Author's Notes:

What's this? What's this?! I'm not dead?

I know, I know, I'm surprised too.

No promises for me to make this time, just know I'm already making progress on the next one. Though it certainly won't be this long of a wait again, hopefully.

Daybreaks body lurched, propelled back from the crystal basket by an invisible force tossing him off his feet! Stars danced in his vision while his head bounced against the grass. Blinking rapidly to clear the lights from his eyes, he heard a familiar voice speaking his name. Though, it was difficult to make out through the high pitched ringing in his ears, seemed like an explosion had gone off next to his eardrum. A blurry shape materialized over top of him, apparently, speaking.

“Daybreak? Daybreak, you alright?”

The body of Sunset Shimmer became clearer as her form took proper shape in his gaze. She was standing over top of his chest, watching his eyes do cartwheels in his skull. Once the spots cleared, and Daybreak managed to focus on her face, she extended her hand out and helped him to his feet. It took all his effort not to just collapse back into the grass once he was up. His legs wobbled, threatening to give way underneath him. The blood rushed from his head, and the world spun. Sunsets hands came up underneath his arms to keep him upright.

“What the hell happened to him?!” She spoke to someone else in the distance, but Daybreaks mind was too fuzzy to make out the shape properly. He already felt like he was going to hurl, trying to squint at the shape in the corner of the room would no doubt push him over the edge. However he did hear the voice, clear as day. It was one he would never forget as long as he lived, for it filled him with an indescribable rage!

“He vas too veak apparently, he must haf broken ze connection himself...I doubt he saw everyzing he needed to.”

Thoughts of sickness were pushed aside as red filled Daybreaks vision. Jackie's voice passed over him like ice water, fueling a sudden rush of adrenaline! Despite barely being able to stand, he began to wiggle violently in Sunsets grip. “Where is she!?”

Sunset tightened her fingers against him, she struggled to restrain him and keep him on his feet at the same time. “Daybreak! Daybreak calm down! She's not a threat right now! She can't come in here!” Daybreak continued to squirm and curse within her grip, she knew she couldn't keep him still with him this riled and confused. She eventually conceded and released her grip on his arms. Daybreak toppled to the ground, a Jenga Tower with the wrong piece removed from within. Thrashing about in the dirt, he sputtered grass and curses to himself. Whatever he had seen had taken its toll on his mental state for sure. Sunset looked away from Daybreaks feral features and back to Jackie, still sitting just beyond the room, with her back to the wall. Just like she had been since her arrival.

“What do you mean he was too weak? He's been standing there for over an hour! How much longer could this have taken?”

Jackie shrugged her shoulders “A day maybe...Ey Prince! Do you even understand what zis place is? What zat crystal basket is?”

“Fuck you! Fuck you, you lying bitch!” He sputtered, still attempting to thrash about in the grass, as though she were right there for him to grab at.

Jackie shook her head with disappointment. “I didn't lie, I just didn't tell ze whole truth.”

Sunset clenched her fists “Did you know this would happen to him?” she pointed at Daybreak, her face flushed with growing anger.

“It vould not haf, if he had not been such a coward. He pulled himself out, that is vhy he received such backlash. He needs to go back in, and finish ze memories.”

“No!” Daybreak voice sounded full of gravel, he sounded feral, like an animal. “I've seen enough! I get it now! She wanted to have me, sure, but one little prophecy was all it took to change her mind!”

Sunset head tilted in confusion while Jackie stood, and dusted herself off. “Did you hear ze whole thing? Do you remember zis place?”

Daybreak stared about the room. Things felt different inside his head now. He could remember things from so long ago clearly, that were fuzzy before. The boundless light bouncing from crystal to crystal, the soft grass underfoot, the crystal basket, the whole place did feel familiar. He could feel great sadness in his belly here, like a thick fog in the air weighed him down. It felt especially strong the closer he was to the crystal basket. The urge to touch it still remained, but he resisted. He didn't want to see anymore. Couldn't run the possibility of reliving his whole childhood. Those years with Twilight and even earlier memories...now fresh in his mind, pulsating like a migraine in the back of his brain.

“What is this?” He said, pointing at the basket.

Jackie smiled, leaning back against the wall “It's your crib, or it vas for a time. Do you still not remember? Zen you didn't see enough.”

“I feel it though.” Daybreak spoke quietly, his hand hovering just above the crystal crib. Not that his volume made a difference. It was so quiet within the room a cricket might have been a cannon blast. “I know what happens next. She kept me down here didn't she? Away from everyone. I probably did something, or a few somethings, that eventually sealed the deal for her. That made her see me as a monster and not a child who couldn't control his power...”

Jackie grinned “Close enough. Though I tink you might understand better if you saw for yourself.”

“I don't need to.” Daybreak spat, his fists clenching at his sides. “I despised her before because I thought she never gave me chance.” The air around his body began to heat up, his hands started to shake. “I despised her ignorance as a leader and a mother. Now...Now I just hate her. I hate her for making me feel this...just for a moment I felt something for her in that vision. I saw the mother I wanted...and...AND I CAN'T EVEN REMEMBER WHAT THAT FEELS LIKE!” He turned on the spot and tossed a violent ball of white hot fire at the wall! The crystals nearest shattered like glass, turning to dust before even reaching the ground!

Jackie whistled “Wow...zese crystals are supposed to absorb magic...Impressive.”

Daybreak snarled at her “Fuck off, I don't need your praise! Why are you even still here?”

“To see your reaction...and I vanted to give you zis.” Jackie held up a sealed scroll and tossed it across the entrance to Sunsets feet. “I vasn't lying about ze room with all her secrets either. It is here. But most of zem aren't really worth much to you. I vanted you to find zis place, and I knew zat it would call to you. Zis is ze other ting I vanted you to see.”

Sunset knelt down and picked up the scroll. She broke the seal with her fingertip, letting the paper unfurl to the ground, then read aloud the first words that were written on its surface. “Here in lies the true accounting of the mass murderer incident known as Jack the Ripper. Unedited and sealed by command of her royal highness...Princess Celestia.” Sunset looked to Daybreak with a raised brow, then back to Jackie “What is this?

Jackie turned her back to the duo and began to walk down the empty passage behind her. “My history...and your ultimatum.” She vanished into the darkness before either of them could call out to her further.

The walk back to the surface was silent and uncomfortable for Sunset. Daybreak did not utter a word the whole way back to the study and his eyes glistened with water that was barely held at bay. She chanced a glance every time she could, when she didn't have to watch for traps, narrow passageways, and the like. Daybreak didn't look at her, but it was obvious he was aware of her watching him. Perhaps she pitied him now? Like a kicked puppy, broken and damaged. Maybe she was right. He didn't know what to think or feel anymore. Part of him hated Celestia, hated her with all his inner will. So much so that he wanted to stroll into the throne room and burn the whole place to the ground around him! But the other part...the other part was what scared him. That was where there was no violence, no ill intentions, just sadness...and pain. He'd been rejected, and now he knew why. Deep down he'd always thought learning why might bring him some manner of comfort. Like all his thoughts about his mother would be confirmed true and he could hate her without guilt, or maybe he'd understand. Understand that she had some higher purpose, something that had happened that had made her this way towards him. But he didn't understand.

Now, now he just hurt. He hurt because she had cared for him once, and he couldn't even remember it. He wanted to cry, but he also wanted to get back at her. Make her hurt the way he did. Make her understand the pain ripping at the inside of his chest, tearing him apart like wolves to a fresh kill. But he knew he couldn't. He'd promised Sunset he would leave without incident once they'd finished, and he wouldn't go back on his word. But that didn't mean he couldn't seek retribution some day.

"One day my chance will come, I know it, and I'll take it without the slightest bit of guilt when it does."

They reached the surface in good time. Finding their way back through the tunnels was considerably easier than the trip down into them. A fact that Sunset found unusual considering how they wound and bent beforehand, whereas now they seemed straight forward. Almost like the whole building wanted Daybreak to leave as much as they did. It was better, in Sunsets opinion, for Daybreak to exit Canterlot as quickly as possible. The less time he had to react violently to whatever he had seen down there, the better. There was little doubt in her that he would keep to his promise, as long as nothing distracted him. She was keenly aware of how quickly he might become violent if the wrong person found them, or another guard made the wrong comment. Hopefully, with the right amount of luck, they could actually make it out of the castle undetected. Once they were back on the streets, things would become simple. It wouldn't really matter who saw them then.

A bright light ahead caught her gaze. The exit! Where a large battalion of guards was likely waiting for them now, invigorated and rejuvenated by the break she had given them hours prior. Sneaking by them would not be as simple as before, and she was NOT turning into Princess Celestia again!

Though it didn't seem like that would be an issue. It just occurred to her that Daybreak was not slowing down. Despite a horde of guards likely waiting on the other side of the door ahead, he kept his stride steadfast. In fact, he seemed to be speeding up instead of slowing. It only took a moment for Sunset to realize what he might be planning. She reached forward, struggling not to break into a jog to keep pace with him, and grabbed at his wrist! They both halted in place, mere feet from the door. He turned, piercing her with a terrifying gaze.

“Let go.”

Sunset did not budge, her grip only tightened, but a trickle of fear found her at his word. “You said you would leave without incident.”

Daybreaks eyes hardened “Do you want me to make an incident?”

Sunsets began to channel her aura over top of her skin, very lightly, very subtly. Not enough to appear aggressive if he noticed, but certainly enough to defend herself if he tried anything. “I just want you to leave with me, please. You are better than this.”

The water contained in his stare, made it hard to stand her ground. There was such a mixture of emotion in just his gaze, she wanted to stand down. It felt wrong stopping him, even though she knew otherwise. Daybreaks wrist tensed, Sunset moved to react, but was too slow. She had expected violence, but instead, received the opposite, something she was not prepared for. Daybreak twisted his wrist against her grip, and pulled her forward into his chest, wrapping his free arm around her waist tight. His hand slipped away from her hold with ease while she struggled against his other arm.

Daybreak released her almost immediately, then turned away before opening the door “You aren't going to stop me. It's in your eyes.”

Sunset watched as he walked through the door, shutting it behind him. An odd feeling of helplessness crept over her skin as the door separated them. He was right...she wasn't going to stop him. But not because she couldn't, because she wasn't sure if she wanted to. For just a moment, she too, felt like crying...but now was not the time! Fists clenching, she slapped her palms against her cheeks, rejuvenating her vigor...and followed after him.

When she stepped through the door, the first thing she noted was Daybreak having already crossed to the center of the room, in nothing but that short moment that the door had separated them. His aura wafted over her face like a powerful odor when the door opened, pungent and overwhelming...but also different than times previous. Just like the last time they had been through here, there was a large group of guards gathered in a cluster at the front of the twin double doors that led into the throne room. The group was smaller than before, but only slightly. Still more than large enough to give them away, especially if Daybreak was spotted quickly.

Oddly enough, he managed to cross the distance between him and the group in a mere instant. His aura bubbled to a visible cloak of energy around him as he strode over. He moved like a dark shadow, the aura not flowing his normal emerald, but bubbling in black tar-like masses off his body, splashing to the floor like fat slugs. The aura was potent, and thick. It was a cloak of many layers over his skin, obscuring his form from view, hiding it behind a cloud of smoke. The time between the first guard actually spotting his approach, and Daybreaks attack, was less then a breath. With what seemed like a single movement, and only a small wave of his right hand, Daybreak stepped through the huge mass of guards...appearing on the other side of them like a black phantom of the night. His hand shivered in the shape of a knife strike at his side, bubbling with globs of sinister energy. None of the guards seemed to understand what had happened, and Daybreak had already turned away from the scene. He strode towards the exit at the opposite end of the room as if nothing had happened, until one guards finally called to him, realizing he was uninjured by the supposed attack.

“You there-!”

And then it happened.

All together, all of the men and women, clad in their beautiful golden armor, fell to their knees in a silent, paralyzed panic! Black bubbles, exactly like the energy pulsating off Daybreaks aura, grew out of and popped over their bodies, covering their limbs and mouths. Silent shouts and yells were barely audible as the substance appeared in blotches over each one of them, indiscriminately and randomly covering more than half of their bodies. It pulled them to the ground like weighted cement, twisting, pulling, and contorting their armored limbs into undeniably painful positions as they fell. It yanked their arms and legs behind their bodies, into positions that brought the bones to a near breaking point. Just enough to be ungodly painful, but without causing a fracture or any permanent damage. No doubt many cried or screamed inaudibly beneath the bubbles. The substance only seemed to show consistency with its bindings when it covered the mouths and eyes of each of the guards, beyond that, it had no pattern to where it might appear. It was quite a disturbing thing to watch as it festered upon them, like the tar was crawling out from their skin, covering them over. When all twenty to thirty men and women were motionless upon the ground, Sunset finally came out from where she stood, and sprinted after Daybreak while he casually entered the next room.

The substance wreaked a foul odor that invaded Sunsets nostrils when she ran by, nearly making her gag. She pitied the guards that had to lay there covered in that filth until someone found and released them from their pained bondage. If she'd had the time, she might have burned an SOS scroll near them so they would be found quicker. But considering the hour of the night, she'd rather take their current advantage and run with it. They were alive, immobilized, silent, and more than likely, had not even seen her. For now that was enough.

Daybreak was waiting for her in the next room, which appeared to be a singular, long hallway filled with the prophetic stained glass windows, telling of Equestria's significant history up to the modern day. He was leaning against a stone pillar, waiting only long enough for her to enter the room, before turning to continue onwards. Sunset groaned, quickly shutting the door and running after him.

“Celestia is sure to know it was you. You know that right? That kind of twisted chaos magic won't leave any room for doubt.” She breathed roughly as she came to his side.

Daybreak hardly seemed to care. Not even turning to look at her, he allowed himself a twisted little smile “I hope so. I want her to know I was here. That I raided her stupid study and made her guards look like the pathetic, overly shiny wimps that they are!”

Sunset wasn't sure what she could really say to something so irrational. The entire point so far had been to avoid detection...and in the span of approximately one minute, he had willingly ruined all of that! Why hadn't they just come in guns blazing if this was going to be the end result? Though admittedly, he had made it unlikely for her to get caught, so she could at least be grateful for that.

“Where did you even learn a spell like that? It was so...disgusting to watch.”

Daybreak wiped at his eyes, and chuckled “You think so? I think my dad did something similar once. I hope Celestia will know where I got it, though I did change it a bit. All that matters is she'll know, I'm sure. It was surprisingly easy to use considering I could never really control my chaos powers like that before. But now...now I feel like I could easily do something like that again.”

“Please don't.” Sunset asked hopefully “It really was foul. It made me sick to see you do something like that.”

Barely taking the effort to wave his hand, Daybreak dismissed her woes. “Don't act like such a helpless damsel. It doesn't suit you Sunset. You could have stopped me and chose not to. Now we move on.”

Sunsets eyes found the floor. “Oh, ok...So, where do you want to hide for the speech?”

A low growl loose from Daybreaks throat before he answered “Fuck the speech. I couldn't care less what she has to say now. I just want to leave.”

“Ok”

At least there was some good news. Sunset hadn't wanted to stay anyways. With how things were right now, she wasn't sure if Daybreak could handle listening to what Princess Celestia might say at that speech. Not without reacting violently and making things much worse. It was all around better for everyone if they just left before things could escalate beyond what they already were.

The remainder of the walk through the castle was made in total silence, with the only sound being Daybreak lightly mumbling to himself the whole way. It was impossible to make out what he was saying, even when standing right next to him, so she just ignored it, and he ignored her. In fact, Daybreak only even regarded Sunset's presence a few times from then on, when they had to hide from more guards. She was thankful he chose not to engage anyone else, eager not to risk a chance of getting caught now that the end was in sight. Daybreak seemed to be of a similar mindset, or perhaps thrashing the large platoon back in the hall had been enough to satiate his current want for violence. Either way, they made their way back outside with ease. Once they located their entrance from earlier, Daybreak activated his magic drawing, and their escape route reappeared in the wall.

Together, they made their way back out into the frozen wasteland the capital city had become. The cold greeted them as it had before, with a firm slap to the face, prompting them to rekindle their heat spell immediately. Sunset watched Daybreak close up the entrance to the castle in cold silence. The stairs ascending to the their hidden entrance melted back into the side of the building as though they had never been there at all. Once things settled down and she had a chance to think, she was sure to take time and attempt to comprehend this hidden ability Daybreak had access to, for future reference.

Once the wall was repaired, the duo made haste back to the guard post from where they had climbed the wall. Once inside, Sunset was surprised to find it unmanned this time around. This meant the guard she had choked out before had been discovered...yet no alarm had been raised? Daybreak seemed of the same mind, but had also already come to his own conclusion as to why.

Staring hard at the floor where the guard had previously lay, Daybreak lightly grunted “Whoever found him must have assumed he collapsed from the cold. Convenient.”

Convenient indeed. Sunset silently thanked herself that she hadn't left any noticeable markings on the mans throat that the cold weather couldn't cover up. Daybreak gave another grunt of silent approval, before grasping the edge of the tower and vaulting over, back onto the outside of the wall. Sunset followed swiftly behind, tucking and rolling in the frost as she came up behind Daybreak. A sigh of relief escaped her as she realized they were now home free, regardless of who might see them. Daybreak took no such moment to relax though. The instant Sunset landed he was already up and moving towards the nearest street corner, and the alleyway beyond it. It wasn't the same alley as before, but it hardly mattered as long as they were out of sight. He extended a silent hand to Sunset once they stopped, which she took in equal silence. There was a brief flash of green, and the pair vanished from the frozen streets, leaving behind nothing but a glimmering green glow that sparkled in the frozen light of the full moon.

The evening moon glistened down upon the browned terrain of Ponyvilles outskirts. Daybreaks home was visible in the distance, only a short walk away from the small hillside that overlooked the town. The trees stood, leaves stripped barren by the former weather that had ripped through the area. The wind was calm now, and the air soft with falling snow, but it did not mask the sense of lifelessness upon the area. The snow reflected the moons gleaming light, all too easily revealing the deadened state of the flora all over the forest beyond. Amidst the barren, snow covered landscape, Daybreak and Sunset appeared in a flash of green, gripping each others arms and collapsing into the snow the moment they were free of their transportation. Sunset lay upon her back, panting, as she banished the spell formerly keeping them functioning within the city walls. She was eager not to move from her comfy spot among the browned, crunchy leaves and snow until her stamina returned to her. Daybreak however, did not seem to share her needs, or at least chose not to show it. Once free from Sunsets grip, he dropped to his knees in the snow stained ground, withdrawing a blank piece of paper and pencil from his pack. Sunset groaned loudly, as Daybreak began to wordlessly scribble away upon the sheet.

“Come on! Can't you even take a break for one minute?” Sunset panted at him. His restless behavior was making her even more tired! She wished he'd take a damn breath already!

“Quiet. I need to focus.” Was all the reply she got.

Feeling quite annoyed with his cold shoulder by this point, Sunset forced herself to stand up (much to her body's displeasure), and decided it was time he got a piece of her mind.

“Now you listen here!” She started loudly. “I don't know what you saw back there, but whatever it was, don't take your frustration out on me! I didn't have to risk my neck on this stupid adventure of yours, but I came anyways as your friend! And despite you ignoring stealth and nearly getting us caught multiple times, I dealt with it because I knew this was important to you! But if you had me deal with all that, just to brush me off afterwards, you can fuck right off!”

Sunset stood, panting as she caught her breath, waiting for Daybreak to react in some way. Part of her hoped that he might yell back or something. Really any kind of communication was better than being ignored, she just wanted him to talk to her, and perhaps explain why he was acting this way. Instead, he scribbled some final touches on his paper, then slowly rolled it up into a scroll. He tossed the scroll over his shoulder, allowing a light bit of aura to carry the flimsy fabric over to her like the wind. Sunset caught the paper in her hands and unfurled it, expecting to see some kind of drawing. What she got instead was a bunch of layered writing. It was formatted like a poem, or possibly lyrics to a song. She scanned over it briefly. “What's this?”

Daybreak slowly changed his sitting position in the snow before responding. He moved from his knees, to sitting crossed legged, though still facing away from her. “It's what I saw, the important part at least. A Seer came to visit my mother and aunt shortly after I was born. She told them this prophecy. I've been repeating it to myself since we left that room, trying to understand it. I thought I should write it down so you and the others could see it too. Make as many copies as you want.”

With that revelation in mind, Sunset gave the sheet a more serious looking over. Indeed, as she read it through with that knowledge in mind, it became quite obvious it was some kind of premonition. Certain parts stood out her more than others, but everything was clearly centered around one particular person, at least in her eyes.

“Is this about you?”

Daybreak laughed. He actually laughed at her. It was clearly forced, and all too condescending in nature. “Really Sunset? What kind of question is that? Who else could it be?”

Sunsets eyes narrowed “No need to be an ass. The thing about prophecy's, is that they are very open to interpretation.”

Another sarcastic laugh jumped froth from Daybreaks lips. “Yeah? Well clearly someone should have explained that to my mother. Because after this, my ass was out on the streets! I'm actually surprised she didn't just kill me, with news like that!”

“Daybreak!” Sunset gasped “How can you even say that?! Princess Celestia would never kill an innocent baby! That's not who she is!”

“Oh?” Daybreak finally turned halfway around to face her, looking mostly over his shoulder to make eye contact. “But she'd abandon a helpless child on the streets? Your precious princess would do that apparently!”

Growing annoyed, Sunset stomped her foot in frustration, creating a small spark of aura around her foot and a light cloud of snow in the air around it! “Did you actually see that happen in your vision? Do you actually remember her leaving you on the streets when you were little?

“I didn't need to see it or remember it!” Daybreaks voice raised louder. He was now fully turned around to face her. “My earliest memory is of me on those streets! Scavenging for food through trash like some rat! I don't even remember how old I was! But it doesn't matter! Your oh-so-caring Princess left me out there! I was a fucking child!”

Now he was standing up. His fists clenched at his side, barely restrained. At least he was communicating with her now. “I only survived because I was determined to live! I could have just as easily keeled over and died, and she would have been none the wiser! She may not have outright tried to kill me, but she definitely put me in a position to die! What caring mother, or leader, or princess, or ANYONE, leaves a child out on the streets to fend for himself for any reason!? Huh Sunset Shimmer? I'm asking you! Can you give me one! Good! Reason?!”

His fists were ignited and beginning to melt the snow around him in a circle of steam. Sunset stood her ground, but couldn't help feeling intimidated, not by Daybreak, but by the weight of his question. She struggled within herself to try and find some legitimate reasoning behind Princess Celestia's actions. What had Twilight said to Daybreak during bouts like this? Surely he'd yelled these things at her in the past? And surely she'd responded in kind. But perhaps that was because Twilight's faith in the Princess was unshakable...whereas hers...

Sunset lowered her head. “I don't know.” She truly didn't and Daybreak seemed to sense that, though clearly had not expected it. Perhaps he was so used to arguing with Twilight that he had expected the same kind of fight from her? His flames went out, and his voice calmed.

“Exactly. Because there isn't a good reason. You were her student once, but unlike Twilight she banished you. You know how she can really be.”

Daybreaks words weren't meant to gloat or mock, but still Sunset felt a cord strike within her. “I deserved it. I was a terrible pupil to her. So arrogant. I never listened to her advice, always questioned every little thing because I was so talented that I thought I knew better. I probably broke every rule she gave me...And then when she refused to teach me more until I changed my ways...I just stole the knowledge I wanted...like a kid throwing a tantrum. She was right to kick me out after that. I ended being exactly how she predicted I'd be. Spiteful, bent on pointless revenge against Twilight because she became Celestia's pupil after me. I didn't even know her and I hated her, wanted to hurt her.”

The heavy aura flowing around area ceased, and the weight in the air lifted away. Sunset looked up to see Daybreak in front of her, reaching out to place his hand on her shoulder.

“I get it. You are responsible for the choices you made back then. Fine. But my point is, rather than keep trying to help you down a different path, Celestia banished you.”

Sunset tried, without success, to step back from his hand, but he held her in place by the shoulder. “I didn't give her a choice. She tried! She did!”

Sunset looked away, but Daybreaks other hand pulled her chin back to face him. Their eyes locked, freezing her in place. “Fine. She tried. But if she'd kept trying she might have succeeded and eventually gotten through to you. If she'd persisted and not given up, like a good teacher should have, you might have been the Princess of Friendship, not Twilight.”

Sunset pulled out of his grip, taking a step back and shaking her head. “Stop it.”

But he didn't. Instead he took a step forward and grabbed her around the arms. “Look at me Sunset! You know I'm right! She should have given everything she had into trying to change how you were! But she didn't! Twilight had to be the one to save you! If you were Celestia's precious pupil then how could she just give up on you!? Why was it her NEXT student that had to be the one?”

“I said stop!” Sunset began to shake in his grip, barely trying to escape now and more just thrashing in his grip, attempting to look anywhere else but at him!

Daybreak gave her a firm shake, his voice now well beyond a yell. “FACE IT SUNSET, IT'S THE TRUTH! She abandoned both of us when we became inconvenient or too much trouble! If she really cared about either one of us then she'd have done everything in her power to find other solutions! But she didn't! And look how things turned out! You tried to destroy Twilight and her friends out of rage and jealousy! And I had to grow up on the streets alone! Afraid everyone and everything out there wanted to kill me just for existing! She's no Princess and no leader, SHE'S THE CAUSE OF ALL OF THIS NATIONS PROBLEMS!”

“I SAID STOP IT!” Orange energy built up around Sunsets arms. Daybreak didn't even have time to groan before a shockwave of energy blasted him away from Sunset and sent him hurtling back into the ground several feet away! Expecting some kind of aggressive follow up, Daybreak jumped back to his feet almost immediately after rolling to a stop, arms already encompassed by aura. But instead of that, he saw Sunset standing exactly where she'd been before, except her face was lowered in her hands. The all too audible sounds of whimpering and sobbing reached Daybreaks ears, instantly dousing the fire of rage in his belly like he'd dumped a lake on top of an ember.

“Ah shit...” He mumbled, realizing what he'd done.

Rubbing the back of his head in shame, and feeling like a total jackass, Daybreak slowly inched his way back over to Sunset. She didn't move or respond to him in any way as he approached, which worried him even more. He would have preferred if she'd lash out at him, like Twilight often would. At least then he wouldn't feel too bad. But she just stood there as he walked up, crying to herself. Times like this was when he almost missed his old self, being able to ignore other peoples feelings.

“Sunset?...Look...I'm, I'm sorry...” He mumbled pathetically. His heart wasn't in it. He fully meant every word of what he'd said, and didn't really regret saying it. He'd just been hoping for a different response. He'd wanted rage, a fiery tempered wrath, something he could work off of. But this was the total opposite reaction, and no help at all. Plus, now he felt bad. He truly hadn't meant to make her cry.

With no real idea of how to make her stop, and feeling more and more like a douche with each passing second, Daybreak did the only thing he could really think of, which was sad in its own right since he would have never done it before meeting Rainbow Dash. He swallowed a bit of pride, and pulled Sunset into a hug. Not a brief hug that he could easily perform and move on like nothing had happened. No. He pulled her close against his chest and held her gently, softly rubbing his hand up and down her back to comfort her. Then he tried again.

“Look...Sunset...I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry.” That much was true at least. He was pretty sure it was still a real shitty apology though.

Regardless, it had the intended effect. Sunset wiggled her arm free from him, and sniffled a few times, before wiping her own tears away. “Everything you said...everything you said, was things I've thought about for years. Even after making things right, with Twilight, and Princess Celestia. I've always thought those things in the back of my mind. But...because of how bad I was...I always just accepted it was all my fault. Maybe it was...But hearing you say the same things that I've thought for years, aloud...it was too much. I'm sorry.”

Attempting to brush it off, he lightly knocked on the top of her head with his knuckles “What're you sorry for idiot? I'm the one that said all those things.”

Sunset giggled stupidly and pushed his hand away “Yeah, but I know you're just frustrated with everything. I shouldn't have just started bawling like that. Like some little school girl getting teased in class. I know you didn't mean everything you said.”

“That's only partially true” But he'd be keeping that to himself.

“So umm...” She began sheepishly “You can let go of me now. Don't want to make Rainbow jealous if she sees this.”

Practically jumping away from her, Daybreaks face flushed. “I w-was only trying to make you feel better!”

Sunset held her hand to her mouth, holding back a chuckle. “Rainbows right. You ARE fun to tease.”

Lowering his head, hopefully to pick his jaw up off the floor, Daybreak sighed loudly. “What, did she tell every fucking person she knows how to mess with me or something?”

“More or less.” Sunset replied bluntly, then looked away with a smirk “We should get back to your house. Before the weather takes another bad turn.”

With that she spun on the spot and began a light trot in the direction of home, visible a short distance away. Daybreak watched as Sunset added an extra little skip to her step every so often, groaning to himself. “I fucking hate that rainbow haired demon sometimes...”

It's not like he was expecting a red carpet or anything fancy to greet him as he and Sunset passed back through the barrier surrounding his home. But it was still slightly disappointing, knowing Rainbow or Scootaloo wouldn't be there to welcome him back. It was the middle of the night after all, and they were both likely fast asleep by now. Though they would both surely be surprised by him being back, come morning. They had estimated the trip taking at least a day or two, so he couldn't even be sure all the preparations were complete for his and Rainbows departure. Not that he minded, Rainbow could take her time the following day for all he cared. He wasn't exactly rearing to go, even if he knew he had to. He'd promised Sunset they would leave asap once they returned. So the following day would be his last in Ponyville, for at least awhile. Hmm. Something about that should have made him feel something... But he didn't. Since Rainbow was coming with him, it didn't really feel like he was losing anything except scenery.

Once he unlocked his front door and stepped inside, a small shiver traveled over him. The house felt...different. Cold. Sunset seemed to notice it as well, shivering like he had once stepping inside. They both turned, exchanging a nod. With their aura activated, Daybreak pulsed his eyesight throughout the house and saw...nothing. Sunset sensed it as well. They were very alone. They both moved to the living room, shuffling their feet silently across the floor after shutting the front door behind them. The couch looked in order, no other furniture was out of place, nor were there any signs of a struggle.

Daybreaks eyes scanned the house for a hint of aura that might still linger from a fight. Meanwhile Sunset checked all the rooms, just to be sure no one was lying in wait, masking their presence. Daybreak didn't manage to spot anything unusual, and was about to concede defeat, when he heard Sunset shout for him from the kitchen. He teleported in without a thought, only to find Sunset staring at a note taped against the refrigerator. She stepped aside, allowing him to read it aloud.

“Dear Daybreak, Don't freak out if you get home and me and Squirt aren't there-" (Too late for that) "-When I told everyone we'd agreed to Sunsets plan for us to leave Ponyville, they all reacted pretty boringish…”

He stopped reading for a moment “Is boringish even a word?”

Sunset squinted hard at the small print. “Uh...no. But she also messed up the grammar here.” Sunset pointed slightly higher up. “It should be Squirt and I not me and Squirt but grammar was never one of her strong suites...”

“Clearly. Sometimes it's adorable, sometimes it's annoying.” He mumbled dryly “...Anyways where was I...They all reacted pretty boringish, guess they were already expecting it. So instead of walking around to say a bunch of goodbyes, we decided to have a sleepover at Twilight's castle until you both get back. Send a letter once you two are home and everyone will come to see us off. P.S I already emptied our dorm of everything, I'll be bringing our stuff with me when I come home. P.S.S We totally broke Twilight out of her hospital room a day early. We can't get in trouble for this cause she's a Princess, right?”

Once he was done, he looked up and found Sunset smirking. “Should've know they'd go to Twilights. Well, I'll go send that letter. Don't worry, since I'm sure you need some time with your thoughts, I'll tell them to come in the morning. I'd like some sleep too, before dealing with anything else.”

Daybreak gave her a thankful nod “Feel free to use the couch. It folds out into a bed, Scootaloo normally sleeps there, but I doubt she'll mind all things considered.”

Not waiting to hear her response, Daybreak shuffled his way down the hall towards his room. Once he entered and shut the door behind him, the extent of his mental exhaustion became truly apparent. It seemed he couldn't even be bothered with undressing. The only thing he managed to free from his body were his shoes, before he surrendered to his need for rest. The day had drained him of mental stamina, and it felt like he was out cold before his head ever struck the pillow. Though his body fell to sleep in mere seconds, his mind continued to turn its gears, unable to put to rest the things he had witnessed. The days events weighed heavily upon his psyche, causing him to toss and turn throughout the night. The memories replayed themselves to him over and over, refusing to grant him peace. He may have been asleep, but rest never found him.

Morning came all too quickly the following day. Or perhaps it was the same day. It had never been truly clear how late it was when the duo had reappeared at home. All Daybreak knew, was that he was not ready to get up as the sunlight crept its way through his closed blinds. Accursed things provided near perfect protection from the piercing light, except for a few stray rays that always managed to sneak through, and always managed to land right above his eyelids. Defiance sparked in his rest deprived mind, and he refused to grant the sun victory by opening his eyes. Instead he turned over, facing his back to the window, determined to try and squeeze out a few more ounces of sleep. But it seemed fate would not have it. For just as he felt his mind drifting off once more, the ever so slight creaking of his door, drew him back from the abyss. It was subtle, barely audible, as quiet as could possibly exist. But to him, it was nails on a chalk board. Every terrible inch that his invader insisted on moving the door created a piercing noise that drilled into his skull! Sunset must have thought she was being considerate, moving the door as slowly as possible to avoid making too much of a racket. But the opposite was in fact true. Daybreak would have preferred if she'd simply opened the door quickly in one fluent motion, like a bandage being removed, rather than torturing his ears with this unholy creaking!

Once the door was finally open enough to allow entrance, he heard two pairs of feet move across the carpet and enter the room. This seemed odd to him, because unless his memory was off, he'd only gone to bed with Sunset Shimmer in the house. His confusion was quickly remedied when one of the invaders whispered.

“Is he awake yet?” He recognized Sunsets voice easily, and silently sighed in relief. At least he wasn't about to be murdered in his sleep.

“I don't know, let me check.” He recognized the second voice too. It was Rainbow Dash. That spelled assured disaster.

Before he had a chance to announce that he was, in fact, awake, a warm pair of hands grabbed him by the face and scrunched his cheeks together! He tried to cry out in aggravation, but an even warmer pair of lips pressed against his own, and almost every thought of murdering Rainbow for this, left his mind. His eyes shot open in surprise, though he didn't really know why this surprised him. This was perfectly like her. At least this wake up call was pleasant. He could have just as easily believed she'd dump a cold bucket of ice water on him to wake him up. She'd done it before.

Rainbow took a long moment to hold the kiss, before pulling away and making very obvious smacking sound with her lips as she did. “Yep! He's awake!”

“How joyous” He groaned, his eyes adjusting to the morning light. Rainbow was quick to “aid” in his adjustment, by hopping to the other side of the bed, and drawing the blinds open completely. The sunlight spilled into the room, illuminating the area with its radiance. Daybreak hissed with rage, curling himself back within his covers and refusing to move.

“Oh don't be such a drama prince. Time to get up, we have a long day ahead of us.” Rainbow leaned over him, ripping the covers from his form. Daybreaks eyes spelled death as he glared up at Rainbow, but she just wore a face of disappointment.

“Darn, I was kinda hoping you were naked under there. Oh well. Get moving slowpoke. Everyone is waiting for you!”

The way she said that didn't sound right. “Everyone?”

The sound of distant voices prickled his ears.

“No! Please NO!”

Hoping he was wrong, Daybreak strained his neck to the side, peering around Rainbow and Sunset, out his doorway and into the hall. There, confirming his worst fears, were the shapes of several more people walking about his living room and kitchen. The desire for more rest became a distant memory as all the hair on Daybreaks neck stood up in rage.

“Oooooh! He's definitely awake now!” Rainbow chuckled.

Daybreak turned on her, impending murder crossing his mind. “You. Let. People. In. My. House!?”

Rainbow rubbed the back of her neck with a nervous smile “Ummm...Yes?”

SMACK!

Daybreak swung the pillow formerly beneath his head around and caught Rainbow full in the face. “How!” Smack “Dare!” Smack “You!” Smack .

The pillow twirled like nunchaku in his grasp, swatting Rainbow every which way about her head until her hair was full of tiny white feathers. The assault ended quickly as Sunset (fearfully) stepped forward and snatched the fluff filled weapon of death from his grasp. Daybreak had half a mind to conjure up more. The desire to smack Rainbow some more for violating this most sacred of places was beyond overwhelming! However once he took a breath to calm himself, it was clear Rainbow'd had enough. White feathers stuck all over the sides of her hair, creating a picturesque bedhead. Her eyes had gone googled from the continuous swatting, and as a small white feather settled itself upon her nose, she blew it away with the most tired of sighs.

“Ok...I deserved that.”

“That and much more.” Daybreak groaned as he stood from the mattress and began to change out of the former nights attire. A tank-top and shorts would suffice for now, and seeing as his home was now full of unwanted guests, he doubted he had the time to take a shower before they touched anything and everything they shouldn't. So instead he surrendered himself to the day, and slowly strode out of his room with a groan. When Sunset and Rainbow followed behind him, he heard Rainbow lean to Sunset “He took it much better than I thought.”

Daybreak hissed back at them, warning them he had heard. “Consider yourself lucky you're pregnant, or I'd literally kick your ass all over this house for this blasphemy.”

“Oooh socializing, the horror!” He heard Sunset lightly remark under her breath, earning a muffled laugh from Rainbow. He made to turn and make his displeasure known to the universe, but before he could manage it, everyone in the fucking house decided to take note of his presence, and he found himself swallowed up by the horde of Rainbows friends.

Her friends swarmed over top of him, seemingly intent on drowning him in their need to socialize with him. Now that they were all invading his personal space, it was much easier to tell who had followed Rainbow on this mission of evil. To his slight appreciation, it seemed like only her close friends had come.

“At least it's only people I've already met”

He spotted Twilight sitting at his dining table with Spike, both drinking cups of a thick dark liquid. (most likely belonging to him, the thieves).

Forcing himself through the small crowd of jabbering people around him, Daybreak made his way over to the sitting pair. Spike grew a smile as he approached, as did Twilight, like she could tell as well. He noted that she had replaced the bandages over her eyes with a single black cloth, and had pushed her hair to the front of her body, letting it fall down over her chest. It nearly completely covered her eyes from sight and so did not draw attention to her wound. Very nice, very subtle.

“Good morning Daybreak.” Twilights soft voice reached him before Spikes claw even raised for a high five. He detected a faint hint of alcohol in her breath as she spoke, and there was a small slur to her speech. Was she tipsy? That would be interesting. “I hope you don't mind us all coming to see you off?”

“Mind?” He spoke with restraint in his voice “Why would I mind? It's not like Rainbow decided to invite a bunch of people I barely know (plus you and Spike) to my house without telling me while I was asleep. No! Why would I mind?”

He'd managed to restrain his annoyance, but the sarcasm seemed to have slipped through. Spike frowned sheepishly, but Twilight smirked. “Oh? And if it was my idea and not Rainbows?”

His left eye twitched. “Then...I guess I owe Dash an apology for beating her senseless with my pillow. And I might have to spike your drink with laxatives.”

Spike snickered under his breath “You should've kept quiet Twi, now you're screwed.”

“Oh Spike.” Twilight reached over and patted the drakes head scales in a sympathetic manner “Daybreaks not gonna do anything to me. Right Daybreak? You wouldn't hurt me when I'm vulnerable and helpless would you?”

Those words came out a little to sultry for his liking, he cleared his throat before speaking again. “Like I told Rainbow. Be happy you're crippled right now. Otherwise...well, ya know.”

As Spike brought his glass to his lips for a sip, Daybreak shot a swift spark of energy at its base. Spike saw it too late and swallowed what was already in his mouth. Panic gripped at his features as he roughly grabbed Daybreak by the collar “W-What did you do?”

Daybreak allowed the silence to speak for him. For a moment later, a rumble could be heard from the drakes belly. Spikes eyes looked to Daybreak for mercy, but found none. Daybreak shrugged. “Oops, guess that's what happens when Twilights indisposed. No hard feelings right Spike? Besides, are you even old enough to be drinking that stuff?”

Spikes jaw opened, but no words came out. Instead the rumbling within his gut grew. Then, as the drakes throat twitched, attempting to produce sound...a loud hiccup burst forth from within his gullet, followed by a sea of bubbles!

Spike shut his jaw in surprise, watching as the bubbles floated down to the table, popping upon its surface and leaving a powerful soapy aroma in the air.

“Really?” Twilight sounded unamused, wrinkling her nose at the strong scent while trying to hold back her twitching lips “That spell? That's so uncreative of you.”

Daybreak shrugged again. “Gotta love a classic. Besides you liked it when we were kids.”

Twilights lips betrayed her and she was forced to cover her mouth to save face “That's because you would constantly burp bubbles into my face. I was a kid. Kids find silly things funny.”

“Adults too apparently. Come on Twi, you know I can see right through you.” He teased, poking her lightly in the shoulder.

“Must be nice. Wish I still could.”

The deadpan in her voice left an uncomfortable silence floating between Spike and Daybreak. But it didn't last long, as Twilight was quick to ensure. “Spiiiiiike. Pour me another glass please?”

Spike features slouched a bit, and his voice lowered. “Twi...that's like you're fifth one this morning.”

“Whaaaaa? Didn't I teach you not to mumble?” Twilights voice slurred ever more, and her head drooped slightly onto her left shoulder.

Spike looked to Daybreak with pleading eyes. Maybe he should step in?

“The Princess of Friendship drinks? How surprising.” He tried to keep his tone sounding casual, possibly humorous.

“She does now!” Twi responded with vigor, then pounded her cup atop his table “I said another Spike!”

The drake jumped in fright and scurried back from his seat towards the fridge. Daybreak felt his eye give a slight twitch. “Ya know Twi, ya could've at least asked before raiding my alcohol. This stuff isn't exactly cheap.”

Twilight gave a hiccup mixed in with a giggle “Riiiiiight, like you c-care about currency. Ya probably just swoosh up some fake money with your magic every time you g-go shopping....Do you even go shopping? I can't imagine you talking to other people at our market. Not without burning it down again at least.”

Daybreak winced, struggling not to get upset at her lack of tact. He kept his cool by reminding himself she was drunk, and let it go.

“Even I have to socialize from time to time Sparky.”

“And he whines about it every time I make him go.” Rainbows voice floated across their table as she came up behind Daybreaks chair, resting her chin and elbows atop his head. “It's easier to make him take me out on a date than it is to get him to come to the market with me.”

Twilights mouth curled lightly as Rainbow made herself comfortable atop Daybreaks head. She didn't say anything, but Daybreak could see her holding back something. At least she wasn't THAT drunk. Rainbow reached over and snatched up the cup that Spike had been drinking, bringing it to her nose for a sniff.

“Wow, strong stuff Twi. You're letting Spike drink this?”

She made to bring the cup to her lips, but Daybreak reached up and swiped the cup from her fingers before it could touch her mouth. Sliding the mug across the table to Twilight, Daybreak hissed up at Rainbow.

“Don't even think about drinking! You're pregnant you dodo!”

Fingers trailed through his hair giving a comfortable tickle as Rainbow nuzzled her chin atop his head “My hero, such a thoughtful boyfriend ey Twi?”

Quickly chugging what little remained of Spikes beverage, Twilight grumbled “Totally.” before allowing her forehead to become one with the tabletop. Spike returned a moment later with a fresh cup, which temporarily revived the young princess while she proceeded to down the whole mug like it was a shot glass. Both Daybreak and Rainbow exchanged a glance. No words were spoken, but the looks they wore said everything. “Damn! Nerd can chug!”

Once Spike resumed his seat, Daybreak decided to make his leave. He'd have to start packing shortly if he wanted them to leave before noon. Standing from his chair, Daybreak reached over and patted Twilight atop her head “I'm gonna finish packing, try not to drink too much Sparky.” He ruffled her hair, before leaning to Spike and whispering as quietly as he could into his ear “Don't let her have anymore. Tell her I'm out.”

Spike gave a silent nod of acknowledgement as Rainbow attached herself to his side when he started to leave. Once they were out of earshot, and it was clear they were actually heading to his room, Rainbow tugged on his shorts.

“Ya knooooow, if we tell everyone we're packing, all we gotta do is lock the door and...” her voice trailed off, but Daybreak knew what she was implying. Unfortunately for her, that wasn't what he wanted right now. His fingers ruffled her hair “Sorry Skittles, I actually am planning on packing. If we gotta go, I'd rather not delay any longer than necessary.”

There was mild grumbling beneath her breath, but Rainbow did not attempt to take the matter further. Instead she resigned herself to his bed once they entered the room. Although he did spot her locking the door, and making an awful attempt to be subtle about it. Nevertheless, he was determined to get this done, even if she tried to be difficult about it. With the door closed and Rainbow now lounging in his bed, he inhaled a deep breath, and closed his eyes. After an equally long exhale, they slowly slid open, and he went to work. First things first, he went for his enchanted backpack, sitting comfortably within his closet. When the doors were flung open, he heard the familiar growl of his bag, waiting to pounce on whomever dared try and disturb it, but he was well prepared. Just as the bag launched itself upon his face, he caught it by its “jaws” and pulled the zipper shut around its mouth. The creature wrestled in his grip, then fell silent and limp in his arms, the enchantment suppressed.

Once the bag was safe for use, Daybreak unzipped the mouth and began loading up the most essential objects within. Things he didn't want to have vanish with the house, or were too important to risk losing in whatever space his home would go to when he erased its drawing later that day. The convenient thing about his pack, was the near limitless space its “stomach” provided. Thanks to the enchantment he had on it, the bag could be filled well past what any reasonable person would assume possible. If needed, he could probably have hid a few bodies inside of it. Not that he had ever actually attempted such. But the possibility remained open.

Other than his many drawings, he stuffed a few clothes in that were scattered loosely around his closet. There was one or two magical items hidden in the back depths of his closet that went into the pack as well. Such things as; a Summoning Stone, which could summon one particular animal as a familiar if a contract was made with it, an enchanted paint set he used for powerful chaos spells, which would rapidly draw anything that came to his mind if he focused on it strongly enough, and a few small viles of rare potions that he was saving for dire emergencies. There was Instant Healing draughts, some Liquid Deaths, and somewhere hidden within them all was one vile of Everlasting (a special brew that could only be made once a year on a full moon, and granted near invulnerability for a short time). He had a feeling all of these items might come in handy in the near future. The next time they met Jackie, or her Master, would likely be in combat, and he had no intention of being caught unawares again.

Once the closet was pillaged of anything useful, Daybreak turned his attention to the few drawers and wall cupboards he had, as well as anything of Rainbows that she might need. Once he started tossing her things around though, she was no longer willing to just lounge quietly upon his bed.

“If I start seeing you handling my underwear, I'm gonna have to assume you wanna have sex, and things will just escalate from there. So unless you wanna get pounced, keep yours paws outta my shorts stud.”

Daybreak had half a mind to call her on her crap, seeing as he was actually doing her a favor by packing her things into a bag that literally couldn't get lost or overflow. But fuck it, if she wanted to carry her own things, then so be it, less packing for him to do. He shrugged, tossing pair of Rainbows underwear behind his back and onto her face. “Oops, my hand slipped.” He snuck in dryly.

Retribution came for him almost immediately as he tossed the final item inside his bag. When he stood from his knees, he felt a cold pair of hands wrap around his waist. As he rose, his shorts did not, and the next moment the bottom half of his clothing was around his ankles. Grimacing, he turned and raised his brow at Rainbow, who was laying upside down at the foot end of his bed with her tongue out, like a dog wanting a belly rub. “Really Skittles?”

“Hey, I warned ya dude. Now since you're already halfway there...” Her fingers gripped at the bottom of her shirt, raising it slowly.

Daybreak just shook his head “You really are insatiable Dashie.”

He took a step, Rainbow inhaled deeply, hoping she had won the battle, but was met with disappointment when his hands found her shirt and pushed it back down. The discarded shorts were swiftly pulled back up around his waist, and Rainbow found herself pouting silently while Daybreaks fingers ruffled through her hair. “I'm sure you can survive one morning without getting laid, even with YOUR sex drive.”

Rainbow gave a huff of disapproval, but made no further attempt to relieve him of his pants. Victory achieved, Daybreak turned and made for the door. Before firmly grasping the handle, he gave a quick look back over his shoulder “As punishment for being a insatiable sex fiend, you are not to leave this room until all of your things are completely packed and ready to go, understand missy?”

Rainbow rolled around on the bed, whining loudly. “Awwwww! Sooooo boooooorning! What kind of boyfriend doesn't want his girl to crave sex?! Booooooooo! Booooo I say, Booooooo!”

“Wow...” There were no other words. He was lost for them as Rainbow flailed herself around his sheets, destroying any chance of him making the bed decently that morning, and leaving it looking like a battleground. He would chalk up her childlike behavior to hormones for now, and leave it for a later discussion.

Rainbow ceased her rolling very suddenly, halting nearly perfectly in between rolls on her side, as though an idea had struck her. “Hey?” She rolled over to look at him “If I don't attack you the rest of the morning and I pack up like a good girl...Sex later at the new house?”

Daybreaks lips struggled not to curl, he brought his hand to his mouth to hide the expression from view “Sure Dashie.”

“Looooots of sex?” Rainbows voice rose an octave, and he was fairly certain her eyes widened. His mouth was struggling to resist the growing urge to laugh, it was a losing battle. He coughed to try and keep controlled. “Ahem! Yes Dashie, fine. If you behave.”

“Wahoo!” Rainbow jumped forth from the bed, springing to life, propelled by the forces of nature towards her target! With his guard lowered, Daybreak had no chance of reacting in time, and felt Rainbows full form plow into his chest. They both tumbled to the floor as Rainbow continued to chant atop his chest “Lots of sex! Lots of sex for Dash! Yes! Yes! Wahoo!”

Picking up the shattered pieces of his ribs and spine, Daybreak decided now was the perfect time to make his exit. He swiftly saw himself out of the room once Rainbow dismounted his person, flinging open the door with renewed vigor before she could launch another surprise attack on his exposed back. Upon his exit, Daybreak found himself face to face with a large mass of eavesdroppers huddled outside his room, or as he might soon refer to them “future murder charges”. Rainbows friends quickly tried to seem as nonchalant as possible, but their guilt was all too obvious. Not one of them could hide their flushed features. The only ones not red in the face were Twilight and Pinkie. Though Twilight hadn't moved from her spot at the table, plus her head was flat down on its surface, so she might have been passed out for all he knew. And since Pinkie was already pink skinned, he wasn't sure if he'd even be able to tell if she was embarrassed.

“What? Hoping for a show?” He snickered at no one in particular while he walked by.

As he passed through the group of Rainbows friends, he heard a familiar country accent speak out from within them. “Ah'm findin it easier ta see how ya'll managed to get pregnant so quickly if that's the usual attitude ya'll have when yer alone.”

“The usual attitude huh?” It was difficult to tell if the farm girl was teasing or scolding him. After all, her voice always sounded so serious and reserved. Even when he'd seen the woman smile in their few interactions, it always felt like she was holding something back. That said, the only route to take this, was the most entertaining one possible of course.

“If you were witnessing the usual attitude we had around each other, I'd be still be in there, and there'd be a lot more screaming and moaning involved. This is us being well behaved for guests.”

A quick flare of the eyes, and a small smile told him all he needed to know. AJ tipped her hat to him in defeat and turned to continue whatever conversation she'd been holding with Rarity prior. As Daybreak made his way from the hallway towards the living room, Sunset broke free from the group and followed after him. “Hey Daybreak, hold up a sec. I need to talk to you.”

Instead of stopping, Daybreak turned and motioned towards the living room with his thumb. Sunset nodded and the pair made their way towards his coffee table. They entered the living room to find three much younger bodies sprawled across the couch, sleeping on and occupying, much of its space. Scootaloo was among the mass of entangled limbs, so Daybreak could only assume that the other two bodies were the friends she had spoken about before. Seems it was open season on his dwellings this morning. Suddenly the idea of moving to some unknown part of the world wasn't so unappealing. Instead of the couch, the pair pulled the two separate armchairs together and sat down.

Sunset leaned close to him, dropping her voice to a whisper so that their conversation would not carry to the nearby dining table, where a certain princess lay snoozing “I've had this on my mind since we got back yesterday...Do you think we should tell Twilight and the others about seeing Jackie down there, in the crystal cavern?”

The question wasn't surprising to hear. In fact, Daybreak expected her to have already told Twilight about it by now. The fact that she felt the need to check with him first was a good sign, for him. Enjoying that thought, he responded casually at first “Why do you feel that we should?”

There was a brief moment, during which Sunsets eyes looked away from him and instead found the window in the corner of the room. “I...I'm not necessarily saying we should. It might not even matter if we do. I went over to the hospital this morning before everyone got here, and the nurses said she was still in her room. If she left, no one ever noticed.”

“Which means she might have a used some kind of spell to project an image of herself to us. But then, if she did that, how was she able to give me that scroll?”

Sunset nodded “Right, I thought the same thing. So it was definitely her. Which means she can enter and leave that place at will, and her cuffs are basically pointless.”

A sharp, raspy chuckle escaped Daybreaks throat, but it sounded more like a snarl to her “I thought that the moment I saw her restraints myself. But I let it go, because at the time I thought she would've already escaped if she could...and I made the mistake of believing her when she told me the princesses restraints were powerful enough to hold her. Maybe I just wanted to believe we had her...but now I'm not sure. I think maybe she wants to be there...”

“Maybe...” Sunset began “Maybe we really are just playing into her hands Daybreak. Have you considered that?”

Daybreak leaned back in his chair. The thought was a terrible and terrifying one, but he couldn't deny it had crawled through his head a couple times already. Ever since they had “captured” Jackie, he'd felt like something was off. Like the end of the world was happening a little too slowly, or didn't even seem to be happening at all. Sure crops were going bad, food was scarcer and the weather had gone to hell every other day. But an entity like one of the Four Horsemen should be alot more impressive right? What was it he was missing?

“I have given it thought, yes.” He started slowly “But if that's the case and we are walking right into it, whatever IT is she has planned...is me leaving really still the best option?”

Sunsets features hardened “Yes, I still think that is the best route for us. With you here, you bring all the danger right to Ponyville. You may not know this, but I wrote to some of our dragon allies outside Equestria's borders, and they say the weather patterns beyond are completely normal, and food availability hasn't changed. This is all centered around you Daybreak. If you leave I think it is likely the danger will give chase, and while Famine and Jackie hunt for you, we can gather strength to prepare for their return.”

A harsh plan, given thought, but it made sense. He would become more or less a lure to pull the danger away from Equestria for a time. There was something to be admired about Sunsets plan, at least to him. None of the rest of her friends would likely have the stomach to suggest using him in such a way. That alone made him respect Sunset more than the others. She'd even made sure to have Rainbow stick with him, that way he could hide without worrying about her. As far as simple but effective plans went, it was the best there was with the limited information they had on their opponent.

Daybreak smiled “Alright, we'll stick with that plan then...Ya know Sunset, I think it's a good thing you went dark side for a time, it's given you perspective the rest of your friends lack. I wish I could have met the old you, at least once.”

Despite being intended as a compliment, the look on Sunsets face told him she wasn't taking it as one. “No you don't...”

Something in her speech, in her eye movement, made him feel as though he'd offended her in some way. Though, it was not enough to make him feel an apology was warranted. He decided to leave it at that. “I'll take your word for it then...So what's your plan to get ready? Once me and Rainbow vanish, how do you intend to 'prepare' for whatever eventually comes? If your plan works, and whatever is out there leaves to come find us, eventually it's going to come back here when it fails. And I doubt it will be as pleasant as it's been so far...But you already know that, so how will you get ready?”

Sunset smiled “Oh, I've got a few ideas. After watching your fight with Jackie, I think me and the other Elements can take her on now.”

That wasn't a very convincing or detailed response. “And what if she brings an army with her? I've already had a run in with some of the creatures she can summon...they weren't exactly pushovers. Unless you're telling me you have an army hidden somewhere up your skirt, I don't think your friends and whomever else might be at that school of yours, is enough. We've only seen Jackie fight until now, and we have very little on her. We have no info on her master, or her abilities. The way I see it, the worst case scenario just based on what I've seen so far is; Jackie, Famine, and an army of those shadow wolf creatures show up here. You telling me you can deal with that?”

Sunset shrugged, keeping a confident face. “Maybe, maybe not. If I can get Twilight back in the game, I'm almost certain we can take Jackie, and if you leave me notes on what you know about those wolves, we can fight those too. The students at the school are all high level mages in their own right, don't dismiss them just because they don't impress you. Plus the teachers and Headmistress are there as well. The only anomaly is Famine, and she's...”

“A god.” Daybreak finished for her, seeing her confidence waver slightly as he spoke the word. He remembered back to his previous encounter with her. Despite his smart mouthed attitude, he'd been completely helpless before her power. Something he was hesitant to appreciate. “In all respects, that's what I would call her. Just standing in her presence was enough to drain me of my aura...it was like being frozen right down to my cells. I don't think there's anything I could do against someone like that. Even you only got a lucky shot in because she was completely focused on me.” He hesitated before speaking again, biting down on his lips to try and keep himself from admitting his next words aloud. “I hate to say it, but without my father, Celestia, or Luna, I don't think you could survive Famine. I don't even think you could hold her off. I don't think any of us could...that's how powerful I believe she is. It's not based on any real evidence, its just the feeling I got from being near her, and fighting her servant.” Again he let momentary silence take hold, before leaning all the way over to Sunsets face and hissing at her. “If she shows up here and she is anything more than completely alone, you are all going to die, pointlessly.”

His eyes narrowed, against Sunsets wavering gaze. She looked down, and her fists clenched across her lap. He got the feeling she'd already figured that out awhile ago, but having it said aloud always makes things more real. “If you are ok with that, then that's fine for you. But you need to make the situation clear to anyone you intend to have helping protect this place. Everyone who isn't at the top of their game, needs to evacuate the moment danger arrives, or even before then if possible.”

Even though her eyes were now shaking, and her fists clenched tightly, Sunset still held resolve within her voice when she spoke. “Like I said, I have few ideas. I know we can't defeat Famine with the information we have-”

“Which is zero.” He quickly added, to her displeasure.

“Yes I know. But I have a hunch she'll be looking for you, not attacking us...” Her words rang with confidence, Daybreak held back his skepticism and let her have a chance to convince him before interrupting again. “In combat, you have to try and understand the way your enemy thinks in order to defeat them. While I can't claim to know much about Famine or her abilities, I do know one thing for certain. She prefers to let her minions do the work. Whether that's because she feels like she's above it, or some other unseen reason, until now we've only actually encountered her once. That was when she came to invite you to her side. She did that in person. So, one way or another, YOU are worth her time.”

Daybreaks finger ran down the sides of his chin, stroking the small five o clock shadow he had emerging. That thought had not occurred to him until now. At least not in the way Sunset was taking it. He let her continue, she now had his attention.

“For whatever reason, she revealed herself to you, and only you. We can sit here all day guessing at why, but it ultimately doesn't matter. The fact is, that's the only personal appearance she's made. So...I think she'll send Jackie and her forces here to cause trouble. Maybe to try and take one of us hostage, force you to come back, or just to wipe out the Elements, while she goes looking for you herself. If things go the way we want, we can defeat Jackie for good, and maybe her forces too. Then, I'll find a way to signal you. You can come back, and with Rainbow here, we can use the power of the Elements to defeat Famine. If you're right about her strength, then the Elements might be the only force we have capable of defeating her.”

There was still one major problem, one that was all too obvious to Daybreak. He had to ask, to make sure Sunset knew what would need to happen if there was any chance of victory.

"You realize that to defeat Jackie, you'll have to kill her right? We clearly can't restrain her. Are you prepared for that? Is Twilight, or your group?"

Sunsets eyes narrowed, her features hardened once more. She was almost intimidating when she did that. "If it comes to that, I'll do it. I know no one else will, so I'll have to. But I'm hoping to find a way to seal or trap her without doing that, if possible."

Daybreak decided he'd withhold the obvious solution of using the Elements, since that would involve Rainbow staying behind, and he didn't want that. Sunset had probably already figured that into her solution anyhow. He tapped his finger against his chin. There was a lot of holes, alot of maybes, and alot of things that could go wrong. But at the moment, it wasn't a bad plan...as long as he and Rainbow weren't found. Assuming Famine wasn't omnipotent, she was likely keeping track of him by his aura. Every persons aura was uniquely different. Tracking someone by the feel of their aura was the easiest way to follow them and their movements. It had limitations of course, range and accuracy were ultimately dependent upon the trackers ability. Assuming Famine could sense his energy anywhere in the world, all he and Rainbow would have to do is seal off their aura for as long as they wanted to hide. If the rules of magic had any effect for a Horsemen, then this could actually work.

“Alright.” He said after taking it all in. “I'll accept that you've given this proper thought, me and Rainbow will leave as soon as she is packed. No need to delay the inevitable.”

Sunset smiled, standing from her chair “Right. Well, just to be clear, we want Rainbow back in fighting condition before you return. So we need to make this last at least ten months, that gives you a month of recuperation after she gives birth to get her strength back. Until that happens, and assuming things go any kind of our way, we will just try and hold off any threats, but once we hit nine to ten months, if we spot Jackie we are going to take her down. We need her out of the picture before you return to make this work.”

Daybreak stood up as well “I get it. Although, I have no idea how you are gonna stretch this out for that long.”

“Neither do I.” She remarked, shrugging “But we might get lucky. They'll likely try finding you first, that could take awhile. Then once that fails, that's when Jackie will likely show up. Who knows how long they might try searching for you though? It all really depends on how impatient Famine is.”

“Speaking of impatience...” Daybreak lazily pointed his finger towards the hall leading into his room. Rainbow was there, struggling to drag an overly large bag the size of a brown bear behind her heels. This was likely a product of her insisting on packing her own things, for whatever reason. The pleading look for assistance on her face was easily visible from their spot in the living room, and despite himself, Daybreak took pity on her. He whistled loudly, gaining the attention of a few of Rainbows friends chatting in the kitchen. Spike and Applejack reacted first, spotting her struggle. Both the drake and the farmer ran over and took spots on opposite sides of Rainbow. All together they heaved the bag upwards, each one supporting a section of it upon their backs. Once stable enough to move, they walked in step towards the front entrance. Even with all three of them underneath it, the bag still seemed to be giving them a decent bit of trouble. What could Rainbow Dash of all people possibly had to pack in something that large?

Since Rainbow was now fully packed (or so he hoped with a bag that size) it was time for them to make their departure. While AJ and the others crowded towards Rainbows over sized bag, Daybreak stepped into the kitchen to wake up Twilight. She barely stirred as he gave her arm a shake, resigning instead to attempt cuddling with the mug she'd been drinking from. Another, slightly rougher shake, elicited more of a reaction. Twilight groaned loudly at him, then turned to face the other direction, and went back to sleep. Sunset covered up a giggle “Looks like you might have to get creative to awaken our drunken princess.”

“Lightweight” Daybreak practically spat, both in annoyance and an admitted bit of amusement.

Feeling a slight twitch growing in his eye from Twilights complete lack of cooperation, Daybreak reached underneath her arm pits and, with a surge of strength, hoisted her up onto her feet! Her knees buckled instantly, but she stayed up, supported by his hands “Oh for-! Twilight show some dignity please! You're a princess, not some drunken college girl!” The purple tanned princesses eyes fluttered open, a warm yawn met the side of Daybreaks face, making his whiskers stand up.

“I don't wanna get up yet...five more minutes...” She groaned, barely supporting her own weight. Daybreak was very confident that if he let her go right now, she'd crumple to the floor like a rag doll. The thought was more tempting than he'd care to admit aloud. Sunset, leaned against the dining table, wafting her hand at him as if to say “Well, get on with it”. All of her friends were staring at him too, even Rainbow seemed curious as to what he was going to do next. They all watched with curious gazes on their faces as he attempted to wake the young princess one more time. He gave her shoulder a much rougher shake than before, then hissed something in her ear so low that even she barely heard it.

"Sparky if you don't stand up right now...I'm gonna tell everyone about what happened at Celestia's pool when we were little."

The muscles in Twilight's arms went rigid, just before a light “Eep” escaped her lips. Her whole body went straight so quickly, she might have been struck by lightning. Daybreak felt a smile curl at the edges of his lips with the knowledge that the incident in question was still a source of embarrassment for her all these years later.

Though clearly wasted, she seemed to have no trouble supporting herself when properly motivated. Twilight gave a light stumble a few steps away from him, before steadying herself against the table. “Alright, alright...I'm awake...What's going on?”

Daybreak cast a glance to Rainbow, now standing by the front door, leaning against her mountainous bag of things that put Rarity to shame. Their friends gathered around and looked to him, as if they were all waiting to hear the confirmation come from him alone. Feeling the pressure of all their gazes, he spoke his words delicately.

“Twilight, it's time for us to leave.”

She was silent. Her lips parted partially, as if to say something, then closed as if deciding against it. “Oh ok...”

The words drifted from her mouth without Daybreak ever seeing her lips move. Her voice was devoid of energy, the complete opposite of the drunken stupor he'd detected moments ago. Sensing the discomfort growing in the room, Daybreak made to take a step towards his friend, but Sunset cut him off. She stepped between him and Twilight before he could move to her. The movement was quick, sudden, and graceful. She stepped forward, taking Twilights hands into her own, and encouraging her to follow towards the front door, lightly pulling against her wrists. “Come on Twilight, let's go.” As they walked by, Sunset briefly turned and looked Daybreak square in the eyes. Her head shook, in only the slightest of motions, but he could tell what she was saying “Don't make it worse” He obliged silently, and followed behind them until they reached the door. Once Spike managed to wake Scootaloo and her friends from the couch, everyone gathered together just beyond the front door outside.

The morning was a beautiful one. The sun was breaking through the light mass of clouds that had gathered overtop the horizon. Its gleaming rays glistened against the morning dew that had formed along the blades of grass just beyond Daybreaks home. Of course, that illusion only lasted until you looked outside the barrier and saw the rest of the browned and deadened hillside leading down to Ponyville. Nevertheless, the morning was peaceful at least. Almost too perfect for the melancholy parting now taking place. Daybreak and Rainbow stood apart from the others, both their bags lay just behind them, awaiting the inevitable departure. Back behind everyone, Daybreaks home was slowly starting to shimmer against the morning sunlight, shifting between a solid mass and an intangible ghost. Daybreak looked down at the burning drawing in his left hand, a mixture of feelings running through him. The decision to simply burn it instead of erasing and recreating it had been a hard, but necessary one that he'd quickly made on his own. If he used any magic to recreate his house at their new destination, Famine might detect them from it. The risk was too high...so the house would simply have to go until they returned to Ponyville. It could be brought back eventually...but still...there was something painful about watching the little paper burn away in his fingertips. It was just a house, but it had symbolized something for him here. Just like all the people that now stood before him, waiting to wish him and Rainbow farewell.

It seemed no one wanted to be the first to say it, so Sunset decided to take the initiative for everyone. Breaking from the group, she strode over and embraced both Daybreak and Rainbow in a hug together. “Goodbye friends” She spoke softly, not because she didn't want to be heard, but because this was likely just as hard for her as it was for anyone. Daybreak and Rainbow returned the gesture in silence. Each one placed an arm around Sunsets back and lightly gripped her close, until she broke away.

“This is the right call.” she said as she stepped back. Though Daybreak wasn't sure if she as trying to assure them, or herself.

With the first one out of the way, the rest followed suite right after. Rainbows friends each came forward and gave their own goodbyes. Pinkie crushed both of their ribs at once with her farewell hug, Fluttershy had to struggle to hold back her tears, Rarity and AJ both put on tough faces, but it was obvious they too were feeling it. Spike was the one who handled the goodbye best, in Daybreaks opinion at least. He came forth, and gave them each a hug. Then, before turning and stepping back to the others, he gestured out his scaly fist at Daybreak and exclaimed“This time, you'd better come back!” With a warm growth taking hold in his belly, Daybreak couldn't hold back the smile. He mirrored his dragon friend, extending his fist outwards towards him. “You got it.” It was a small exchange, but Daybreak knew what Spike was trying to say to him, and that was enough.

Twilight and Scootaloo were the worst. Not because they made things hard, but because they were unable to control their water works. Scootaloo's face remained brave, and strong, but her eyes streamlined tears like someone had plugged her into a fire hydrant. “I'll practice everyday! I promise! When you get back, you'll see how strong I am!”

“I know Shrimp. I know. Now come here.” He pulled her into a tight hug. A hug so fully embracing that Rainbow was forced to simply join in, rather than getting her own turn with her. Scoots let her tears run down the side of Daybreaks shoulder as she crushed her face against his arm. “Come back soon, big bro, big sis!”

“We will Squirt, just you wait.” Rainbow cooed, finally managing to get a ahold of a piece of Scootaloo to hug. It was barely her left arm, but it was enough.

Once they broke apart, and Scoots stepped back into the group with the others, it was Twilights turn. Whether or not she'd chosen to go last was not clear, but Daybreak knew this was going to be uncomfortable for a number of reasons.

Twilight approached Rainbow first, which oddly enough, was how he knew things were going to be bad. They exchanged a simple, but heartfelt hug. Twilight and Rainbow both said their goodbyes lightly...then came his turn. He could feel the tension. Not just his own, but Rainbows and even Sunsets as well. Everyone who knew, watched to see what would happen.

Twilight took a step, and practically threw herself at him. Literally. He nearly fell backwards as he stumbled to support her. Twilight wrapped her arms tightly around his chest, and buried her face into his shoulder! The tears came fast. If Scoots had been a fire hydrant opening, then Twilight was a dam breaking down! She did not make any attempt to hide her cries either. She did not wail, but she wasn't exactly quiet.

“I don't want this!” She cried into his shoulder “I was and am against this! I don't want you to go again! I don't care if this is the best plan! It's not fair!” Twilight lightly smacked her fists against his chest. He wasn't sure what to do. Eyes darted around for help, but everyone looked just as uncomfortable as he did. He didn't dare try and stop her, so the only thing he could do was let her get it all out.

“All these years...waiting and waiting and wondering! Where did you go, what had happened? You left and never came back...now you're back and you're leaving me again...it's not fair!”

“Twilight.” He squeezed her tight, hoping to get the full message across “I'm sorry.”

Whether she understood or not, his words did at least make her stop weeping. Sniffling loudly, she wiped the tears from underneath cloth over her eyes. “This time...this time you have to come back. As your princess I order you to come back this time!” Some manner of confidence managed to work its way into her words, and he felt a small twinge of joy that he couldn't explain. Separating from the hug, he popped to a salute “As my Princess commands.”

Twilight managed a teary smile “I haven't forgotten you know...Twinkle, twinkle.”

She held onto her smile, completely unaware of his soul shattering inside him again. As it did every time she reminded him of that momentary mistake in judgement. It was a true struggle to keep his features and his voice from reacting to her words. He managed to force his smile to remain, somehow “Goodbye Princess Twilight. This time, I'll definitely come back. Pinkie Promise.”

Hoping that would appease her for now, he stepped back next to Rainbow, who was looking at him with a very curious expression. He hoped nothing came of it, but for now he couldn't worry about it. Now that everyone had said their goodbyes, it was time for Sunset to do her part. She stepped forward once again, her aura bursting forth around her body.

“Alright you two, I'm going to send you somewhere outside of our borders. I picked out a place I think you can at least enjoy. No one else but me knows where I'm sending you, so you don't have to worry about the location getting out. Once I open the portal, suppress your auras, and jump in immediately! We don't want to risk you being tracked in any way...Are you ready?”

They both nodded, and interlocked fingers. Rainbow gave one final wave to her friends “See ya nerds! Next time you see me, this family will be twenty percent bigger!”

They all shook their heads, but managed smiles for her sake. Sunset nodded “Suppress your aura...NOW!”

At that exact moment, her body ignited a fiery orange, and energy coiled to life around her fingertips! With two circular waves of her palms, a pool of pure energy erupted to life behind Daybreak and Rainbow! The energy hung suspended in the air, forming into a solid oval. When it appeared, both Daybreak and Rainbow focused their attention inwards. In a literal sense. Whereas normally one tried to be open with the energy flowing around the world, allowing it to pass through the body and give power, now they wanted the opposite. Their auras flared to life, then stagnated, slowly retreating within their bodies like a low powered vacuum suction. Daybreak felt his body begin to numb, and the barrier around his home begin to fade away. He could feel it, or rather the lack of it, magic was no longer flowing through him. He had suppressed it, sealed it away. Blinking, he turned to Rainbow, and could tell she had done so as well. She was bent over and out of breath, clearly not used to the technique or its hinderances upon the body. Suppression was advanced, but in theory nearly every high level mage could manage it with practice.

“JUMP IN!” Sunsets voice rang out in front of them!

Rainbow, too winded to pay attention, moved sluggishly. Daybreak could tell he would have to work for the both of them. Gripping Rainbows arm tight in one hand, and both their bags in the other, Daybreak pulled forward with all his might! He leapt, pulling Rainbow and their bags into the portal with him! Looking back, the last thing he saw as his world faded into the black abyss of teleportation, was his home slowly disintegrating into nothingness among the grass covered scenery...