I was fairly stunned to see Princess Celestia and Rainbow’s friend, Twilight Sparkle, sitting in the room. The princess was acting as the judge, the purple unicorn sat at the defence table, smiling widely at us. I knew that Dash had something in mind, but I was really surprised by that.

“How the hell did you manage to get them here?” I asked her.

Her smile was bright, “I told Twilight about everything. She freaked out and told Celestia about everything. She’s been studying the academy rules and Equestrian laws for several days now.”

I turned my attention back forward to see the Princess stand up and open her muzzle to speak, just to stop as the door opened.

“Sorry that I’m late!” a pink alicorn apologized with red cheeks as she quickly walked in and took her place next to Celestia.

The royal guard overseeing security stated in a loud, deep voice, “All rise.”

The princess nodded before beginning to speak, “Please be seated. We all gathered here together in the case of the Wonderbolt academy against Captain Spitfire and Cadet Rainbow Dash under the suspicion of breaking several laws that, after all the overseer told me, also push against the Equestrian ones,” she turned her head and nodded towards a pale earth pony at the other side, “Miss Blossom, the accusatorial, please.”

Miss Blossom stood up, a scroll in her hooves, “Captain Spitfire and Cadet Rainbow Dash are accused of the following. The Captain started a secret relationship also containing sexually explicit actions with a cadet, that is against the rules in paragraph eighty-four, line seven of the academy, which reads, and I quote ‘No ranking officers in the Wonderbolts may start or maintain a personal relationship of any kind with trainees or cadets’. The relationship that has come into public light is in clear violation of this regulation. Cadet Rainbow Dash is also guilty of this same rule, upon signing up for the Wonderbolts, she agreed to follow our code of conduct, which dictates relationships shall not be started or maintained between officers and cadets. Thier relationship can easily be taken as favoritism on the Captain’s part, and a clear sign that she is taking advantage of the young cadet.”

I’m taking advantage of her? What?!

“Alright, we heard the accusatorial. Defender, do your clients want to say anything to this?” Celestia asked calmly.

Twilight stood up and cleared her throat, “Eehem, Princess Celestia, the defense cannot argue against the charge. As the rules currently state, it’s true.”

A large uproar echoed around the room. As much as I hated to say it, Twilight was right. The simple fact that we were hiding our relationship, that we both knew we were violating the regulations and codes of conduct sealed our guilt.

“However!” Twilight’s booming voice cut through the crowd, causing everyone present to look at her in shock, “It is my intent to prove maliciousness behind the intent of that law, and, I quote the ancient unicorn Starswirl the Bearded; ‘An unjust law is no law at all, and NOT to be followed!’”

Celestia giggled at hearing those words, I had no idea why.

“Princess Celestia,” Miss Blossom started to say, “This is observed, they’ve just admitted to breaking the rules of the academy and should be expelled immediately. This is no place to argue over what laws should be followed and which should not. That way only creates anarchy.”

Instead of Celestia, Cadance stood up and glared at Blossom, “Miss Blossom, I think you, like everypony else, is forgetting that a relationship is no matter of favouritism or taking advantage, as long as real love is in play. As the princess of love, I can certainly say that these two ponies love each other. What you and the overseer are saying is basically faulting them for their love, for feelings they can’t do anything against.”

Miss Blossom bowed to Princess Cadance, it was the same bow she gave everyone she ‘had’ to respect, “I mean no disrespect, Princess Cadance; however, we are not here to debate relationships, or the value of love, both of which I hold in high regard,” I wanted to call bull on that, “We are only here to determine if Captain Spitfire and Cadet Rainbow Dash broke the law, which they admit they did.”

“So you ignore what lead to it and only process the thing that matters to you and the overseer,” Cadance retorted, just to be stopped by Celestia.

“Cadance, it is fine;” she said before facing Blossom, “What my niece says is not wrong. You are indeed setting the latter cause in front of which action brought everything up. I agree with my fellow princess that love is nothing to rule about and definitely nothing you can decide or choose upon.”

“Princess Celestia?” Blossom asked.

“As such, I’m going to allow it. As the defence says, and my former mentor is quoted as saying, ‘An unjust law is not one to be followed’. We shall hear arguments for the intent of the law, and if it is found to be unjust, it shall not be upheld.”

“What?! This is a joke!” Wild Fire cursed loudly before Blossom could hold her down, “They are breaking a law, this Captain is sleeping with her cadet!”

“Overseer Wild Fire, you may not speak until we ask you to,” Celestia spoke loudly, “If you do it again, we will hold you in contempt of court!”

“Way to go, Twilight,” Rainbow whispered with a grin, “But… you know how the law came to be?”

“What? You think I wouldn’t do my homework?” Twilight replied with a grin.

“This wasn’t homework,” Rainbow rolled her eyes, “Just asking for a favor.”

“You’re a friend, Rainbow Dash, that matters to me more than homework.”

“They look pissed,” I whispered, looking over to the prosecution’s table.

“I bet,” Rainbow replied back, laughing.

“Miss Blossom, I trust your client is ready to continue?” Celestia asked after a few minutes.

“She is, your highness,” Blossom said with a bow.

“Alright, as this case involves the futures of Captain Spitfire and Cadet Rainbow Dash, both of which are notable ponies in Equestria, I’ll broker no more outbursts from anyone present.”

“Understood, princess,” Wild Fire reluctantly said.

“Very well. Twilight Sparkle, please present your evidence.”

“Your highness, the regulation quoted was passed three hundred and fifty years ago in response to a large number of corruption charges against those in the Wonderbolt command structure. Cadets were largely being used as slaves by the higher-ups, forced to do whatever it was they wished, from cleaning personal living spaces to other, less civilized behaviours.”

“That’s why we have it in the first place!” Wild Fire stated.

“Overseer, this is your final warning,” Celestia growled before nodding to a Guard behind her, “Please restrain Overseer Wild Fire if she speaks again without permission.”

“However,” Twilight continued as if none of that had happened, “It changed nothing in the command structure at the time. According to historical records dating during that time period, Wonderbolt cadets were still suffering the same abuse, both verbal and physical even after the regulation was passed.”

“I remember that time,” Celestia thought back, “They were the ones that championed that change, huge press conferences and everything.”

“They did so only to, excuse my language, ‘blow smoke’ into the public eye. The abuse of cadets—some of which still goes on today, had nothing to do with that regulation, rather is simply a distraction from the corruption that spread throughout the Wonderbolt command structure,” Twilight finished, much to the surprise of everyone present.

“Objection! The Wonderbolts are not on trial here today,” Blossom stated.

“It is an important part for the topic of this court,” Twilight shot back.

Celestia hummed in thought before looking at Blossom, “Overruled. Twilight, please continue.”

“As such, my client’s relationship is not against the regulation, the valid regulation. At no point has Spitfire ever placed Rainbow unfairly above another cadet, nor has Rainbow received any preferred treatment, in relation to her duties.”

“And you can prove this?” Celestia asked.

“The defence calls forth its first witness; Wonderbolt Misty Fly.”

We all watched as Misty came up from the benches and walked to the witness stand. She took her time, not trying to make a scene, but simply being as professional as she could. Twilight got up and walked over to her, “Wonderbolt Misty Fly, please, in your own words, describe the treatment Rainbow Dash received during her time in the Wonderbolts from Captain Spitfire.”

“Objection! Relevance?” Blossom stated.

“Establish character reference, and official conduct,” Twilight said.

“Overruled, please answer her, Miss Misty Fly,” Celestia replied.

“The Captain always drove the Cadet to be her best. I’ve never seen her giving Rainbow any easier tasks or pull her out of training. It was quite the opposite. She forced her to give more than any other, always pushing her over her limit. I can’t see any favouritism in that.”

“How were they otherwise, in private? Did they play it for advantages and favours?” Cadance cut in, earning her a small glare from Twilight.

“Playing? Heck, if I would have to call two ponies that go out of their coats for their love, it’s them! They love each other, and it is more than visible. In all honesty, I’ve never seen a more caring couple, but only in private. On duty, they are professionals; in training as well as in contact with each other,” Misty ended.

“Could you give us an example of this?” Twilight asked her.

“Of course. Best example for their professionalism would be training some time ago. It was a week before they went to the hospital. Everypony can prove that Spitfire really charged her, not stopping until every smallest error was gone. Pushing her to her limits until she broke every single speed and agility record in the academy. Proof for their real love would be our free weekend. They enjoyed private time in Trottingham, dancing, kissing, just having fun. It was simply amazing, if you ask me,” Misty dreamily explained while Wild Fire made some fake gagging sounds.

“Overseer Wild Fire,” Celestia began coldly, “Do I have to remind you again?”

I laughed innerly as Wild Fire turned beet red, but nodded and shut her muzzle.

“No further questions, your highness,” Twilight stated as she trotted back to her seat, an obvious spring in her step.

“Would the prosecution like to cross examine?” Celestia asked.

Blossom got up and walked over to Misty, “Misty Fly, what would you describe your relationship to Captain Spitfire like?”

“Objection! Relevance?” Twilight asked.

“Establishing personal bias of the witness,” Blossom stated flatly.

“Overruled,” Celestia said.

“She’s a good friend of mine,” Misty said.

“So you two are good friends?”

“Yeah, but Spitfire is friends with everyone on the team.”

“You’ve all formed a tight bond, one might say?”

“Yeah.”

“You look out for each other?”

“Of course we do.”

“So how do we know you’re not lying now?”

“Objection! Misty Fly is not on trial, here.”

“Sustained, rephrase your question, Councillor.”

“Forgive me, Misty, would you… would there ever be a time you’d do something unethical for a teammate?”

“No. We are a team, so we have to hold together, but we also have to do it for the team, not a single pony. If I would do something like that or even lie, it would only damage the team and that is the last thing I want. And I’m sure Spitfire and Rainbow think exactly the same.”

“Is that so? Then forgive my implications,” Blossom said as she turned away, only to—rather dramatically, in my option—turn back to face her, “One last question, if you would simply humor me. How long have you known about their relationship?”

“Objection. She’s trying to involve her into the accusations by assuming she withheld informations about any rule-breaking,” Twilight cut in.

“Did you, Miss Misty Fly?” Celestia asked.

“I did, and honestly, I would do it again like every single member of our team, except Soarin’,” Misty replied with a stern expression.

“No further questions, your highness,” Blossom stated with a smile and got back to her seat.

I’d never wanted to punch a pony more than I did right at that moment.

It happened two more times. I was forced to watch as Blossom called out Surprise, and even Surprise’s marefriend Cloudchaser. Each one came out and gave us a glowing character reference. Each time, Blossom would get them by having them admit that they were not reporting us for breaking the regulation.

“The defence has no more witnesses,” Twilight said as she sat back down.

“Would the prosecution like to call any witnesses?” Celestia asked.

“We would indeed, your highness. We call Wonderbolt Soarin’.”

Correction, I’d never wanted to punch anyone more than THEN.

I was forced to watch, to sit back and do nothing as the pompus assclown I had dated saunterd up to the witness stand. His walk spoke volumes to how smug he must have felt. My mistake was coming back to bite me in the flank, and there was nothing I could do about it.

As Soarin’ made the stand, Blossom walked up to him, “Wonderbolt Soarin’. How would you describe Captain Spitfire's tenure as Captain?”

“Objection, relevance?” Twilight said.

“Sustained, Captain Spitfire's record is not on trial here.”

“Maybe it should be.”

The room went dead quiet. Everypony took a look around, staring at the source of that comment. At the one that had spoken out like that.

To my horror, I realized who said it.

I had.

“Maybe we should all be on trial today,” I kept speaking, almost possessed, “Princess Celestia, if I may stand?”

She nodded as I got up.

“Look, me and Soarin’ used to date, we used to. Also, against the rules if you look closely enough, although he didn’t have any problems with that when we were bucking.”

I couldn’t bring myself to look at Rainbow when I said that.

“This reg, it was passed under the illusion of combating corruption, but it failed. It failed so spectacularly I can’t even list all the reasons why. Truthfully, I don’t want to, it’s not my place. But, I’m not going to stay silent any longer. The Wonderbolts, they’re corrupt. We’re corrupt. I’ve seen it, as has every single Wonderbolt here.”

“You lie!” Wild Fire spat out.

“Those that doubt it, they’re the ones hiding it. We’ve simply been silent about it. Take my marefriend as an example. Rainbow Dash won the best young flyers competition hands down in front of the princess herself by performing the legendary sonic rainboom. Saved myself, and two other Wonderbolts, and yet it took her years to get on the reserves.”

“Why?” I asked, “If that… if saving the lives of three Wonderbolts, her friend, winning a competition by the words of the princess of the son herself wasn’t enough to warrant special consideration, she’s also the bearer of the element of loyalty, and has saved Equestria more times than anyone other than the princess herself. Yet, it took her years, and she’s just on the the reserves?”

“There are regulations that must be followed!” Wild Fire countered.

“Really? Why’d it take you two months, then?” I asked with a deadpan look, “Why’d it take me five years to go from cadet to Captain?”

“I—”

“That’s what I thought,” I cut her off, “Princess Celestia, we can continue this trial, we can go into depth of what my former Lieutenant has to say, listen to his hate and bile, but I gotta say, it’s not worth it. We’re here because I fell in love with Rainbow Dash, and somehow, she loves me back. I love her with all my heart, and I love the Wonderbolts almost as much. Yet, I can’t just sit back and go through this over one reg anymore. The Wonderbolts are my life, but it has a cancer in it, and even if we get one small part cut out, it’s not going to change the culture.”

“What are you saying?” Celestia asked.

“I’m saying this trial is pointless. As it stands, I can’t sit back and be a Captain in a corrupt organization anymore. I’d rather resign and live my life with my marefriend.”

A huge uproar overtook the chamber as every pony started to speak at once, some loudly.

“Order, order!” Celestia shouted, “Wonderbolts Misty Fly and Surprise. Please step forward.”

The two mares got up and made their way to the front, heads down.

“Is there any truth to this? Speak now,” Celestia’s tone brokered no room for lies or deceit, she wanted the truth, and woe beith to anypony that lied to her.

“There is.” Misty said.

“Spitfire does her best to keep it away from us, to just let us fly but, “ Surprise stated.

Celestia looked up at me, “Spitfire, why haven’t you said anything before this?”

“I thought I could fix it from the inside,” I stated, head down.

“I need a moment to think about this, to consider exactly what I want to do. Until then, consider your resignation pending approval. Five minute recess,” At those words, Celestia got up and walked out the back door.

I turned back, seeing the shocked face of Twilight, and the smiling face of Dash, “What?” I asked her.

“That was something I woulda done,” she said as she jumped over the desk and kissed me.

“Spitfire, why did you-?” Twilight asked.

“Because, it’s not worth hearing what that asshat has to say,” I replied, “I don’t want to listen to him drag Dash’s name through the mud, spread lies and deceit about her. I can take my name, but not hers.”

“Is it true?” Twilight asked, “Are the Wonderbolts-?”

I could only nod my head in shame, “They are. The new batch, my squad, I’ve done my best to keep them above it, but it’s a culture thing now. Everyone at the top, and to a lesser extent, even us, we’ve all bent and broken the rules as we see fit.”

“I didn’t see anything like that,” Rainbow replied.

“The ignorance of a cadet,” Misty Fly whispered as she joined in the conversation.

“What are you going to do?” Twilight asked me.

“I’m going to plead for leniency for my team, for Rainbow, and take full responsibility for my actions as Captain.”

“I don’t want to fly without you,” Rainbow stated, “I told you that.”

“And you never will, I’ll always be by your side, even if it’s just in the stands.”

“Spitfire, that’s not what I meant!”

“Please be seated!” A guard yelled before we could continue. We all looked to see Celestia and Cadance walk back into the courtroom.

“That was quick,” Rainbow whispered.

She looked pissed, for lack of a better term, “Celestia, if I—”

“Sit down, Spitfire. I think I’ve heard enough, it’s my turn to speak.”

I don’t think I could have stayed standing if I wanted to.

“I’m not happy,” Celestia stated in the most elegant way possible, “I thought this was all settled hundreds of years ago. And today I learn that not only is it not settled, it’s been going on under my muzzle the entire time. Overseer Wild Fire, if you open your muzzle, you may never do so again!” She shouted the last part.

“As I was saying, this is disturbing, to say the least. I oversaw this tribunal because it involved one of the saviors of equestria that rescued my sister from Nightmare Moon’s grasp. And in doing so I learn this.”

She paused. I had no idea if it were for show, or if it were legit, either way it got the point across, “Captain Spitfire, step forward.”

I did, what choice did I have?

“Consider your resignation denied.”

“Wh—”

“I want you exactly where you are, your fellow Wonderbolts said you have done a remarkable job of keeping them free of this mess, and until I hear otherwise I’m inclined to agree with them. However, know that you will be watched, and closely.”

“Your highness, what about Rainbow and I?” It was the only question I really gave a damn about.

“Cadet Rainbow Dash, step forward.”

I watched as she walked forward, hesitance in her steps.

“I fully believe the regulation was created as nothing more than a smokescreen, and as Captain Spitfire so elegantly quoted my old mentor's words, a unjust rule is no rule at all. As far as I’m concerned, you two can be together.”

She leapt up into the air in a huge cheer.

“However.”

Rainbow fell to the ground, “Yes, princess?”

“Appearance of favoritism is often more damaging than favoritism in and of itself. As such, Spitfire cannot be your commanding officer.”

“But… what… I,” Rainbow muttered.

“Another Wonderbolt must be appointed as your supervisor. One whose responsibilities will fall outside of Spitfire’s chain of command.”

“What about Surprise?” I asked.

“Is she not part of your team?” Celestia replied.

“Yes, but no. She flys in our formation, but she falls into special formations commands, that is overseen by Wave Chill and not me.”

“Acceptable.”

“Princess Celestia, you ca—”

“Which brings me to you, Wild Fire.”

The smile on my face was from ear to ear at what would happen next.

“Your highness?” she asked timidly

“As of now, all Wonderbolt operations are to cease immediately, I’ll be appointing a special task force for a TOP DOWN review of the Wonderbolt officers and their rules and regulations. I expect you and all your fellows to cooperate fully.”

“Is that… is that necessary?” she asked, fear in her eyes.

“I have found over the years that if something is corrupt, start looking for the cause at the head, for where that leads, the body will follow.”

“Yes, princess,” she muttered.

“What about the show next week?!” Rainbow almost cried.

Celestia looked down and smiled at her, “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure my investigation is quick and thorough. I have a feeling the Wonderbolts will be flying again by that time, although it’s very possible that they may have a new head when that time comes.”

“What about my old Lieutenant?” I asked her.

“I am unfamiliar with any wrongdoing he has caused, other than fraternization that you both admitted to,” Celestia replied.

“He… I…”

“What would you suggest, Captain?”

This was it, this was exactly what I wanted ever since he pulled that bucking stunt in the hospital, but now that it was here, I found myself unsure. The stallion was a dick, of that there was no doubt, but I still saw the good in him. He was a good flyer, however, the team had to come first.

“He nearly ruined the academy and a lot of lives. In my opinion, he shouldn’t be allowed to fly with the team again.”

“An administrative role?” Celestia asked.

I looked at Sorian’. He was staring right back at me, he knew his fate was in my hooves.

“No.”

“What else?”

“I want him to start new. Learn of his mistakes. He can earn himself his old position back,” I stated.

His jaw dropped as I watched comprehension play over his face. He knew, at that moment, that I had just saved him—sure it was by busting him back to cadet status—but I could of have him fired, I could have kicked him out. I did none of those things. As much of a jackass as he had been being, he was a good flyer, and it would’ve been a waste to lose him.

I’ll admit, there would have been vindication in kicking him out, as he tried to do to me, but this, this was sweeter than that could ever be. I had taken the high road, and I felt good about it, really good.

“Very well.”

“Princess Celestia, I want to help in the investigation as much as I can,” I stated.

“She’s just trying to hide her own crimes!” Wild Fire shouted.

“Wild Fire, my warning was still in tact,” Celestia stated cooly before nodding to her guards, “Overseer Wild Fire, until further notice, you are under arrest,” She ignored the kicking and screaming mare as she turned back to me, “I do appreciate your offer, but as the Captain, you might be involved. But Twilight Sparkle can help, and I hope you appreciate it as much.”

I nodded at that, thankful for this opportunity and knowing I would hide nothing from her.

“Court dismissed,” Celestia stated flatly. As she turned to leave I overheard her say something to her guard, “Make sure we have enough room on the docket next week, I have a feeling we’ll have several new trials to hold soon enough.”

“Thank you, Twilight!” Rainbow yelled from behind me.

I turned around to see the love of my life hugging her friend for all her worth.

“It wasn’t me,” Twilight blushed as Dash let go and flew over to me, “Credit goes to Captain Spitfire. She’s the one that won the trial.”

“Credit always goes to my wonderful marefriend,” Rainbow replied as she kissed me on the cheeks again, “But even without that, I knew you’d have it in the bag for us!”

“How would you know that?” I asked.

“You kidding, Twilight's the princess’s protege, and Cadance is her former foalsitter.”

“Rainbow! You tried to use your friend to win the case?!” I asked, shocked.

“Uhh… is that wrong?” she asked with a blush

Twilight facehoofed, “It’s fine, Spitfire, she’s just being Rainbow. Celestia wouldn’t have given me any sort of special treatment even if you hadn’t gone through with that. I can assure you, it would have been a fair trial.”

“It sounded like you might be put in charge of the investigation, Twilight?”

“Most likely,” She stated.

“I do want you to know, I’ll assist in any way I can, I’ll start by listing my own… indiscretions.”

“Spitfire, you do know that even if you do, I can’t promise any sort of leniency towards you from Celestia. I can only give her the facts and my recommendations, that’s it.”

“I fully understand, but if we’re going to make the right changes, if we’re going to root this out, we gotta start right, no more lies. Even if that does lead to me, having to…”

It’s odd, I stood up in front of Celestia and basically told her I quit, but I didn’t want to. It was a chance for the Wonderbolts to be everything they should have been to begin with. I wanted to be a part of that, to see that through to the end.

“I’ll be with you the entire time,” Rainbow said with a kiss to my cheek.

“You might learn a few things you wished you hadn't,” I stated.

“You think so? I know you better than everypony else, inside and outside. No matter what, I’m with you,” Rainbow whispered, and I could feel my tears starting up.

“Rainbow,” I said and raised my hoof to her cheek, just for her to close the gap quickly and press her lips onto mine.

She pulled back and smiled at me, “Told you I know best.”

“You’re smarter than you look,” I smiled back.

“Rainbow Dash, Captain Spitfire, if we may borrow you two for a moment?” A voice called out to us.

Me, Rainbow, and Twilight looked over to the speaker. To my surprise, it was Princess Mi Amore Cadenza signaling for us to join her.

“Oh, I wonder what Cadance wants with you two?” Twilight said aloud.

“I don’t have a clue,” I replied as I looked at Rainbow. It shouldn’t have shocked me, but her non-challent attitude simply caused her to shrug and start walking over. I followed close behind her, not knowing where this was going.

After all, it’s not every day a Princess of Equestria wants an audience with you.

Together, we followed the pink alicorn out the back door, the same one that Celestia had used to officially end the trial after she made her pronouncement. I gulped at that as I suspected that it wasn’t just Cadance that wanted to speak to us.

Turns out, I was right. As we walked through the room, it shut with the finality of a cell door closing behind us. Only Rainbow’s presence caused me to not jump into the air like a cat.

“You okay?” she asked.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” I lied.

I think she knew I was lying because at that moment she pushed her coat a little closer to me. I cooed slightly, welcoming the extra warmth.

“In here,” the pink alicorn said and lead us through two big double doors.

We walked in, followed by her and the shutting doors in our back, just to stay in front of Celestia, who had an amused smile on her muzzle, “I think it is time that we talk a bit more in private.”

I cleared my throat and found my voice. My hooves were shaky, but I had to do it. It was a matter of honor, of me wanting what was best not just for myself, but for my team, “Princess Celestia, if I may say something first?”

She nodded at me to continue.

“I want you to fully understand that I intend to cooperate with the investigation to the best of my abilities. I will even make you a list that can be substantiated of what everyone, including myself, is guilty of. I don’t intend to hide anything, as I see this as a chance for the Wonderbolts to be fixed, to come back better. But… I’d like… I’d like something in return.”

“What’s that?” Celestia asked with a cocked head.

“Those under me, I’d like them spared of this. They are not guilty of any major infraction. The root of this lies at the head, not the body. They’re good ponies, and great flyers. The Wonderbolts would be lessened by their absence.”

“Throwing yourself at the mercy of the court?” Celestia asked.

“No, I’m merely asking for leniency for those formally under my command.”

“Formally?” Cadance asked.

“I… I assume that…”

It was Celestia’s turn to chuckle, “Captain Spitfire, I think you might have misunderstood. I have no intention of removing you from command. The Wonderbolts speak highly of you, and so do your other peers. I truly believe you’ve always done what you thought was best. And that the only reason this ever happened is because you…”

“Fell in love,” Cadance finished with a smile, “We believe that those who you’ve alienated, used this very public spectacle in an attempt to try and get rid of you. One that blew up—quite spectacularly, I might add—in their faces.”

“That’s not to say you will go unreprimanded for your crimes. Whatever you are guilty of, there will be punishment. However, unless it’s something extreme, there’s no reason for the Wonderbolts to lose one of their best Captains in the history of the organization.”

“I can promise you there’s nothing that bad,” I said, somewhat chuckling.

“Nor do I expect to hear about anything like that. Although, I should warn you, my student is very thorough in her work.”

“I’ve known Twilight long enough for that,” Rainbow chuckled.

“Anyways, this is not entirely the topic we wanted to discuss with you two,” Cadance smiled, “We would rather know what your plans are for now? As far as I know, you two are grounded for a minimum of three weeks.”

“Oh, well, we thought we’d just stay with our friends back in Trottingham.”

“That won't do. After all, Cloudsdale is over Ponyville at the moment, you’ll be needed close by.”

“Well, I guess we can stay there?” Rainbow suggested.

“Maybe spend the weekend in Canterlot first? Relax a little before you begin working on ‘shaking things up’?” Celestia suggested.

“But… I mean… we don’t really have anyone we can stay with here.”

“They could stay in my old tower?” Twilight suggested.

I turned around to see the unicorn walk through the door. I had no idea she had followed us, but there she was.

“We can?” Rainbow asked.

“Sure, I’d gladly lend it to a friend,” She beamed.

“Oh, thank you, Twilight!” Rainbow flew over and hugged her.

“Glad we have that settled. Although, I do trust you’ll be available if we need anything else?” Celestia asked.

“Of course,” I replied.

“Then I suggest that you two go and get some rest,” Celestia smiled, “And don’t worry about Wild Fire or the other Overseers. They will be dealt with.”

I gulped when I saw the grin on Celestia’s face. It was the look of someone that was finally getting exactly what she wanted. It was at that moment I suspected that Celestia had known about all along, but she couldn’t act until given the opening she needed.

That made me worry, I knew I had just been used in a chess game by a master player who’d been alive far longer than anyone else on the planet.

I had Rainbow Dash to thank for snapping me out of it, “C’mon, let’s get going!” she shouted, her hug practically picked me up off the floor.

“Rainbow!” I shouted. However, as much as I wanted to be mad at her treating me like that, I just couldn’t. She looked too happy right then and there. That happiness proved infectious as I started to giggle a little at being carried by my front hooves.

“Second tower to the left!” Twilight shouted as Rainbow and I ran out of the room on our hooves.

We ran past several passersby. It’s silly, I felt like a filly in love all over again, and yet, I enjoyed myself. It was like we were playing a big game of tag in front of a whole bunch of people we should have been worried about impressing, and I didn’t care one bit about them.

I think Rainbow was right, it was more about the now, who you’re with. Everything else didn’t matter.

She paused dead when we ran out of the courthouse and looked up at the second tower to the left, “Twilight had all of that to herself?”

‘Well, she is the princess’s student,” I replied with a grin.

Neither of us thought to ask for the key to the tower, something that became apparent when we walked up the winding stair case and tried to open the door.

“Dammit, Twilight!” Rainbow huffed.

“It’s our fault, too,” I replied, kissing her on the cheek.

“Hey, if you two want the key, maybe you shouldn’t have ran off!” Twilight yelled as she trotted up to the tower at a relaxed pace.

We both blushed as she reached the upper stair giggling, holding the key in front of us in her magic, “Have fun, you two.”

“Oh, hell yeah, we’ll have fun,” Rainbow cheered and snapped the key from the purple unicorn.

Twilight huffed—a well practiced maneuver she must have developed when dealing with Rainbow—and trotted back down the stairs. I smiled at that, it was definitely a coping mechanism, “Well, this should be fun,” I said with a grin.

I heard the key turn in the lock and the door creak open.

“Fun… right,” Rainbow’s voice was like someone had stolen the wind from her lungs.

“Rainbow? What’s… Oh…”

I had always wondered what a room looked like if left alone for far too long. With no pony to clean it, no pony to organize things, dust, etc. I don’t wonder that anymore as I now know what a whole tower looks like.

“Twilight… TWILIGHT!” Rainbow shouted, bolting back to the door as fast as her hooves were able to get her.

I grasped her by the tail with my teeth, causing her to fall face down on the stairs in the process, “No, Rainbow, she’s done enough for us.”

“But… but…”

“This may be filthy, but we can clean it for her since she was nice enough to let us stay here.”

“What?! Are you kidding me? You promised me fun!” she pouted and crossed her forehooves.

I ran my hoof across a large pile of dust, scooped it up, and ran it across Rainbow’s nose, “Fun is who you’re with, not what you do.”

She sneezed three times at that, causing me to giggle, “Oh yeah? We’ll see about that.”

There’s that glint in her eye, the one that spoke of nothing but trouble.

“Whoever finishes first gets to pick tonight's… activities?” I asked with a grin.

“Oh, you’re so on. I call the upstairs!”

“Deal,” I replied back with a grin. The key to dealing with Rainbow isn’t to try and control her, but to simply guide her, a lesson I was quickly learning.

I have no idea who won, and when we were finally done cleaning, I didn’t care either. Both of us were dead on our backs, unable, and unwilling to do anything else that might be considered movement.

“I think… I think I just want to go to bed,” Rainbow mumbled, almost passed out on the floor.

“Shower first… bed second,” I counted.

“Buck me… you’re right…”

I watched as she took three tries to get to her hooves. Her coat was filthy, so much so I could barely see the cyan blue fur underneath the layer of dirt. I grimaced as I realized when she got done in the shower, it’d be my turn to go through that.

As she made her way up the stairs, I watched as she cocked her head only once to smile at me. It wasn’t a ‘let's buck in the shower’ smile, we both knew that wasn’t happening tonight. Rather, it looked like a ‘you were right’ smile. It had been a lot of work, more so than even I thought it would be, but… we still managed to have fun together.

And in the end, that’s what really mattered.

I laid my head back down as I heard the water coming from upstairs. It was a countdown, of sorts, for when the water turned off, I’d have to get up. I’d have to get up and walk upstairs.

I think I dreaded that more than my first Wonderbolt fitness exam.

And of course, even exhausted, Rainbow finished quickly. I frowned as I heard the shower stop, knowing that meant it was my turn. I closed my eyes and walked in a zombie like state. My body simply going through the motions, unsure how how I actually managed it, I reached into the shower and turned it on.

Only to be blasted with cold water, “HOLY BUCK!”

“What’s wrong?!” Rainbow shouted.

“Nothing… just being dumb,” I replied with a grimace as I adjusted the temperature of the water.

Nothing like a blast of cold to wake you up. I managed to finish showering off quick enough, just seeking to be done with it as quickly as possible. As I turned the shower back off, and reached for a towel I paused for only a second to look myself in the mirror.

The mare that looked back at me was soaked, her orange and yellow mane lay flat on her fur, she looked… tired.

And happy. Would I do all of this again if I could be with Rainbow?

Yes.

With that, I grinned and finish drying off. Not caring that my mane lay however it fell. Somethings just didn’t matter at the moment, and that was definitely one of them.

“You okay?” Rainbow asked as she saw me walk out of the bathroom.

“Now I am,” I replied, smiling as I joined her in bed.

The mare didn’t waste a second, she snuggled right up to me, her head resting upon my chest as exhaustion came for us both.

I smiled as I ran my hoof through her mane. It was still a little ratty, well, rattier than usual anyway. Rainbow as never one to care all that much about her looks after all.

“Hey, Rainbow?” i asked.

“Hmm?” she mumbled.

“Was it worth it?” I asked.

She didn’t respond right way, I could tell she was thinking things through, considering her reply before simply blurting something out at random. That alone made me worry, she wasn’t the type to think things through, she was the type to say the first thing on her mind.

“Don’t look as if I’m dying,” Rainbow started, pressing her lips on mine before continuing, “You know what I felt the last months? I felt like the happiest mare in the whole world. All thanks to you. You ask me if it was worth it? I wouldn’t want everything to repeat without you. But you were, and are, at my side. If one thing was worth it, then definitely this. I love you, Firefly, and that won’t change ever as long as I can breathe.”

I hugged her tightly to my breast at those words, they were exactly what I wanted to hear and manage to sooth my own doubts in the process. Even as the sand pony was well on his way to claiming us both, I could feel the butterflies in my stomach. Somehow, someway she always managed to put me off my game, to cause me to loose myself to her world view.

And to be honest, after everything I’d been though, I much prefer her world view to my own.

“I love you, Rainbow Dash,” I stated it like it was a simple fact of life. Which, for me, it was. She was my rock, my everything, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

She pushed her muzzle deeper into my chest, humming slightly as she sought out the warmth, felt the beating of my heart, and the subtle rise and fall of my chest.

“I love you too, Spitfire.”

Those words were all I wanted to hear.

Author's Notes:

Well, this was the last chapter.
Tomorrow follows the epilogue and we're done