed my way to the top. This city was a shit hole when I first got here with Spike and look at it now! Everything you see here is because of us, clean streets that are safe for families to walk through, crime is at an all time low unless you have a death wish. I put my blood, sweat and tears into this city and no one is going to take it away from me." She leaned back and smiled, taking another puff of her cigar while they stood in front of her, shocked.

"Twilight, I'm so sorry that this happened to you." Shining said looking down while she rolled her eyes. “We all are.”

"Well I'm not,” she retorted with a harsh laugh, “like I said it really opened my eyes to the real world, and not that friendship is magic bullshit that the sisters always went on about. Oh I kept meaning to ask, how's your little bug wife doing big brother?" Twilight smirked viciously as they all looked away from her, none of them could meet her eyes.

"Oh I'm sorry it didn’t work out, I'm sure you would have been a wonderful husk to her. Doesn't matter though, I know the queen personally and she’s kind of a bitch but she know's her place when it comes into my city." Twilight glared shocking them once again.

"You deal with that monster?" Shining asked.

"I deal with all kinds of questionable beings in this world, from changelings to, shadow governments, and to the black market. I do it all and all I have to do is look at my city to feel damned proud of it." She smiled.

"What happened to you Twilight?" Fluttershy asked as her eyes started to turned icy blue making them step back.
Twilight met her gaze, whatever power she had held didn’t seem to work on the purple mare

. "What happened?” She whispered, “what happened, was I was betrayed by my closest friends and family, thrown into the wilds and had to watch as a dragon I consider like my son screamed in pain as Celestia cancelled the contact runes on him. I had to kill and degrade myself to get where I am today." She stated standing up slamming her hooves on the desk.

"Do you know what it's like to have a griffon force themselves on you and have to watch as your little drake kills him with a FUCKING PENCIL?! You don't know anything about me OR my family. As far as I'm concerned, Equestria burned the day I was exiled so you and Equestria can kiss my hot purple ASS!" She panted with tears running down her face.

"SCALES!" She yelled glaring at them as a black and red dragon walked in ready to kill.

"Yes Boss?"

"Take these outsiders out of my city and make sure they don't touch my lands again." She smiled and wiped her eyes. "You are hereby banned from ever setting a single hoof in my lands again on pain of death for violating my rules. Now get out of my sight." Twilight’s eyes had a smoky purple aura coming off of them as she watched them leave before calling out to her soldier.

"Oh and Scales?” the dragon turned back at his mistresses word, “if they resist feel free to use whatever force you would like. Up to and including… deadly." She smiled looking at the scared looks on their faces as the doors closed.

"I want them dead, I want all of them dead, Spike." Twilight growled memories from the last 10 years came rushing back into the light after she worked so hard to suppress what she had been forced to do to survive.

"Just say the word Twi." He said giving small smile as he looked at the door.

"No, because no matter what, they are, or were come to think of it, the Elements of Harmony besides it's not like they are really going to do anything about it. My contacts in the royal palace can give me a months warning if they even hint at trying to take us by force. I would love to watch Equestria burn to the ground for what they did to us but we have our own things to worry about, like Kirin smuggling rings bringing loads of contraband drugs into my city." She stated looking over the map of the area.

"Now Rust said that there was a big deal going down tonight after he beat it out of one of the carriers. It's suppose to be around 3rd and 5th street in the downtown area. I want you to take some of our people and make a example out of them and anyone else that thinks they can make money in my city without my permission and without cutting us in on the deal." She stated puffing on her cigar.

"By the gods I love these things." She said leaning back in her chair while he smiled

"You know, now that I think about it, I’m glad we were exiled." Spike stated as she smiled.

"Yep, it’s been one hell of a ride hasn't it kiddo?" She asked finishing the cigar and stood up just as the doors burst open and a huge group of children ran in.

"MOMMA TWILIGHT!" They screamed joyfully. A griffon followed them in with a smile watching as the children tackled the mare.
"Sorry boss they wanted to see you as soon as you got out of your meeting," She said while Twilight laughed from under all the children.

"No Gilda it's fine really, you know I love to spend time with them." She smiled down at them before heading back to her chair.

"Ok boys and girls, who wants to hear a story huh?" She asked as they beamed.

"MEEEEEE!!!" They all yelled while Twilight gazed at them with nothing but love.

"Ok what do you guys want to here?" She asked.

"Tell us the story about The Boss!" A little dragon yelled as all the children agreed.

"Aww you want to hear that one again?" She faked a pout as they all ran up to her.

"PLEEEEEAAAAASSSSSEEEEE!?"

"Alright, alright, I'll tell it." She smiled, waving a hoof in defeat as they cheered.

"Ok settle down, settle down. Now who wants to help me start off? How did it go?" She asked faking ignorance.

"Momma Twilight you know how it goes! The little mare and her dragon got thrown out of their home!" A little donkey said while they all agreed.

"Oh yeah, ok so. Once there was a little mare and her best friend who were thrown out of their home by the evil rulers and their hinchmares in a land called Equestria." She started smiling as they glared.

"BOOOOOOOO!!!!"

Over by the door Spike wrapped his arms around Gilda giving her a kiss as they watched Twilight tell their story to the children.

"She really loves these kids, I know they are the real reason Twilight would never leave for anything." Spike stated getting a smile from Gilda who kissed his cheek.

"Them and the brave strong dragon that she had at her side." Gilda said while he just squeezed her resting his head on her shoulder.

Two Weeks Later

Shining Armor and the former Elements of Harmony returned to the capital with their heads bowed low. None of them had been able to stop thinking of what Twilight had said to them.

'We exiled an innocent mare to that, I can't believe this.' Shining thought repeated itself for the thousandth time as they stepped through the doors to the castle. They were greeted by an explosion of cheering from all the ponies in Ponyville along with Celestia and Luna and her family along with the real Cadence. It all died down when they saw Twilight wasn't there.

"Shiny where's Twilight?" Cadence stepped forward. Neither her husband nor any of the mares with him could so much as look at their faces.

"I need everypony in the room to leave, this is a family matter." Shining said as all the Ponyville ponies left while the last elements, the princess', and Shining's parents stayed.

"Shining where is your sister?" His mother asked as he looked away.

"Where is she Shining?!" She yelled as tears threatened to spill over.

"She's alive, and well off, but she is anything even close to the daughter and sister we knew. She's changed I don't even know who she is anymore." He stated. They all gave a sigh of relief at the news that she was ok before Cadence got curious.

"What do you mean she's changed?" She asked as they all looked at them.

"The Twilight we know is dead, we made such a horrible mistake! She hates us so much Cadence, all of us that were there. We watched both of them get banished and did nothing!" He said tears streaming down his face pointing at the sisters and Twilights former friends.

"Shining calm down it can't be-”

“SHUT UP!!" Everyone froze as the stallion snarled at Luna and Celestia.

"You weren't there I saw the look in her eyes, they're of a mare who has sacrificed everything and more to be where she is. She's been raped, slept with people for power and I'm pretty sure she killed them or blackmailed them to get where she is today. Twilight has changed so much princess and I don't know what to do with myself. I was one of the reasons she was exiled!" He started to pant holding his head plopping down on the ground while they just stared at him except for the mares that were with him.

"Twily's become so cold now. She's like a totally different mare. All I could see was this cold, calculating mare that at a drop of a hoof could have killed us all. She told us to our face that Equestria could ‘kiss her purple ass’ and would never go back with us." He finished, looking away from the others with a grimace.

"She's not the only one that has changed." Rarity started in a dull tone.

"He's become as cold as Twilight and has grown into a strong dragon. I can see that Spike lost his innocence long ago, he's not the Spikey-Wikey I used to know. He even was about to take arms against us after what Dash stupidly said!" She growled.

"Hey I was just trying to break the ice ok! I didn't see any of you saying anything!" Dash growled back.

"It don't matter!!" Applejack shouted shutting the two up.

"Twilight said it point blank to our face that she ain’t setting hoof in Equestria and if we ever set hoof in her lands again we will be killed on sight." She stated as the others looked at them with disbelief.

"I don't believe that." Shining's mother said.

"Believe it mom, the Twilight we all knew is gone replaced by this new and cold version of her." Shining stated. “And it’s entirely our fault.”

"Well what do we do?" Cadence asked as the others looked her.

"What can we do princess? Twilight has made it very clear she wants nothing to do with us." Applejack stated.

"Is there some way to get into contact with Twilight as officials instead of just walking up to her lands and getting somepony killed?" Celestia asked as they shook their heads.

"I need you to all leave. I need to think of a way to get Twilight to come here of her own free will." Celestia said getting a nod from the others.

"Tia? What are you thinking?" Luna asked softly. Celestia didn’t answer, staring at the door and seeing only a young purple filly playing with a baby dragon trying to teach him to read and write but the young hatchling kept eating and slobbering on the books.
Tears flowed down Celestia's face watching as memories played out till the last one she had of her came to her in this very room. She could see the betrayal on their faces as she rendered judgement on her for something that was true. She should have listened, she should have taken her student seriously but she just blew her off as just another one of her stress episodes she had. Not a week later the capital was attacked and it was only by luck that one of the guards found Cadence.
"Tia."
'Why didn't I listen?’ The thought came unbidden ‘Twilight would have never called Cadence a monster or claimed that she was brainwashing her brother. How could I have been so foolish?' She thought looking over at her sister sadly.

"Luna I think I just want to be alone right now." She said getting a nod from Luna.

"Twilight I'm so sorry."

Five Days Later, The Forgotten City

Twilight smiled humorlessly at the kirin boss and guard, like a predator would at wounded prey that she had nicely cornered. They were standing on a plastic sheet in front of Twilight's desk.

"Shanwu, Juntu. I believe we have a bit of a situation on our hooves." Twilight smiled while the the kirin and his bodyguard shook with fear at the mare and dragon across from them.

"Boss Twilight, we’re so sorry we never meant to intrude on your city, we had not heard the news about the city being taken over." Shanwu stated as they gulped at the cold look she was giving them.

"You have some brass balls to come into my city and lie straight to my face, I'm insulted, really, you could at least have had something more plausible than that." Twilight replied before giving a sharp nod to the two dragons behind them. Wordlessly, they moved in close and slit his guard’s neck, letting him fall to the ground choking on his own blood while Shanwu stared in horror.

"Please Boss Twilight! I'm sorry we were just trying to make some money for the boss back home is all!" Shanwu stated bowing low and whimpering.

"Such a pathetic creature you are, sniveling and snotting all over the place. You're weak, so I'm going to send your boss a message and you're going to give it to them." She smiled just as a knife was stabbed into the top of his head and he slumped to the ground.

"Round up and kill every damn kirin that works for this idiot and send them back to their boss. This is my city and by the gods I won't let some filth walk in here and sling Ash around like some young colt waving his dick around at some fillies! Now go, you know what I expect from each of you." She said looking at her captains who nodded.

"Yes boss." A griffon stated and left to gather his troops.

"Twilight, you know that this could start a war." Spike stated getting a smile from Twilight.

"Lu is a coward, Spike, threaten him seriously and he'll fold. Besides, I think it's time to clean up my streets for good. We’re going to track down anyone that isn't on board with my plans and cut them down. Every low life thug, drug slinger, and gangbanger will either join me or die. We've worked too hard Spike, and have sacrificed so much to get where we are today." Twilight slammed a hoof into the desk, adding crack to the finish as Spike passed her a cigar.

"Thanks kiddo, I don't know what I would do without you." She smiled up at him getting up and heading out the door and downstairs and out the manor.

"So, Twilight, where are we going?" He asked as she smiled.

"I received a letter in the mail yesterday from Celestia who wants me to come, personally mind you, to sign the legal papers absolving me of any crime against the crown and welcoming my return to Equestria." Twilight stated sarcastically, getting a nod from him.

"Ok, so?" Spike raised a single scaled eyebrow, clearly not thrilled.

"So, I’m going to the Crystal Empire in the frozen north. It’s the only chance I’ve had to start up a contact ring in the Empire and Equestria. I want to branch out and pull in more members to the family. I want my people safe, Spike, and that means never having to worry about the things that happened to us to ever again. You know as well as I do that there are worse things than death." She said her voice fading as they walked.

"I'm leaving in three days and I need you to make sure everything is still running when I get back. Gilda and Silvertooth are coming with me so don’t worry." Twilight cut off Spike’s complaint. She knew he would feel better with Gilda at her side. Sure enough, he nodded, but she could see he didn't like it.

"Don't worry Spike you know I can handle myself if it comes down to that." She smirked her eyes turning blue as they walked while citizens cheered and came to greet Twilight and Spike as soon as they left the manor gates.
Twilight smiled, feeling a sense of pride and happiness that her people were safe and their lives were finally starting to fall into place. Twilight and Spike led a large group into the manor and sat down as the group surrounded them.

"Hello everyone, I'm happy to say that this years Forgotten Festival will begin in two weeks time." Twilight began, the assorted crowd cheered. "Ok, ok, settle down." She said getting them to instantly be silent.

"Ok now you all know that we’re a family and if you ever needed anything I will always be there to help you. But today I need your help." She said as they all leaned in.

"While my people were cleaning the streets they came across some Ash slingers from Neighpan. They’re from a gang there that would destroy everything we have worked for this past decade." She stated.

"What do you need Don Sparkle?" A griffon asked making her smile.

"I need you to be on the lookout for any Kirin strangers that you see in town. Report any suspicious activity immediately. You’re all my family and I won't have these outsiders harm that family, let your neighbors know as well and keep a eye on the children." She said getting serious looks from everyone there as a few Kirin came forward.

"Don Twilight what about us? What about the Kirin that live here already?" A female kirin asked.

"Don't worry, these Kirin are from Neighpan and are trying to poison our city with drugs that you and the rest of our people have worked hard to clean up. I have some of the city guard moving through the city as we speak marking resident Kirin houses so you won't get mixed up with these intruders." Spike stated as they all smiled.

"Thank you both so much for what you're doing." A donkey said getting a smile from the two.

"It's what family does, we look out for each other. Now I'm going to be gone for a few days to the Crystal Empire to set up contacts and to meet with the princess' there. Spike will be in charge while I'm gone so if you have problems or need help go to him and ask, you all know that we keep an open door for any issues you might have." Twilight said getting a nod from them.

"Well with business out of the way, does anyone have any concerns that need to be addressed?" She asked as a few stepped forward.

"There is a water main that was hit in last night’s raid and water is flooding the street." A donkey volunteered, Twilight nodded.
"Spike take a note please." Twilight said as the dragon nodded and pulled out some paper as a few more citizens came forward. After about 30 minutes the people were taken care of while Twilight got up.

"Spike be sure that this is done by the time I get back from the empire. Now ladies you all know that the annual cookout is coming soon so who would like to volunteer to help cook while the males do some of the heavy lifting?" Twilight asked as many hooves and claws shot up.

"Ok well come to me later in the day and be sure to let your friends know they can volunteer as well to help out. Guys you know what needs to be done so be ready and well rested for the parade and get your shops set up because you all know how crazy the Forgotten Festival is." Twilight said getting a few nods and laughs.

"Now remember be on the look out for any strange things going on in your neighborhood and report it to the nearest station phone so we can take care of it, I don't want any of my good people to be hurt by these idiots that think they can come into our city and destroy it." She said as they cheered.

"Now any of you fine males like to escort a lady to the market, I need some food and thing for the children as well so if some of you ladies would like to come you are more than welcomed to." She smiled getting up and moving with the crowd as some went back to relay the news to their friends and family.

Three Days Later, The Crystal Empire

Twilight, Gilda, and Silvertooth all stepped off the train and looked around at the ponies while Twilight had a sick look on her face.

"Misguided fools the lot of them." Silvertooth stated as the two females nodded.

"Indeed. Gilda see if you can get us come contacts started up while Silvertooth and I head for the castle." Twilight stated getting a nod from her as she took off.

"Are you ready Boss?" He asked getting a nod from her and started to head into town.

Twilight admired the place hearing about how Pinkie and Rarity saved the kingdom a few years back, barely. As she walked she could see ponies staring at them or whisper about them only catching a few things here and there.

"Who is that mare?"

"Wow she's beautiful."

"Is that dragon her servant?"

Silvertooth rolled his eyes but kept his head on a swivel looking for any threats as they came to castle and was greeted by the guards.

"Halt, do you have an appointment with the princess?" One asked as he eyed Silvertooth.

"Yes, under Sparkle." She stated getting a nod from the other who was looking over the appointment list.

"Go on in, one of the servants will guide you to the throne room." He stated getting a nod from the two just when a pony came down with a smile on her face till she saw Twilight light her cigar.

"I'm sorry but we can't have smo- HACK CAUGH!" The mare choked on the smoke blown in her face as Twilight came in close.

"I don't give a shit about your stupid rules, take me to Celestia so I can sign my papers and go home." Twilight stated getting a shaky nod from the mare as they headed upstairs and down the hall towards some large doors.

"The princess is insi- HEY!" She yelled as the two pushed open the doors making everyone inside turn to her most getting the shock of their lives to see the mare that has been missing for so long.

"Twilight?" Cadence asked looking at the mare who smiled at her.

"Hello Cadence it's good to see you're ok." Twilight stated only to be wrapped up in a hug.

"TWILIGHT! OH IT'S SO GOOD TO SEE YOU!" The princess stated never seeing the dragon fixing to go for his weapon on his hip before he caught Twilight's eye and calmed down.

"It's good to see you to Cadence, it's been forever since we last saw each other." Twilight smiled glancing at the two other princess' before she looked back at Cadence.

"So what have you been doing all this time? I've been so worried about you." She stated looking at the cigar in the other mares magical grip.

"Well I run a business in the Forgotten City about a 4 days travel from here. I'm The Boss there, although that took some doing. I won’t bore you with the details. I’ve worked hard to clean it up, why, we’re practically upstanding now aren’t we? Isn't that right Silvertooth?" Twilight asked getting a smile from him.

"Sure are Boss, back before The Boss took over I was a drug and arms dealer, The Boss took me in no questions asked in my time of need and after a while made a proper dragon out of me. Been with her ever since." He stated with nothing but loyalty from the drake while the others stared slack jawed at this information.

"So, uhm, what do you do? Since you're the boss in the city?" Cadence asked.

"Kind of what a mayor does, just a little more… intense. All the better to help my citizens." She state, Cadence, for her part, looked confused but happy.

"Don't worry about it." Twilight waved a hoof just as the doors flew open and a filly ran in with a horn and wings.

"DADDY!!" She jumped onto Shinings back and wrapped her little arms around him.

"Starbolt didn't I tell you to stay with your grandma?" Shining asked just as his and Twilight's mother walked in.

"I'm so sorry sweetie she just- Twilight?" The mare in question just looked at her with a icy gaze making her freeze in place.

"Starlight," Twilight gave a stiff, glassy nod before looking back to Cadence with a smile.

"Well it looks like I have a little neice then, congrats you two I hope she lives a long and healthy life," this time her smile was genuine as she looked over at the staring filly before glancing back at Cadence. "Now, why don't we get down to business. I want to go home to see my own children." She stated as mouths dropped while Twilight paid them no mind and trotted up to Celestia who dropped the scroll letting Twilight pick it up and read over it before signing it.

"On behalf of the Forgotten City and my people, I thank you for lifting my banishment,” Twilight spoke the words with a dry, caustic voice. “Now I'm going home, keep your ponies out of my lands if you don't want to lose any heads." Twilight growled and headed out the door.

"Wait!" A voice called, prompting Twilight to look back as she took a drag of her cigar to see Cadence galloping towards, beside the pink mare was her parents. Silvertooth interposed himself between her and them. With a gentle touch on his leg he stepped aside just as they reached her.

"Twilight where are you going? Don't you want to come home?" Her mother asked but was ignored as Twilight looked over at Cadence.

"What can I help you with Cadence? If it's the same question as her then understand this: I am going home, far, far away from Equestria. I only came here for business and now that business is over with I'm going home, I have things that need to be tended to and the annual festival is coming soon and I need to be there for my people." She said turning around and continuing her path to the door.

"Hold on Twilight, lets talk about this." Her mother went to grab her but instead her hoof was intercepted by the dragon.

"No one touches the Boss." He growled throwing her hoof back making her stumble while Twilight smiled.

"You lot have been nothing but disrespectful to the Boss and it's only by her good graces that you all still live." He spat out glaring at all in the room.

"That's enough Silver, come, by the time we get home the festival will be right around the corner." She stated with a small grin thinking of this years floats and parade as they left the room.

Author's Notes:

I know spelling and grammar could use some work but a lot of my editors are busy right so when they get a chance I'll update the chaps with the edited versions