Applejack found herself waiting on the porch of the farm. Her dreams had become so much more peaceful that she actually started remembering what they were about rather than repressing it all night after night. Still, it was quite interesting to share her dreams with her herd mate. Lewd thoughts began to cross her mind as she listened to the soft twang of an acoustic guitar. The image of her father would watch over her dreams, acting as a guardian against the nightmares that would come to disrupt her peaceful slumber.

Yet, this peace would not last long as she saw somepony walking up to her home. Somepony that wasn’t Aaron. The two ponies stood up and confronted her, showing her a look of hate or kindness. They kept their stoicism as Nightmare Moon came to them. “What are you doin’ here? Where’s Aaron?” Applejack asked demandingly.

“Aaron is fine. However, I have come baring foul news.” Applejack’s stern look failed as it gave way to worry.

“Is he hurt?”

“As I said, Aaron is fine. He is currently in his dreams… however, the plan you and Twilight has gone awry. The synthetic magic had been discovered and was confiscated before it could be taken into the prison.” Applejack took in the information slowly, processing it as best she could to take it back to twilight.

“I-I see. What would you recommend we do?”

“I know not. Your path is your own from here.” Applejack would think things over, but she couldn’t do it alone.

“I need to wake up. Will Aaron be asleep for a while?”

“That he will. He is eager to see you again.” Applejack began to fluster at the thought, refraining from smiling as she took a deep breath.

“Alrighty then. I’ll be back soon… I hope. Tell Aaron I’ll be back soon.” Nightmare nodded to Applejack before fading into nothing. With her gone, the image of her former farm began to fade with her. Her consciousness began to return to the world of the waking. As she does, she finds herself waking up in her room. Jumping up with a burst of energy, she turns to her napping friend and didn’t hesitate in shaking her awake.

“Twilight! Wake up!” The two had just laid their heads to rest but had not thought that things would go so bad so soon. “Come on Twi, ya gotta get up! We’re in some deep shit and I’m gonna need your help.” Twilight slowly awoke, having just gotten to sleep herself, rubbing her eyes to wake herself.

“Mmph, come on AJ. Could you at least give me some time to catch some sleep.”

“Now’s no time for sleep. Things are already going south and I need your help.” Twilight let out a yawn as she sat up, looking at her friend with half lidded eyes.

“Fine. Just, calm down. Tell me what’s wrong.” Without waiting a second, Applejack responded.

“They found the magic.” Twilight’s eyes opened up completely in utter shock.

“They what?! B-But how? I made sure that spell couldn’t be detected by sight or sound. There’s no way they could have found it… unless, they touched him.” She let out a groan. “Come on. Let’s go see Gilda, maybe she can shed some light on this.” Twilight grabbed her leg and got up, moving to find the griffon that could shed more light on the situation.

Twilight and Applejack looked through the main building, only to find the young griffon coming back from the post. They weren’t the only one waiting for her as the rest of the crew waited for the news. The two mares quietly snuck up on the crowd, wanting to hear what she had to say. Though, as she walked up, she didn’t seem to look like one to bare bad news. “So, how did it go?”

“Went off without a problem. Not a one of them suspected a thing. Hopefully we’ll be able to pull this little operation off without any issue whatsoever.” While the others celebrated, Applejack and Twilight would look to one another skeptically. They knew something was wrong with the situation and they wanted answers. Pushing Demo and Bulk aside, the two mares confronted Gilda.

“Without a hitch huh?” Twilight said in a bitter tone.

“Uh… yeah. Not a problem. Your coltfriend probably has the bottles of magic in his hands as we speak.” Twilight sighed to herself.

“Gilda. They didn’t get it. Aaron says that they never received any of the bottles.”

“That’s impossible. I never took my eyes off of Lock Pick for a moment. There’s no way that he could have lost it.”

“Then how do you explain them not getting the magic at all?”

“I think I can shed some light on that.” They seven of them froze, hearing an unfamiliar voice. Gilda knew who it was though, and hearing his voice now scared her. Atop of a building was a veteran griffon warrior. He stood tall and proud as he had his arms crossed. His one good eye glued to the small band of misfits that called themselves warriors. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t the great Twilight Sparkle. I must admit, I was skeptical when I was told that you were here. But, I must say that I am glad to have found you.”

“Who are you?!”

“That’s not important. What is important is that you come with me now.”

“Why should I?” She soon got her answer as a small militia or griffons revealed themselves, surrounding the small group of pony warriors. Their blades were drawn and at the ready, waiting for the general to give the signal.

“Because if you don’t, I kill all of your friends in front of you. However, come quietly, and I’ll be merciful and let them leave. But if they stay, they’ll be facing the wrath of our lord Tirek.” Twilight tensed up, trembling at the thought of Tirek showing up to collect her and destroy her friends. The others would look to one another, their fear growing more and more. Draco stepped forward to confront the griffon.

“If you want the Princess, you’ll have to do it over my dead body.” Draco said in a low growl. Demo took a spot by his friend, crossing his arms as he took stood beside his friend. Bulk and Strong heart nodded to one another as they too stood before the griffon general and his troops. Twilight was amazed to see the small gang of soldiers stand before the overwhelming odds that they were presented with, but she couldn’t let this happen. She couldn’t let her friends die just for her sake.

“Alright! I’ll come. Just… don’t hurt anypony.” The ponies turned back to Twilight in udder disbelief.

“Twilight, what are you doin’?”

“I’m giving myself up. I can’t honestly let you all die just for me.”

“A smart move princess.” The general said as two griffon soldiers landed to confront them. “As for you Gilda,” All attention was on the traitorous griffon. “You are more than welcome to return to our ranks. Your betrayal was amusing, as was all of you here. But alas, that amusement has run out. If you are not gone before the time that our master sends to have Twilight picked up, then I’m afraid you all will meet a most gruesome end.” Draco growled under his breath, his wings flaring faintly as he wanted to clock the smug griffon in the beak.

Twilight stepped passed them, showing she meant no harm to the griffons. “Twilight, you can’t do this!”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t want you all getting hurt for my sake. Please, understand that.”

“But what about Aaron, and everypony down below!?” Applejack shouted. “Are you just going to abandon them?!”

“No. But if you die, no pony will ever be able to help them.” The griffon tied Twilight’s hands together, only for one of them to find a hoof driving into their face as Draco leapt into action. Twilight was shocked to see this as Demo came in and mimicked his friend by taking out the other.

“Draco!?”

“Sorry princess, but I’m not really the best at taking orders.” Demo began to untie her bindings, only for the two to turn to the general who had come down to take care of them himself.

“Really now? Well, if you’re a common resistance soldier, I’m starting to see why Tirek hasn’t wiped you all out like the mats you are. Clearly you’re a source of entertainment for him as well.” Draco snarled as he drew his sword.

“Those are some big words coming from a chicken. Why don’t you put your bits where your beak is?” The general took a deep breath and sighed.

“Very well then. Come at me… all of you. If you kill me, you’ll not only save your beloved princess, but you will leave my squad leaderless. I’m sure you’d all love that and to save your little friends.” Twilight was pulled aside as the general was soon surrounded by the small resistance squad. Applejack, Draco, Demo, Bulk, Strong Heart, and even Gilda surrounding him with their weapons drawn and at the ready.

Strong Heart was the first to attack, unleashing a flurry of arrows at the griffon general. They flew faster than they could see, but not fast enough. The general grabbed hold of each one and directed them back at her. She dodged as best as she could until one punched through her kneecap, making the young buffalo scream out in agony.

Bulk was the next to attack as he brought the griffon in for a bear hug, squeezing him with his massive arms. He let out a gasp when he felt several sharp talons dig into his side. Nothing vital, but he could feel them digging into his flabby flesh. Bulk’s grip slowly began to loosen, only for the griffon to slip out and backhand the large stallion in the face, sending him back into the sand.

Wiping the blood from his talons, Draco and Demo leapt in and began to attack him from both sides. While Draco swung at him furiously with his sword, Demo would attack from the side with his bare fists. Neither of them were able to land a hit on him, making Draco grow angrier and angrier with each swing. This would go on for a short time, until the Griffon performed a slide of hand as he directed Draco’s last attack into Demo’s side. The tall earth pony cried out in agony as Draco pulled his sword out of his best friend. “Shit! I’m so sorry, Demo!”

“F-Forget it… j-just kill him!” Demo fell to his knees as he clenched his side.

“Oh yes. Let’s continue on. I’m sure I can direct you into something else. Maybe I could turn you into the griffon.” He smirked. “Speaking of which.” The griffon leapt up and performed a spin kick into Gilda, who had planned on getting a sneak attack on her. “Come on, Gilda. I thought you were trained better than that.” Draco sneered as he prepared to rush him.

“STOP!!!” Twilight called out. “Draco, please! No more! Just… please… let me go.”

“But, Twilight-“

“That’s an order!” Twilight was visibly trembling, tears falling down her muzzle. “General. Please, spare my friends. They won’t do you any harm.” The general smirked as he looked at the battlefield, then to Applejack.

“I don’t know. What about you, Apple? Would you like to take a swing at me?”

“As much as I wanna wipe that smirk off your face. I was taught to choose mah battles wisely. Twilight, you sit tight. We’ll come and rescue ya.”

“Yes, about that. Since you were all so eager to refuse my offer, I’m afraid that the deal has changed.” Twilight looked to the general in shock. “Oh, don’t worry princess, I promise I won’t kill them. However, if they want to cause so much trouble, then there’s only one place to send them.

“N-No!”

“Would someone gag her please. I think she’s talked long enough.” A third griffon swooped down and brought a rope, wrapping it around her muzzle to silence her. “As for the rest of you, if you want to live, you’ll come quietly.” Applejack turned to Draco and nodded to him. As much as he didn’t want to, he sheathed his blade and put up his hands. “Good, I’m glad we could all come to an understanding. Soldiers, have them tied and transported into the hole. As for the princess, see to it that she’s put into a secure area. No one is to open the door for anyone else other than me. If I’m not there, the door stays shut.” With that, the griffon general took flight and kept a bird’s eye view of the arrest of the rest of Draco’s gang. Twilight was helpless as she watched her friends being tied down and wrangled up. She didn’t want to believe it, but they had lost this fight long before it begun.

~~~~~

Aaron awoke with a long yawn. Applejack had not returned to deliver the message back to him and thus figured that she would be gone for some time for whatever reason. Regardless, he had slept more than enough than his time down in the prison as is. He was full of energy and bored, a terrible combination for him. Getting up, he would use his newly found energy to check around the area. His first stop being checking up on Rainbow Dash.

Getting up out of the bed, he made his way for the room opposite of his own, but when he knocked, no pony would answer. Curious, he poked his head through the sheet that acted as a barrier for her privacy. However, upon entering her room, Aaron would find that Rainbow wasn’t in her bed nor anywhere in the building. The only other pony with him was Spitfire. However, Aaron’s focus remained on finding Rainbow Dash. “Spitfire?”

“Yeah?” The yellow Pegasus was currently on the floor, leaning from one hoof to the other as she performed some kind of stretching exercise.

“Do you know where Dash is? She’s not in her bed?”

“Dunno. Mph… Last I saw her; she was with that new pony. I think his name was Lock Pick.”

“I see. Well, thanks for the help, Spitfire.” Aaron walked out of the building to continue his search for Rainbow. However, his first steps into the underground village soon interrupted by the sound of a bell echoing thorough the chamber. Everypony froze, dropping whatever it was they were doing as they began to gather around what appeared to be a stage. Atop of it was a gruff looking Diamond dog as he rhythmically chimed the bell held in his hand, calling for the attention of everypony to gather. Aaron remained in the back watching from a safe distance. Aaron would soon find Spitfire waling up to him as well as Shining Armor. “Hey, do you guys know what’s going on?” The stallion was in the dark, just as everypony else there.

“No idea. Dogs are just calling us for some reason. Can’t be good.” Spitfire’s words would soon be proven correct as out strolled the alpha, Ra’om, strolled onto stage with a smug smile on his muzzle.

“Welcome little ponies. I have an outstanding treat for each of you today.” The ponies began to talk among themselves, confused as to what was going on. All the while Aaron, Spitfire and Shining watched from afar; cautious of what the canine was up to. “Now, in the past, I haven’t exactly been the most gracious of… how shall we say, Wardens? Yes, Warden. That I keep you from seeing the sun on your faces. That I entrap you to slave away for our personal gain. Truth is… Yeah, we kinda do. But that’s not why I gathered you here. I am here to tell you, nay show you, what happens when you go back up into the surface.”

With a snap of his fingers, several ponies were brought onto stage; Draco, Demo, Bulk, Strong Heart, Gilda, Applejack, and Lock Pick. Each one showing different forms of battle damage as they were forced onto their knees with their hands were bound behind their back. That is to say for Lock Pick, who smirked happily as he stood among the diamond dogs, unharmed and free. “These fools, thought they could set you free. Thought that they could rescue you. But I’m here to tell you… that you don’t want to go back up there.” They brought Demo over, showing his badly bruised face. The diamond dogs had given them all a good beating to make their arguments more colorful and to push their point along. Even Applejack was sporting a new black eye, a sight that enraged Aaron to no end, but the worst was yet to come.

“These poor fools tried to fight the griffons and they lost horribly. There is an army up there, all meant to keep you in and under control.” Ra’om looked to the ponies closer up and held out his hand in a friendly gesture. “I… am your savior. I keep you out of harm’s way, and yes… my protection doesn’t come cheap. I expect you to work and to free you of your self-destructive desire of returning to the outside world. That life is over. Now, you are a part of my pack; my family. It is my job to ensure that you are all safe.” He snapped his fingers again, only for the crowd to gasp as their next guest.

Shambling onto stage was a bloodied, bruised, and panting Rainbow Dash, dripping her own blood and sweat as she was escorted on stage. Once there, she was pushed onto the ground, coughing up her own blood. “This little whorse is by far the worst of the lot. I tried to remove the hope from her, yet she fights back. I tried to help her see the light, and yet she shut her eyes.” He smirked down at her. “I tried to give her my love… but she spat in my face. Though, to be fair. I kinda liked it.” He let out a little chuckle as he drove his knee into her back, getting a long grunt from Rainbow. “But it seems that I need to make an example of your Rainbow Dash.” Ra’om leaned into Rainbow, wanting to whisper the next part to her “You see Rainbow. This is what happens… when you aren’t master’s good pet.”

“P-… Please…” Her voice was strained, barely able to reach a higher volume than a whisper.

“Go on… beg master to forgive you, I’m all ears.” She looked out to the various eyes of the crowd, their looks of horror as they saw one of their last symbols of home being brought to a new low. She trembled before turning around to him and furrowed her brow. “P-Please…” She began, trying to talk loud enough for the ponies to hear her. “Go fuck yourself!” She said with an amused smirk, sparking a bit of laughter from the crowd. Ra’om let out a small huff, trying to make it look like he ran out of options and was regretting his next actions.

“Then I guess there’s not going back.” Before she could even make another move, Rainbow felt a jolt of agonizing pain rush through her as the cave went deathly silent after a tearing noise echoed through the walls. The crowd was left speechless, unblinking at what they had just witnessed. Spitfire covered her mouth in utter horror while Aaron and Shining looked on dumbfounded. Mothers covered the eyes of their children, older stallions hung their heads low. As for Rainbow; she would shake and shutter as she felt blood flowing down her back, terrified of looking behind her in fear of what she would see. Yet she had to. Her head slowly turned around to see two massive wings in the hands of Ra’om; her wings.

Rainbow tried to hold it in but she couldn’t. There was no way she could hold it in. With tears running down her eyes, she soon exploded into full blown, blood curdling screaming. The noise pierced every ear in that town, on and on Rainbow would scream in torment as she felt the pain run through her in an unending flurry of agony, blood, and severed nerves. The bone could be seen jutting from her back as small spurts of blood would coat the stage. No pony said a word, not even the diamond dogs could bring themselves to enjoy this misery. All the while, Aaron watched in the back, his rage building more and more. His legs gave out as he fell to his knees and began to vomit. The sight was hard to watch, but no pony could bring themselves to look away.

Once Ra’om had enough, he let out a soft sigh. “Now you all know the price of disobedience. Just know that Rainbow here was my personal pet and I was going easy on her. If any of you, anypony at all, so much as thinks of leaving, I assure you… we will have so much more fun together.” The cave was still silent say for Rainbow’s screams. “Good, glad we can come to an understanding.” With his speech done, the canine kicked Rainbow off the stage and onto her back, sending her into another ear piercing flurry of tortured cries. He was done here and as much as he wanted to enjoy Rainbow’s pain more, he had better things to do. Before he left however, he felt a rock collide with the back of his head, making him freeze. “RA’OM!!!” A voice shouted. The crowd parted to show an enraged Aaron, wiping the vomit off of his face as he slowly stepped forward to confront him.

“What… is that thing?” Ra’om would say in a disgusted tone.

“I could ask you the same thing you sick sack of shit.” Aaron slowly began to approach him, but detoured for Rainbow.

“Riveting. Listen, deformed earth pony, as much as I’d love to kill you for the rock, I must tell you that I am in serious need of sexual release right now, so if you could scurry off and be gone, that would be greatly appreciated.”

“No.”.

“No? Huh… no one’s ever said that to me before… well, at least without paying a price for doing so. Very well then, any last wishes before I kill you.” Aaron leaned down to Rainbow, lifting her up off the ground, her breaths sporadic and panicked as she writhed and twitched in the dirt. Aaron furrowed his brow as he lifted her up, careful not to touch her sensitive spot to get release the pressure on her stubs of flesh that were once her wings.

“Yeah. What I want, is to kick your ass.”

“Oh ho!? You wish to challenge me, thing.”

“Sure, why the fuck not. Let’s make this a public spectacle; The Alien vs. the Walking, Talking Douche bag. Coming Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!”

“Interesting. Very well, thing. I accept your challenge. What shall we wager? You have nothing to your name. I see no point if there is nothing in it for me.”

“I’m probably last person in this place with any hope left in him. You beat me, you destroy the last shred of hope these ponies have. I know you get off on that shit.” Ra’om weighed the situation, but it wouldn’t take him long to make his decision.

“ Alright, I accept your challenge. If you want to lose your dignity and your life in one go, then by all means, return here tomorrow at noon. I will enjoy making you regret your actions. Fail to show, and all these ponies shall know that you are nothing but a coward who is all talk and no bite.”

Aaron would only glare at Ra’om as he left the ponies with an amused smile, bringing his followers with him. Once he was gone, Rainbow’s sniveling could be heard as Aaron looked at the mare in his arms, digging her face into his chest as she tried to hide from the humiliation and the pain she has and was experiencing. Without any warning, Aaron turned to the crowd of ponies. “Is anypony here a doctor?!”

~~~~~

Rainbow was brought to her room where she could be tended to. Her pained groan’s and cries could be heard through the walls as Aaron and the others could only sit in wait. In that time, Applejack had filled Aaron in on what was going on. Everything from Twilight’s capture to Lock Pick’s betrayal. Draco wanted to find his traitorous subordinate and teach him a few things, but alas the Pegasus had left before any of them could confront them, taking Rainbow’s wings with him as a trophy.

The ponies could only wait, sitting around in wait for the doctor to give them the news of their friend’s condition. However, with each yelp and pained cry they heard, each of them would twitch. Draco held his wife close to himself, and Aaron held onto Applejack, each of them providing comfort for the other. For an hour they waited, the cries died down and they could hear hoof steps walking down the stairs. The doctor came into the room, wiping off the blood from the operation. He was an older unicorn stallion with a soft grey mane. As he came out, everypony in the room jumped to their hooves to swarm him for information. “How is she doc?” Draco asked eagerly. Taking off his glasses, the doctor sighed and cleared his throat to let them know of Rainbow’s fate.

“I did all I could, but… without any magic, I was unable to save your friend’s wings. She has suffered severe nerve damage, bruising, and minor blood loss. Possibly some minor internal bleeding. The salve we use down here should stop the swelling and heal her bruising. However, the salve will not heal the damage completely and she will have to remain in bed for the time being.” Applejack walked up to him, her hand in her hands.

“Can we see her?”

“Unfortunately no. She has asked that she be left alone for the time being. I urged her to reconsider and she has asked for one of you. If I may, who among you is Aaron?” Every pair of eyes turned to the human, who looked back confused.

“That’s me.”

“Well, when you are ready she has asked that you go and speak with her.”

“Thank you, doctor. Is there… anything else we should know about?”

“Besides mild paralysis, not much else. She will see you when you are ready.” The doctor left, taking what could only loosely be called medical equipment. With him gone, the small group of ponies would turn to Aaron. Without saying anything else, Aaron walked into Rainbow’s room where he would find her heavily bandaged and lying face down on the bed. The room smelled of copper and alcohol, giving Aaron an unsettling vibe as he walked closer to Rainbow’s bed.

“Rainbow?” He would wait for her to respond. She opened a bloodshot eye, looking at him.

“Hi.” She said faintly as Aaron sat on her bedside.

“Hi. Are you doing okay?” Rainbow sighed to herself.

“I really wish I could say that. I’ve been tossed around and banged up so much in my life, I figured I could just shrug this off like all the other injuries… but this… I-I don’t think I can tell myself that anymore.” She closed her eye for a moment to take a deep breath. “But in all honesty, what you did out there, that made me feel so much better than any kind of medicine ever could.” Rainbow managed to strain a smile.

“Someone had to stand up to him. After I saw him do… this to you, something just snapped.”

“You acted brashly and challenging an opponent that can more likely kick your ass several times over. If Twilight were here, she’d probably call you an idiot… but I find that admirable.”

“Doesn’t seem all that admirable when you say it like that.”

“Maybe, but what you did took guts. I respect that.” She let out a choked chuckle, spitting out a bit of blood. “Aaron. If you’re serious about fighting Ra’om, then promise me something.”

“Sure, anything.” Aaron leaned in, listening close to what she had to say.

“I want you to win tomorrow. I know the odds are against you, but I would want nothing more than to see you win tomorrow. These ponies… they need somepony to give them hope and if you win tomorrow, you will give them so much more than I ever could.” Aaron smiled at her.

“I’ll win.”

“Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

“It’s no problem.” He turned to the blanket and could see somepony listening in. With a smirk, Aaron turned to Rainbow. “You know; your friends are worried sick about you.” Her smile faded as she let out a groan.

“I know, but I really don’t want them to see me like this.”

“Then at the very least, let Applejack in. We traveled a long way to come and rescue you. It would mean a lot to her to see you again.” Rainbow would remain silent, debating to herself for a moment until she made up her mind.

“Fine. Bring her in.”

“Thank you, Rainbow.” Aaron stood up and pulled back the curtain, scaring Draco and Spitfire as they tried to play it off as if they weren’t doing anything. He ignored them and turned to Applejack.

“Is she okay?” Applejack asked in a worried tone.

“As okay as she can be. I managed to convince her to let you come in.”

“What about us?” Draco asked.

“She’s not ready to see anypony else. Just give her time.” Applejack stood up and came up to Aaron before they vanished in between the curtain. The sight of Rainbow’s condition was much more difficult for Applejack to take in. Seeing her longtime friend in such a vulnerable state made her heart sink. However, once Rainbow saw Applejack, a smile grew on the battered mare’s face.

“Hey AJ. You’re lookin’ good.” Applejack swallowed a lump that had developed in her throat.

“Y-Yeah. You’re uh… you’re uh…”

“It’s okay. I know I look like shit. Feel even worse… but I’m glad to see you’re alive and well.” Applejack managed to crack a smile as she sat down on the floor so she wouldn’t have to strain her head to look up at her. Applejack would look into her one red eye, feeling the lump she swallowed grow larger. “I’m glad to see you’re not dead, AJ.”

“Right back at ya, RD. I’m awful sorry about what happened to ya.”

“Don’t be. It wasn’t your fault. Ya couldn’t have done anything anyway.”

“Wish I could have. We all did, Rainbow. I wanted to get up and tear that little bastard’s throat out an’ feed it to him.” Applejack began to tense up, a few tears sliding down her. She would soon find a hand extending out to her.

“S-Stop crying, AJ. You know I don’t like the mushy crap.” Applejack took hold of her hand softly, wiping her tears away.

“R-Right. Sorry, Dash.” Rainbow let out another chuckle as she retracted her hand. “Have you and Aaron been getting along?”

“Yeah, he’s alright. I can trust him.” Applejack smiled as she turned to Aaron, glad to hear that he and Dash were on good terms.

“I’m glad to hear that. I wouldn’t want my special somepony not getting along with my friends.” She gave Aaron a playful nudge. Rainbow could only look on with an awestruck look.

“Wow… I… wow. So you and him…”

“Are in a herd together, Twilight too.”

“Damn! You really hit the jackpot on that one, Aaron.” He would only blush softly, prompting a small bit of laughter out of Rainbow, only to groan as she felt a bit of pain hit her chest.

“Maybe we should let Rainbow rest for a while. She’s been through a lot today.”

“Actually, I would like it if you guys could stick around for a bit. At least until I fall asleep.” Aaron turned to Applejack, who nodded back to Aaron without a word.

Aaron retook his seat with Applejack. “Alright, Rainbow. We’ll stay for a bit.”

“Thanks. You guys are awesome.” She blushed a bit. “Now… I have a favor to ask.” Aaron’s smile faded the moment she said that. “Applejack, there’s something on the other side of the bed. Can you get it for me, please?” Applejack got up, eager to help out her friend with anything she would need; however, her enthusiasm faded once she fetched a sculpted clay bowl, lifting it up.

“Uhhhh… RD… what is…”

“Sorry. I really don’t want to ask this… but… I really need to use the bathroom.” The room went deafly quiet, none of the three saying a word. Applejack would turn to Aaron with a blank stare.

“I… guess we could help ya out with that.” Aaron sighed to himself as he looked at the injured mare. He couldn’t just refuse her, even though he really wanted to. “Alright then. Applejack, you want to position her or do you want-.“ Applejack was more than willing to hand over the bowl. “Yeah… Yeah, I saw that coming somehow.”

“Thank you. I promise to make this up to you somehow both, somehow.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. In the meantime, what happens now, never leaves this room.”

“Agreed.” Applejack said as she was already moving Rainbow’s covers off. There was a small rag that could easily be removed for a situation like this. Once off, Applejack turned to Aaron, trying to figure out what to do with the bowl.

“So… what do I?”

“I’m gonna slide Rainbow over to ya and I need you to… catch.” Aaron groaned once more as he got onto his knees, holding the bowl steady as Applejack carefully moved her into position. “Aaron, think you could turn your head tah give her some privacy?”

“I’m on my knees, ready to catch whatever comes out. I’ll give her what privacy I can, but I’m not promising anything substantial here.” Aaron could hear Rainbow let out muffled grunts of pain as she felt her sore body being moved along the bed. Applejack was doing her best to make sure that Rainbow wasn’t harmed in the process but that was a task easier said than done. Once Rainbow’s legs dangled over the edge, Aaron turned his head as AJ tried to spread her legs for her.

“Alright, you ready Dash.”

“Yeah. Just… mmph… gimme a sec.” Rainbow let out a deep breath, trying to relax her muscles. Her eyes closed as she felt the rushing sensation of relief fill her. Aaron would hear a soft trickle as the bowl slowly began to grow heavier with each passing second. As Rainbow let out a soft sigh, Applejack made sure that she was comfortable. The stream was unending, filling the bowl up with no clear end in sight. If it weren’t the act itself that was making him uncomfortable, it was the smell. Whatever Rainbow had been eating, it was potent as Aaron tried to keep himself steady and try not to think of what was happening.

“You’re doing good, RD.”

“Please don’t talk. It’s really distracting.” A minute would pass as the stream finally ended. Rainbow let out a fulfilled groaned as she laid twitching on the bed, light droplets falling onto the ground. “Thank you… I really needed that. I promise, I’ll make this up to you.”

“What are you talking about?” Aaron asked as he stood up, carefully walking to the window to toss the excretion out the window with a loud splash. “This never happened.”

Rainbow would chuckle to herself once more, feeling Applejack wipe her down. “But in all seriousness, Dash, I’m glad we could help… just… if you’re going to ask us to do that again, make sure you ask Applejack.”

“Heh, what’s wrong? Doctor Aaron squeamish when helping a mare take a piss?” Rainbow teased.

“Doctor Aaron?” Applejack looked to Aaron with a raised brow.

“Let’s just say that this isn’t the only… questionable aide I’ve given Rainbow while I’ve been down here.”

“Oh really?” Applejack turned to Rainbow. “What exactly have you been making him do?”

“I don’t make him do anything. I just ask and he is just happy to be of assistance. Kind of a push over, but in all honesty, his help is very much appreciated. As well as his silence.” She turned over to a pale looking Aaron, trying not to make eye contact.

“What did you get him to do?”

“Sorry,” Aaron began. “That is a secret I will be taking to the grave. For now, I’m going to wash my hands and repress this memory as best I can. I’ll be back in a moment.” As he left, Applejack would put Rainbow back into her bed and wiped her down. Once she was comfortable, Applejack took a seat beside her bed.

“Hey Applejack, you’ve been with Aaron longer than I have. What’s he really like?” Applejack was taken aback by the question.

“Hm. That’s kind of a tough one. He’s kind to a fault, that much is for sure. Not exactly what I call strong but I’ll admit he’s getting there. Maybe a little too trusting if you ask me or Twilight.”

“Why’s that?” Applejack looked out to the door and couldn’t see anypony there. She debating with herself in telling her their greatest secret. Since she was going to be traveling with them in the long run, Applejack figured she’d come clean now than later.

“Rainbow… if I share a secret with you… do ya promise to keep it to yourself?” Rainbow nodded.

“You and Aaron just helped me piss into a bowl. Trust me, I can keep anything you throw my way a secret.”

“Alright… Truth is… Aaron met Nightmare moon in his dreams and they’ve been talking.”

“He what!?” Rainbow tried to shout but was sent into a coughing fit. The moment it stopped she tried to look at Applejack with a look of concern. “Doesn’t he know she’s dangerous!”

“He does, but I doubt how dangerous. So far she hasn’t done much to prove that she isn’t trust worthy, but believe me, if and when she slips up, Twilight has a plan to take care of the situation.” Rainbow sighed to herself.

“If Twi has a plan for that… then I guess I’ll go along with it for now, but I’ll be keeping tabs. If anything goes wrong, Nightmare is going to be on top of my shit list of suspects.”

“You and me both, RD. You and me both.” Rainbow was sent into another coughing fit, coughing into her pillow as she tried to sleep. As she began to doze off, Applejack would watch over her friend and sooth her to sleep. Hoping that she could be of some help in seeing to it that the young mare has a good night’s rest. She most certainly had earned it, but Applejack couldn’t help but worry about what was coming tomorrow.

~~~~~

Night had fallen and the moon cast its brilliant glow upon the desert. The griffon soldiers would watch on as a streaking image would be seen emerging from the hole. The nude Pegasus traitor landed just out of the prison entrance and began to stretch himself. In his hands he held a prize he wanted to give to the princess, who was now being held in one of the cabins. The door was locked tight and her prosthetic leg had been confiscated. They didn’t want any chance of her getting out before Tirek came to collect her. However, a window just out of her reach was left open; too high up for her to reach by any means.

Twilight heard a knock. “Hey princess.” Came a voice. “Got a little present for you.” Twilight looked up only to see a bright blue wing, still covered in blood. The sight of which petrified Twilight, her eyes trying to look away but she couldn’t budge an inch. “Your little Rainbow friend says hi. Hope ya enjoy the gift she sent ya.” Lock took flight with an amused laugh, landing by the griffon general’s cabin as he gave it a knock. “Hey, are you in there Cap?” The lights soon turned on, the griffon general was now awakened.

“Must you always get my rank incorrect?”

“Dunno. Gennie doesn’t sound all that respectable for a griffon like you.” The general let out a low groan of frustration. “Anyway, thought I’d come by and say goodbye.”

“You’re leaving?”

“Hell yeah. Draco and his band of misfits are down in below, the princess is waiting for her ride to Canterlot, and as for that monster of hers… well, he and the diamond dogs are gonna have themselves a little tussle tomorrow. I ain’t a betting stallion, but if I had to put money on the thing dying, I’d go all in.” The general looked at him skeptically.

“As you wish. What about the magic that you smuggled in?”

“Not to worry. Got it around me as we speak. Gonna need the stuff to get me out of here. Maybe head on back to headquarters and tell everypony how sad it was that Draco let Twilight get herself captured due to Draco’s incompetence. Sure they’d just eat that up.”

“So be it then. Remain in contact in case we have need of you again.”

“Sure thing, Cap. Send me a letter anytime.” With that said, Lock Pick spread his wings and took to the air, leaving the desert at long last to pursue his own interests and to spread the lies of about his former crew and Twilight.

~~~~~

Nightmare Moon was sent into a panic. Ever since Applejack had failed to come back to her, she had begun to fear the worst. As for Aaron, she knew that he left of his own accord but that still didn’t keep her from worrying. As she walked through the halls, she would hear somepony else in a state of distress. Following the angry cries, she came to find Tirek in a fit of rage in the throne room. “Now!? Of all the times, it had to be now!?” She was lost on what was going on. Nightmare had made herself visible to him.

“What ale’s you, my lord.” Tirek soothed his rage, soon turning to face her with a stone face.

“Nothing. Nothing that concerns you.”

“Are you certain? I’m sure you could wake the dead with your bellows.” She got a growl out of him for that remark.

“If you must know, my attention is requested in two places at once. It would seem that Princess Twilight has been capture.” Nightmare stifled a gasp of shock, trying to look uninterested.

“H-How fortunate.”

“Nay, unfortunate. I would love to fetch the little nuisance and add her horn to my crown. Alas, my attention is needed… elsewhere.” A sense of curiosity filled Nightmare. What could be more important that Tirek would overlook bringing Twilight in himself. “I must send somepony in my place. My second in command.”

“I doubt the minotaur war chief would be a wise candidate. He’d soon rather add Twilight to his menagerie of wives.”

“I wouldn’t send that oaf to retrieve my mail. No, this requires handling of the utmost care.” Tirek walked to his throne and took hold of a long rope. With a soft tug, the sound of a bell began to fill the desolate city, calling forth a pony Tirek trusted more than any of his soldiers.

Within minutes, the doors flung open by their new guest. Walking up to them was a pony clad in gold and white armor; the former war armor of Princess Celestia. Nightmare hated seeing somepony else wear her sister’s property. However, she could see that the suit had been modified a bit. The helmet had been replaced to hide the face completely and the horn harness had been fitted for a unicorn. As for who wore the armor, not even Nightmare could say. All she could see was the mane and tail; A flurry and mix of red and yellow, looking as if it was made from fire. “You summoned me, master?”

“That I did? I have a task that requires your utmost care.”

“Of course my lord. Your will is my own.” Tirek smirked as he looked at the armored pony.

“Remove your helmet, knight” She did as she was asked, taking off the helmet in the presence of her master. She looked to be a mare with a light yellow coat. “Sunset Shimmer,” Tirek began. “I hereby task you with collecting Twilight Sparkle and bringing her to me; alive.” Sunset looked up at her master with a stern face.

“You mean the student of Celestia?”

“The very same.” Sunset smiled back at Tirek.

“It shall be my greatest pleasure.”

“Good, now take your beast and be gone. She is held in the prison sight of Appleoosa.”

“It shall be done.” Sunset turned to the doors and sent out and ear shattering whistle. The city began to tremble as a loud roar could be heard. One of the windows was soon over lapped by the look of a bright green eye, surrounded by purple scales. “I shall not return until Twilight is at your hooves.” Sunset put her helmet back on, leaping out of the window only to be caught by a large claw, soon taking the reins on a saddle. Sunset Shimmer had her orders, and now, she would see to it that Twilight Sparkle was brought to her master; no matter the cost.

Author's Notes:

Thanks for sticking with me for so long guys, it means a lot and I really like to see the views climb. It really means a lot that you all stick with me this far. Though, after this one, I have considered on putting up a warning tag, but I don't want to give anything away for a single chapter. I like to keep you all guessing as to what's going to happen next. Anyway, as I said, thanks for sticking around, hope to see you next week. Speaking of which...

Next time, Chpt. 19: Slay the Beast...