Pain.

The first sensation that I felt as I began to regain my consciousness was pain. Not surprising, I suppose, seeing how the last thing I could remember was an explosion. I was glad to feel it, though; if anything else, it assured me that I was alive. Dying like this would have been, on top of everything else, embarrassing.

I had trouble determining the extent of the damage my body had suffered; the pressure in my head - which suggested a concussion at least - made it difficult for me to concentrate, as did the ringing in my ears, a possible sign of my eardrums being damaged. Despite that, however, I could still perfectly hear two voices, both calling my name.

Angel! Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie yelled again in unison, both tiny apparitions sounding worried and scared.

Calm down, sweeties, I’m fine, I managed to think; a part of me winced, knowing how untrue that statement was. I just… need a moment to focus…

Oh, thank goodness, Fluttershy sighed, then wiped her eyes; despite my state I noticed how wet they were. I was so worried…

We both were, Pinkie Pie agreed, placing a forehoof on my cheek comfortingly. Are you going to be okay?

That was a good question: was I? My body ached all over and the concussion wasn’t helping me with this blind examination, but after a few short breaths I placed a carefully optimistic diagnosis: nothing was broken or punctured. I had been fortunate, and stood far enough from the explosion. If Scope hadn’t called me before he-

I jerked. Scope. He threw that explosive - one of the ones we found on the traps, or maybe a grenade - into the Overmare’s office. Where the other four had still been in.

I willed myself closer back to full consciousness, knowing they will need medical attention. At least they were all alive; when, with some effort, I opened my eyes briefly, my E.F.S. showed me four green bars.

And one red.

Why did Scope do that? Fluttershy asked as I focused on healing my battered body.

Yeah, I thought he was your friend? Pinkie Pie asked, frowning. Or, at least, Burst’s and the rest’s?

I don’t know, I said as my magic began to take effect; already the pressure on my brain had all but dispersed, and the ringing in my ears was dying down. Wincing at the unpleasant feeling as my Healing Spell repaired my eardrums, I added: Although I will know soon enough; you know how inquisitive I am.

Guessing by the concerned look on Pinkie’s face and the worried one on Fluttershy’s, they hadn’t missed the lack of warmth I’d usually associate with such a statement. The Fluttershy apparition, who got to experience some of my more questionable actions, could probably already guess what I intended to do to Scope.

I pushed those thoughts away. I needed to focus on healing the others; I would cast an Anesthetic Spell on Scope and deal with him later. Before I could do so, though, I needed my body to be fully healed, and so I waited patiently as my concussion disappeared, then let the Healing Spell wash over the rest of my body. Now that my brain was free of the pressure that had constricted it, I became aware of the coldness of the floor under me and against my back; apparently the explosion had thrown me against the corridor wall (I suppose this explains the bruise at the back of my head). I couldn’t feel any liquid, though; my assessment about nothing being punctured must have been correct, or at the very least I mustn’t have bled too much. Nor have I peed (I was very glad that I had visited one of the bathrooms briefly during my journey around the Living Quarters with Burst).

Alright, I thought as I finished treating my injuries and began to rise. I opened my eyes; I was right outside the Overmare’s office, and according to my E.F.S., everybody else was inside. Now, I believe the best course of action would be sneak up on Scope and cast the Anesthetic Spell on him. Feel free to correct me if-

BANG!

A cold dread overtook me as I heard the gunshot. For a heartbeat I froze again, just like when I had seen Scope throw his explosive into the office. And just as before, my immediate reaction after I recovered was to run blindly into the room, without even pausing to think.

I gasped as I saw the feathered body of Jack; at that moment, as my brain registered the small, bloodied spot on his head, he was all I could see. I jumped to him, reaching out with my magic. The red glow already enveloped his head by the time I got to him, casting light on…

Seeing Scope so up close, along with the small firearm pointed right at me, caused me to take a step back. The unicorn was staring at me with disturbingly calm eyes, his expression just as I had remembered it being as he threw the explosive: unreadable.

I would say that I was frustrated to find my mind again frozen from the shock and fear, but I was unable to feel frustration at the moment. I stared at Scope with my mouth agape, my jaw moving as if trying to formulate some words, but no sound came from it. By some miracle - probably a deep rooted care for a patient in my care installed - I did manage to not lose concentration on my magic.

Scope raised his gun a bit higher, pointing at my head. He opened his mouth, but instead of speaking he suddenly looked down. I noted satisfaction in his gaze as the glow around Jack’s head slowly dispersed, until it completely disappeared.

“Good,” he said, lowering his gun and turning around.

Whether it was the fact that there was no longer a gun pointed at my face or the fact that the single word he had uttered broke the silence that had seemingly overtaken the world, my stupor had been broken. I stared at Scope, confused by his action. However, I didn’t intend to lose this chance due to that; he had his back turned to me. Narrowing my eyes, I focused and I was about to activate my S.A.T.S., when something in the corner of my eye had caught my attention. As I turned my head towards it, any thought about attacking Scope evaporated.

Apple Core laid there, unconscious, in a pool of her own blood that gradually grew bigger as more of her life fluids escaped her body through the gaping wound in the place where her right foreleg used to be.

A panicked cry escaped my lips as I rushed towards her. The glow around my horn increased as I strained myself, channeling another spell. By the time I reached Apple Core, the red glow enveloped what remained of her shoulder, stopping the bleeding. I quickly looked her over; aside from the most obvious wound, her body bore many burn marks and lacerations. Ignoring the pain I began to experience from pouring so much energy through my horn, I began to cast a Healing Spell.

S-she lost so much blood though, I noted, looking down at my hooves; I was standing in the pool. No, don’t think about that now! First things first, I need to close up her wounds. Already the most serious wounds began to close up; I’d treat the non-life-threatening ones later with healing potions.

And of course, I had to leave the biggest one.

“W-where’s her leg?” I asked out loud, nopony in particular. I began to look around frantically. “I need to stitch it back; Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, help me look, I-”

“Oh, don’t bother,” I heard Scope’s cold voice. I turned around to look at him; the unicorn was standing above Burst, his firearm kept casually by his Telekinesis Spell over him as he talked to me: “If you’re half the doctor you’ve claimed to be, you should have realized that she had lost too much blood already. It won’t be long now before her body will begin to shut down. But I suppose if you insist on helping her, I will speed things up for her.”

“W-what?” I asked, my mind numb from panic.

“I thought she’d bleed to death,” Scope elaborated, shrugging. “Wouldn’t be worth wasting a bullet. But seeing how you stopped the bleeding and now are making such a racket… guess I have to go back there. Give me a moment,” he said as he turned his attention back to Burst.

But I’ve already been only half-listening to him; my eyes had moved from Scope to the earth pony buck. I knew what Scope was about to do, and I wasn’t going to let that happen. As his head turned from me, I lowered my horn, focusing…

Oh no! I realized, my eyes widening with dread.

What?! Pinkie Pie exclaimed, staring at me. What are you waiting for! Get him!

I-I can’t! I can only use so many spells at once! And definitely not a projectile spell like Anesthetic Spell; if I do, I’ll lose my concentration, and… I trailed off as I quickly glanced behind at Apple Core. If she loses any more blood she might die!

Oh no! Fluttershy shrieked, covering her mouth with her forehooves.

Okay, what then? Pinkie Pie inquired, turning to Scope and Burst. He’s about to kill him! You have to do something!

I bit my lip as I watched Scope lining his gun against Burst’s temple; Pinkie Pie was right, I had to do something! But what? Despite all of my intellect, I couldn’t think of any action that would successfully prevent Scope from pulling the trigger, not within that one single second I was given.

As such, all I was resigned to was an action that would almost certainly fail; I yelled and charged at Scope.

My pathetic attempt at an attack did manage to postpone Burst’s death; startled by the commotion, Scope glanced back at me. “You’re kidding,” I heard him say before a swift kick from his hindlegs send me sprawling across the floor.

I yelped from the pain as I grabbed my chest, feeling as if the air had been punched out of my lungs. As I struggled to regain my breath, I almost lost control over my magic. Clenching my teeth as tears formed in the corners of my eyes, I managed to stabilize it somehow, but only barely.

On the plus side, though, I managed to locate Apple Core’s foreleg; the severed limb was lying right beside me. The brief elevation I felt when I noticed that though had quickly dispersed as I realized that I couldn’t exactly reattach it at this moment.

As if to confirm that assessment, Scope loomed over me. “You were kidding, right?” he asked; the gun with which he had already put a bullet through Jack’s brain and almost shot at Burst was now pointing at me. “I was under impression that you’re not stupid, Doctor. Don’t make me change my opinion of you,” he added, the end of the gun tapping my nose.

I trembled, both due to my fear and the disgusting smell that came from the weapon. I tried to look into Scope’s eyes, to say something that would save everybody’s lives, but all I managed to do was open my mouth; no sound came through it.

“Now,” Scope continued calmly, “how about you’ll be a nice little filly and stay here quiet while-”

Whatever else he was going to say was lost as something suddenly bowled into him. As the force of impact drew Scope away from me (and also made him lose his hold on his gun; clattering, it dropped to the floor), I realized that something was Burst. The earth pony must have regained consciousness sometime after Scope’s attention shifted to me and, ignoring the wounds he received from the explosion, attacked. Now he was pinning the struggling unicorn to the floor, holding his shotgun in his mouth and pointing down at his face at point-blank range. Before his tongue pulled the trigger, though, Scope managed to recover enough to grab the shotgun with his magic and pull it out of his face, causing the shot to hit the floor next to this head instead.

I shuddered hearing the much more louder gun fire so close to me; I didn’t even want to think what damage it must have done to Scope’s eardrum. However, despite the obvious pain it must have caused him - along with tinnitus, most likely - Scope managed to retain his hold on the gun. What’s worse, the magical aura spread further up. Burst must have realized it, as he tried to pull away and shake his hold loose, or possibly strike his horn and make him lose concentration. Before he could do either of that, though, Scope delivered a kick into his diaphragm, causing Burst to open his mouth and drop his weapon.

It happened so fast that even if I hadn’t been paralyzed by fear and consumed by channeling my spells I wouldn’t have been able to do anything. All I could do was watch as Burst struggled for breath, while his shotgun, already firmly held by Scope’s telekinetic grasp, turned around. The earth pony tried to get away, but his opponent grabbed the foreleg which was pinning him, forcing him to stay. As the barrel of his own gun pointed at his head, Burst glanced at me.

“Run!”

BLAM!

I stared, agape and wide eyed, as Burst’s head had been turned into red mist, his panicked gaze engraved into my mind.

No no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no...

As his headless corpse fell to the ground, I finally found it within myself to scramble up from the floor. I paid Scope no mind; I was dimly aware of him heaving the body off of him as he got up, then scoff at me as I sat down next to him. My eyes were glued to the gaping wound on the neck where a head should be. I pressed my trembling hooves around it, not really thinking why.

… No no no no… I… I can’t, I can’t, I can’t… I thought weekly, looking around. Bits and pieces of Burst’s head where splayed around the floor. I felt something warm on my face; was that his blood? Or perhaps a part of his brain? Or maybe the exertion of continuingly channeling magic - a feat that in my current state of mind was possible only due to long years of practice - was finally beginning to manifest itself (the splitting headache would point to that) and I’ve began to sweat? I can’t… I can’t heal this…

BLANG!

I almost jumped as the noise brought me back to reality. When I turned towards it, a part of me wished it hadn’t; Scope was standing over the remains of Blast, whose body was now as headless as his brother. Had he ever stirred into consciousness before Scope murdered him? Or was it better if he didn’t, if he dreamed before his soul ascended into the Afterlife rather than experience the dread of the futility of his action in the face of death?

I didn’t muse over that subject for too long, just like Scope didn’t stay long over Blast’s body. He already turned around and began trotting away, checking the shotgun… as he walked over to the unconscious Apple Core.

No!

Something within me snapped, urging me back to my hooves. I did not care what it would take of me, I would not let him murder another pony!

“What do you think you’re doing, little filly?” Scope asked me as I ran up to stand between him and Apple Core, his eyebrow raised.

That was a very good question that I wished I had an answer ready for: what was I doing, exactly? Aside from trembling as I stood before a murderer with a shotgun that is. I suppose the fact that he stopped to wait for my response did count for something…

I have to think of something. Come on, think! I told myself, willing my brain to work faster to find some way to save us. Seeing Scope up close with his patience quickly fading wasn’t helping me focus, though. I-I need more time to think, calmly!

Oh no! Pinkie Pie’s apparition’s suddenly exclaimed. She pressed her forehooves against her cheeks and continued: If only you had a device that could affect your perception of time so that everything appears to be frozen!

I- I began, only to stop as my eyes widened. Hastily, I activated S.A.T.S., just as Scope brow began to furrow. At once, everything stopped; the murderous unicorn couldn’t move an inch, his brow frozen in half-furrow. Ministry Mare Pinkie Pie, you’re a genius!

I tried very hard to not think about why I hadn’t thought of that myself; while I did have time now, I had more pressing matters to consider first before I could address that.

I am? Pinkie Pie asked, raising her eyebrows. She then blinked and looked around. Oh, look at that, you have a device that can affect your perception of time so that everything appears to be frozen! Neat!

The pressing matters I had to address were also more important than addressing that, too.

Alright, I thought; a part of me wished I could sigh, but if being unable to move at all was the price I had to pay for peaceful time while I considered what to do, I wasn’t going to complain. Now that I don’t have to worry about him losing his patience and simply kicking me out of his way, I can finally think about this calmly; what can I do? Aside from making myself a living shield, which I’m worried I’ve already made myself, I mean.

Are you sure you can’t cast any spell? Pinkie Pie asked me.

Automatically, I tried to shake my head. Realizing I couldn’t do that, I rolled my eyes and replied: Yes, sweetie, I am sure. Well, I amended, not one so different in structure like the Anesthetic Spell. And definitely not when I’m already strained by channeling. What’s worse, I lost a lot of magic already; if I’m not careful, I’m going to suffer a burnout, and I won’t be able to use magic at all for days.

I cringed - or rather, would have cringed if that was possible - at the prospect. Despite having suffered magical burnouts quite possibly more times than anypony else in the history of Stable Eight, I never gotten used to the pain it caused or the feeling of helplessness that came with being unable to use magic.

Pushing the unpleasant memories aside, I resumed thinking about my situation and what I could to remedy it. And I wasn’t the only one: both Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were deep in musing, too. Perhaps between the three of us we could come up with a plan?

Hm… Pinkie hummed, tapping her chin. What about a simpler spell, then? Could you grab something?

You mean use my Telekinesis Spell on something? I asked, frowning thoughtfully.

Yeah! It kinda works like whatever that is, right? the tiny pink pony asked, pointing behind me at Apple Core.

That’s Haemostasis Field Spell, sweetie, and, yes, the two spells have similar form, I replied slowly. I should be able to use it, I think, I practiced something similar in case of emergency and needing to operate on multiple patients at the same time… but I’ve only used it on scalpels and other light equipment when I was so strained, I added as I recalled how I studied to become a doctor. If you meant for me to hit him with something heavy, I’m afraid it won’t work.

Pinkie frowned, then looked around the office. She opened her mouth to speak, but then her head jerked towards something that was on the edge of my vision. Well… I doubt that is much heavier than surgical equipment… she said, pointing at whatever that was and grimacing unpleasantly.

Confused, I tried my best to look at where she was pointing (a feat that wasn’t exactly easy when one’s perception of time had been altered like this), wondering what it could be… and then immediately turned my sight away when I realized that it was the firearm that Scope had dropped when Burst attacked him.

No, I told Pinkie plainly.

Why? she asked, tilting her head in confusion. I mean, I’m not crazy about this idea, too, even if that, that… bad pony deserves it for what he did, but what else could you do?

I don’t care, sweetie, I’m not picking up that gun! I’m a doctor, I make ponies better, not shoot them. Besides, I added more calmly, I think he would notice if I tried to grab it with my magic; the gun is within his view, too.

Duh, you’ll wait for him to pass you to get to Apple Core, Pinkie explained as if that was obvious; maybe it was, and in my anxiousness I didn’t realize it? I mean, how many times did he turn his back to you?

The apparition had a point. But still…

Well, it doesn’t really matter, sweetie. I won’t do it. Help me think of something else-

Um, Angel? I turned my attention to the tiny pegasus, glad to hear her finally offer her contribution. However, my relief quickly faded as she continued: I… I think that… maybe you should consider Pinkie’s idea?

I was positive that under normal circumstances I would have been staring wide-eyed at Fluttershy.

Et tu, Fluttershy? I asked, almost in shock. You, of all ponies, would want me to use that-

No! Fluttershy quickly exclaimed, her eyes wide in terror as she shook her head. I hate the thought of shooting somepony as much as you! B-but… You are the only one there. You have to do something. A-and you don’t have to shoot him, she added, hope in her voice. M-maybe you could, um, intimidate him into leaving? I-I’m sorry! Fluttershy suddenly cried, covering her face in her forehooves. I’m sorry for suggesting that, I just… I just don’t want Scope to shoot Apple Core! I’m sorry we can’t do anything to help you!

My anxiety faded (well, some of it at least) as I watched tears streaming down the apparition’s face from behind her hooves. Pinkie Pie moved to her and pulled her into a hug, brushing her head with hers comfortingly.

It’s alright, Fluttershy, I’m sure everything will be alright, she told her quietly, then turned to me. Angel, you have to stop Scope. if that means using-

No, I interrupted her. I won’t pick up that gun.

Oh for- why?! Pinkie Pie exclaimed; she left Fluttershy and moved closer to me. Killing ponies is bad, I know, and so is threatening them. I also know that you are scared. But you have to stop him!

I know, but… I looked away from her. I won’t.

But Pinkie didn’t let me off the hook that easily; apparently when it came to the subject of friends’ lives being at stake, she could be very serious and very persistent. She floated before me and stood on my snout, glaring me in the eyes.

Why?! she asked. Because you’re scared?!

Because I-

Um, Pinkie? Fluttershy suddenly spoke; she was now behind the other apparition, trying to put a hoof on her shoulder. M-maybe you shouldn’t...

But Pinkie brushed her hoof off and continued to glare at me. Or is it because you place your morals above your friend-

Because I CAN’T!

Both Pinkie and Fluttershy backed away, shocked and confused by my mental mental cry. I looked away from them; if I wasn’t stuck in S.A.T.S., I’m sure there would be moisture in my eyes.

I can’t, I repeated, not looking at them. I just… can’t. Help me think of something else. Anything. Please.

I wanted to turn my head away, too, but I couldn’t due to S.A.T.S. This prolonged stay in this state was beginning to unnerve me; I couldn’t move, I couldn’t breathe, and I couldn’t even feel my heartbeat, which I knew would have increased a moment ago. The fact that after I would slip out of S.A.T.S. I would have to face a murderer served little to improve my mood; a part of me wondered how long could I stay like this.

A tiny pink head with bright blue eyes that appeared right before my eye pulled me out of my musing. I’m sorry, Pinkie said; with a pang I realized she was crying. I didn’t mean to sound so… mean. I didn’t want to upset you. I’m sorry, she repeated, reaching with her hoof to my face.

As I watched Fluttershy do the same on the other side of my muzzle, her expression even more regretful and compassionate, I slowly felt myself calm down. All is forgiven, sweetie, I told Pinkie, not wanting either of them think that I was mad. Both apparitions smiled with relief; I felt an urge to smile back, but, alas, I still couldn’t. I trust that this matter won’t be brought up again?

Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy exchanged a glance. Well, um… Pinkie began, her eyes darting to the side. Of course, we won’t suggest you pick up a gun again, but…

I’m happy to hear that, sweetie, I interrupted her; I turned my gaze to Scope. Now, where were we with the ideas?

Angel? Fluttershy spoke up; I turned my attention to her, a bit grudgingly. If you’d ever want to talk about whatever is bothering you, we’re here for you.

I sighed. Mentally. S.A.T.S. was beginning to upset me...

I doubt that I will, but thank you regardless, sweetie. For your offer and… not pressing. Both of you are inside my head; I continued, then thoughtfully amended: or at least have seemingly unrestricted access to my mind from those statuettes of yours. Regardless, I think it would benefit all of us if we’d find a way for this experience to be a pleasant one, and I’m afraid that includes giving me what little privacy you can offer.

Oh, of course, Fluttershy agreed. We won’t bother you, right Pinkie Pie?

The pink apparition quickly nodded. Yep, Pinkie Promise! Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye! she recited suddenly, performing strange motions with her forehooves then sticking a cupcake in her eye-

Was that a cupcake? I asked, perplexed.

Now that that’s over, Pinkie began, ignoring my question; I continued to stare at the remains of the cupcake that were still plastered around her eye, I feel like one of us has to point out that this experience also has to include you surviving this, she said, waving her hoof around Scope.

I don’t think any of us will disagree, sweetie, I replied, eyeing the remaining… frosting, I believe, on Pinkie’s face, before giving up and returning to the problem at hoof; what was I going to do?

To say that I found it irritating that a pony with such a high intellect as me, with my perception of time altered and having two others to help couldn’t think of anything, was possibly an understatement.

What about that spell you used on Cutter? Fluttershy offered after a few moments of silence. Back when he, um, cut you, I mean. You stopped his heart from beating.

You mean Cardiac Arrest Spell, sweetie? I asked, pondering the idea; I wished I could furrow my brow or bit my lip. Well… while that spell’s form isn’t that much different, meaning that theoretically I could use it, it is highly advanced spell. I don’t think I could bear the strain if I were to pour so much more magic through my horn. Heart Attack Spell would be easier to cast, but he will still be able to move with relative ease. When he realizes what I’m doing, I doubt he will continue to see value in keeping me alive when-

I blinked. Or would have if it weren’t for the S.A.T.S. However, I now had far more important thing to think over rather than annoyance at my PipBuck’s spell.

Scope kept me alive, I said slowly; both apparitions perked their ears as they eyed me thoughtfully. He told me to leave the Overmare’s office before he threw that explosive. He still hadn’t killed me. He needs me alive for… something! Why hadn’t I thought of that sooner?

Oooh, you’re right! Pinkie Pie exclaimed, excited. And that means… um, what, exactly? she asked, tilting her head. He can still go after Apple Core, and-

Well, sweetie, I interrupted her, what it means is that I, hm, how does that saying go? ‘Hold all the cards’? He wants something of me; information, possibly.

I paused to ponder what could that be. Was it relevant to what I overheard yesterday? I had suspected that this holotape he received was from Cutter; did he want to know more about him and somehow have figured that I had something to do with his “death”? Or did he want to know more about my Stable? He had seemed very interested in it, both back in New Appleloosa and during our journey here.

But still, why would he turn on everybody?

If that is indeed the case, I continued, then he won’t kill me until he gets what he wants.

But Apple Core- Fluttershy began, glancing at the unconscious mare.

Yes, he could kill her, I agreed. Or threaten to kill her to get what he wants from me, then kill both of us afterwards. After all, I will stop being useful then. I paused, letting the idea that sprang from my realization to form in my head. So for us to not get killed, I will have to… stall him. And that means that all I can do… is talk, I added, feeling nervous.

But that’s good, right? Fluttershy asked, a bit confused. Smiling hopefully, she added: I mean, you are so great at talking with ponies and convincing them to your views and stuff.

Yes, but I’m only so assertive when I don’t have a gun pointed at myself or at my friends, I pointed out, shuddering inwardly. You’ve seen how I froze earlier; it wasn’t that I just couldn’t move, I also couldn’t talk or even think! How am I supposed to talk with Scope like this?

The two apparitions exchanged a worried look. Well, um… Fluttershy began, but as she hesitated, Pinkie Pie began to giggle.

Oh, Angel, don’t you see? Pinkie asked, smiling at me. Of course you can’t talk with Scope like that.

I really hope you’re going somewhere with this, sweetie, I told her, annoyed that she had put it so bluntly.

You can’t talk to him if you freeze from fear, the pink apparition elaborated, rolling her eyes. You’ve got to stand up tall and face your fear! Fear alone can’t hurt you; that pony can. And you yourself have said that you hold all the cards here. You can stop him from hurting you. All you have to stop cowering from fear and laugh at it instead! she added, giggling again.

My brows furrowed. (Only in my mind, of course; I sincerely hoped that in the foreseeable future there won’t be another case that I will have to stay inside of S.A.T.S. for so long as now.) Laugh at fear, huh?

Um, Pinkie, Fluttershy began, I’m not sure if this, um, pep talk, is adequate to this situation…

Whatever else she said later escaped my notice. I stopped listening, drowning in a memory.

“You really shouldn’t have done that,” I told the black coated colt, glancing at him with worry. “You could be in serious trouble. A-and you’ve hurt him...”

Snorting, he looked back from where he was leaning against the magic kindergarten classroom’s wall. “Like I care. That bully had it coming. Besides, your dad is gonna fix his face, anyway,” he added, returning to stare at the fake window and illusion of a playground outside.

I winced hearing the hatred in his voice. Also, I remembered reading in one of Daddy’s books that wounds caused by magic weren’t easy to heal. And those burns looked scary, too… I looked around the empty classroom where Miss Funcare have told us to wait until she got back from the clinic, wondering what should I say to him for him to know he did a bad thing; also, whether I should do that. “B-but-”

“He hit you!” he snapped, immediately turning back to me. His ice-blue eyes burned with rage. “All I did was pay him back!”

I winced again and looked away, unable to meet his gaze. “I-I’m sorry,” I said, my ears dropping. Pressing my hoof against my still slightly aching cheek, I added “It’s my fault for trying to break you apart…”

“Ugh,” I heard him groan, then he began in a stern, but a touch gentler voice: “No, it’s that meanie’s fault for not apologizing for calling you names when I told him to and then pushing me.”

“Those were just words,” I muttered quietly, looking down at the patterned carpet.

“Oh for Goddesses’ sake, could you get a little angry?” he exclaimed, trotting closer to me. “They shouldn’t call you names in the first place, none of them. Why can’t you stand up for yourself?” he asked, sitting next to me.

Because they are right, I wanted to reply, but I knew it would only get him mad.

“I couldn’t be brave like you,” I said instead, blushing as I turned to glance at him. “I-I mean, you stood up to both of them, and they are older than us… weren’t you afraid at all?”

“Ha! I laugh at fear,” he proclaimed, pressing his hoof to his chest, “and drop ice cubes down its stable barding. It’s all about acting despite fear and not showing that you are afraid,” he explained further as I gave him questioning stare. (And a little giggle, that part about ice cubes was funny.) “It’s what my Dad has told me, anyway. He said that he does that whenever he has to arrest somepony who might cause trouble.”

“Does what?” I asked, interested.

“Hides his fear,” he replied quietly. “Dad said that everypony gets afraid from time to time, and only stupid ponies don’t. But you can’t show it, especially when you face somepony. Just like in your case,” he added, pointing at me. “Everypony thinks that they can call you names because you are afraid and won’t stand up for yourself. You just have to… um, how did Dad say it?” he muttered to himself as he scratched his chin thoughtfully for a few seconds. “Oh yeah, that one must remember that fear exists only in the mind; fear alone can’t hurt you. Acting because of it can, so you must act despite it, and if you do, everything will turn out alright!” he finished, nodding sagely. “And that’s what bravery is all about. Ah, and also, Dad told me that this way you can intimidate the pony that was trying to intimidate you back very easily,” he added excitedly. “It really unnerves them when you appear calm and stuff. And I bet it would be really easy for you if you’d try.”

I couldn’t help but smile a little. “Oh, I don’t think I would ever could intimidate anypony… or that I would want to, anyway. But wow, your dad sure taught you a lot, huh? No wonder you’re so brave all the time,” I added, blushing a little. As he nodded, I tried to imagine me standing up for myself next time somepony would call me names. However, I was still too worried about our problem to think about anything else for too long. “Do you think we’ll be in much trouble?”

“No,” he replied, snorting, then rolled his eyes. “Well, maybe I will, but not you. And besides, once they realize that bully hit you… I mean, imagine your parents’ reactions. Or even better, your grandmother’s!” he added, smirking. Chuckling, he continued: “Can you even imagine Miss Funcare or anypony else telling her that somebody hit her granddaughter? ‘L-l-l-lady-’” he began to pretend that he was such a pony given this task, but I stopped him by tapping his shoulder lightly.

“Don’t do that, Grandma isn’t scary!” I said, frowning at him with pretense. “And besides… it wasn’t really that painful,” I added, rubbing my cheek again as I looked away.

I winced hearing him groan, then fall back on his back. “I’m pretty sure that’s not the point,” he said, annoyance clear in voice. However, he apparently didn’t want to argue about it any longer; as I glanced at him, I saw that he was lying on the carpet, staring at the ceiling, with an unusually, at least for him, serious (and a bit worried) expression on his face. “Do you think I’ll be in a lot of trouble?” he turned to me, finally betraying some worry over what he did.

I opened my mouth, ready to say “yes”, but I hesitated. I didn’t want to make him feel bad, especially since this was all my fault. “Don’t worry, we’ll explain together to Miss Funcare and everypony else what happened, I’m sure they’ll understand,” I said instead, then, smiling bashfully, I added: “Also, I’m sure that whatever happens, you will stand tall and meet the consequences head on and without fear… Demon.”

He began to smile as I told him his own advice, but then tilted his head in confusion. “Demon?”

“Um, that’s…” I stammered, immediately blushing with embarrassment. “M-miss Funcare let me borrow this book about making friends, a-and in one of the chapters the author wrote about coming up with nicknames for close friends… sorry, it was silly of me, and that name-”

A warm chuckle interrupted me. “Nah, it’s alright, I actually like it,” he said, his blue eyes shining with excitement. “Demon… has a nice ring to it. Aaaand it probably fits me,” he added, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment as he chuckled.

Hm, maybe you’re right, Fluttershy, I heard Pinkie Pie say as I slowly pulled myself out of my memories. I glanced at her briefly, only half-interested at that discussion, just in time to see her gasp. Wait, maybe if I sing a song to her…

Um, I don’t think that will help that much… Fluttershy replied uncertainly.

I turned my attention back to Scope while they continued their argument. Demon wouldn’t have been afraid, I thought, feeling my worries slowly disperse. He would stand up to you and wouldn’t show fear… and he would have probably defeated you already by now, I added reluctantly; a part of me couldn’t help but wish that he was there. But while I can’t do that, at least I can do what he had taught me. Just like when I stood on trial and was banished. Just-

I was about to add “just with a gun pointed to my head this time”, but I was interrupted.

Wait, what? Pinkie asked, tilting her head. What are you talking about? Who’s Demon?

Nevermind that now. I-

Well, I do mind a little, seeing how I’ve basically said the same thing about standing up to your fear and you were still very worried, but now that you had some convenient flashback or whatever you are all resolute and stuff, the pink apparition said, pouting.

Forgive me, sweetie, I told her apologetically, a little amused. You did give me a very good advice. Now though, I added to both of them as my words cheered Pinkie up a little, I’ll need you two to remain quiet. I’ll have to be focused on talking with Scope and making sure his attention is on me… all while continuing to channel magic.

Now that my fear was no longer an issue (Alright, maybe it would be more precise to say “not as big of an issue as before”...), I was mostly worried whether I wouldn’t suffer a magic burnout. However, there was nothing I could do about it.

I’m sure you’ll be fine, Fluttershy told me. She gave me a comforting smile and added: We believe in you.

Yeah, you can do it! Pinkie added enthusiastically. Talk him up until his ears fall off!

That could be arranged...

Oh, and we’ll be quiet, don’t worry, she added, noticing my gaze.

Thank you, sweetie. Both of you, I told them. Wishing I could take a calming breath before continuing, I turned off S.A.T.S. Here we go…

The world became alive once again around me. I drew breath immediately and shook a little; I wondered how exactly long had I stayed “frozen in time”.

“Look,” Scope said, his brow now furrowed; I tried to not show how relieved I was to hear an actual voice with my ears, “just sit down and be a nice little filly, and I might leave you alive...”

I felt a little satisfaction as Scope trailed off as I smiled at him. I glanced behind me at Apple Core. “It would appear Apple Core won’t be regaining consciousness anytime soon,” I said, my voice calm, not shaking at all. I turned back to Scope and smirked. “Good; now we can talk without any witnesses, sweetie.”

Uncertainty creeped into Scope’s eyes. Clearly, my sudden change of behaviour must have startled him, as I had expected. To his credit though he quickly masked it.

“Would you look at that, little doctor has some guts in her.”

It cost me a great amount of self-control not to tell him the meaninglessness of that sentence from anatomical point of view.

I covered my mouth and giggled. “I assume this means you have been fooled by my earlier behaviour? Forgive me for the deception, sweetie; I’ve learned that when one appears meek and helpless, they are much less, shall we say, suspicious. But now that we’re alone, I suppose there is little need for it,” I added, smirking.

Scope snorted, clearly amused. “Yeah, alright, if that makes this easier for you.”

He must suspect that I wasn’t acting before, I realized. No matter; the longer I manage to act so convincingly, the more unsettled he will become.

“But since you’re now in a more talkative mood,” Scope continued, raising Bursts’ gun a little, “I happen to have a few questions I’d like you to answer.”

“Oh? And, pray tell, what would happen if I’d decide not to, sweetie?” I asked, smiling calmly as I tilted my head curiously.

“I’ll kill you,” Scope replied, equally calm as he pointed the shotgun at my face.

“No you won’t.”

I had to admit, it was amusing to see his brow furrowed in confusion at my almost casual statement.

“Beg your pardon?” he asked, surprised.

“You obviously spared me from this massacre you’ve committed here,” I replied, shrugging. “I doubt you would have continued to let me live this long if you didn’t consider the answers I could give to your questions to be of high value. So you won’t kill me until I’ll answer them.”

Scope’s eyes narrowed, then, after a second, he smirked. “Well, I guess you are clever after all, Doctor.”

“Of course I am. Now, are you ready to tell me why I should answer your questions, sweetie?” I asked, letting a note of impatience slip into my voice.

“So that I won’t shoot your legs off,” Scope replied, his voice a mixture of poorly hidden exasperation and casualty as the shotgun pointed down at my leg instead.

“Now, that sounds a little better,” I agreed; I hoped that it didn’t show how my heart skipped a bit. “But we’ve already established that you are a murderer; for all I know, you will kill me the moment I answer those questions of yours. I think I would prefer to have my legs shot at, sweetie; you will find that I can deal with a lot of pain before I’ll give away what is keeping me alive. I can always heal my body later,” I added with a shrug.

Please believe me, please believe me, please believe me… not that I would tell him what is keeping me alive, I just don’t want to get shot! I told Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. And from that weapon, too. It’s bad enough that after everything will be over I’ll have to reattach Apple Core’s leg, assuming that there would be enough left of mine, stitching it back after such magical exertion…

I quickly snapped myself out of my musing when I noticed that Scope was still pointing the shotgun at my leg. For several scary seconds, he stood there, staring me in the eyes as if considering whether I spoke truly or not and if he should check. However, when his eyes darted to the side and a smirk began to creep back into his muzzle, he had seemingly thought of something better.

Honestly, I was surprised it took him this long to consider this option.

“I really wouldn’t do that if I were you, sweetie,” I told the unicorn as he took a step to the side.

Scope, who had been about to go around me to get to Apple Core, stopped. “And why is that, Doctor?” he asked, tilting his head slightly, clearly annoyed.

I hesitated for a second before replying, watching him closely. The angle at which he tilted his head… is it so that he could hear me better from his other ear? Did he not take a healing potion after killing Burst? I wondered, noting that the right ear, the one which was closer to me, was the same one by which Burst had fired his gun. Distraught as I had been over the friendly young buck’s death, I didn’t pay attention to anything he had done. Well, if he didn’t, then it would be advantageous, considering our positioning…

I took a step to my right, so that I would once again be right in front of him. “Because the only reason why I hadn’t assured my safety by casting the Anesthetic Spell on you yet is that I have to concentrate on keeping the Haemostasis Field Spell around Apple Core’s wound so she won’t bleed to death. If you were to threaten to kill her if I won’t cooperate and then actually go through with your threat, though… well, sweetie, I would be free to use my magic on somepony else, now wouldn’t I?” I asked, blinking at him innocently.

“You really think I would give you the chance to cast a spell on me?” Scope replied, now more angry than annoyed. “I could shot that slaver of yours and have the gun pointing right at your head before you can blink.”

Having the answer already ready for that, I smiled and lifted my left foreleg, showing him my PipBuck. “I’m sure you’re familiar with Stable-Tec Arcane Targeting Spell, aren’t you sweetie?” I could tell by the subtle twitch of his eyelid that he was indeed familiar with. Not surprising, considering he had known about PipBuck’s E.F.S., too. “It’s one of the spells included in my PipBuck. I’ll activate it the moment you shoot Apple Core; my Anesthetic Spell will hit you before you could turn this gun at me.”

Scope stared at me, cold hatred blazing from his eyes. “Well, aren’t we fucking clever?” he said quietly. He then smiled, dark amusement crossing his features. “Tell me this then, Doctor; what would you do if I’d break your horn?” Scope asked, pointing the shotgun at my glowing horn.

That was a rather terrifying prospect, especially given my situation. However, unfortunately for Scope, by then I’ve began to grow more accustomed to remaining calm under such extreme conditions. Well, on the outside at least. I was able to think clearly, though.

In fact, it was more than just appearing calm. I… found myself liking this disposition of mine. The feeling of being able to talk so calmly with an armed and hostile pony… it made me feel powerful. Even more powerful than I’d feel when talking to my test subjects or performing experiments on them. Oh yes, I liked this sensation. If it hadn’t been for the state of my companions, I might have even enjoyed this situation I was in.

“Hm…” I hummed, looking up as I pondered what would happen in that scenario. “Speaking from experience, and taking into the account the magical strain I’m under while continuingly channeling magic, upon breaking my horn I’d go into shock, lose consciousness and slip into a coma that would last from a day to a week, probably. You have the time to spare, right sweetie?” I asked innocently.

Gauging by the way his eyes narrowed, I’d figured that he did not have that much time to spare hanging out at an empty Stable in the middle of the Wasteland. Which was a huge relief.

“Alright,” Scope slowly replied. “I think this means we’re at an impasse, then. What would you suggest we do to break it, Doctor?” he asked, almost politely as he lowered Burst’s gun a little.

“Oh, I’m so glad you asked, sweetie,” I told him, waving my forehoof. “I was thinking that perhaps you could answer some of my questions first, after which I would spend some time pointing out why it would be in your best interest for me to remain alive. I’m sure if I know more about you I will be able to tell you precisely how useful I could be,” I added, noticing a subtle twitch of his eyebrows. “Of course, after we’d reach a consensus regarding our future cooperation, I would answer your questions; it would be only fair, after all. Wouldn’t you agree, sweetie?”

Although he was clearly unhappy with the direction this situation was going, I did spot a glimmer of interest in Scope’s eyes when I mentioned my usefulness. In my mind, I allowed myself to sigh with relief; it seemed that for now the danger had passed.

“It’s no wonder those dumbass slavers hired you instead of capturing you,” Scope said after a few seconds. “You are quite the smooth-talker.”

Smiling, I was about to thank him for the compliment, but just then I noticed that his eyes had quickly shifted back to Apple Core for a brief second. With my smile turning into a frown, I decided to scold him. “Sweetie, you’re not still considering using Apple Core as a hostage, aren’t you? We’ve already established how pointless that would be.”

Scope’s eyes widened as I spoke; did he think I wouldn’t notice him glancing at her? “To be fair, Doctor, you were the one to establish that, not we,” he pointed out, almost nonchalantly. “You can’t blame me for weighing my options.”

“Forgive me, sweetie, but I don’t see what is it to ‘weigh’. I am sorry excuse for a fighter, true, but with S.A.T.S. even I will hit you with my spell faster than you could attack me or even dodge.”

“Still… it is only an Anesthetic Spell,” Scope replied slowly. “You’ll paralyze me for about an hour or so, and then what would you do? Kill me? I doubt that. You’re still just a stable pony,” he said, coldly. “Fresh out of your Stable. That stunt you pulled on Jack with that raider? How you needed to make sure if your conscience would be clear or whatever?” Scope asked, his eyebrow raised.

“Sweetie,” I spoke up, quickly thinking up an excuse for that situation that was slightly contradicting the personality I was currently displaying, “I think you misunderstood; the purpose of that ‘experiment’ was whether the raiders truly were as terrible as Jack and everybody else portrays them.”

I could have brushed it off by telling him that my opinion of him wasn’t that much different than of raiders, but that would in turn contradict my desire to be useful for him in the future, I thought, knowing that Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie could be slightly confused.

Scope smirked. “Yeah, that would fit this new personality of yours more, wouldn’t it?” he said; I hoped that my face didn’t betray how annoyed I found how close he was to the truth with that speculation. “But that’s not where I was going with it. I was going to bring up how you had Jack kill the raider. How you said that you are a doctor and heal ponies, and not shoot them? How sad you were when mentioning yesterday about those five ponies you had ‘killed’?” The unicorn snorted when saying that. “Being paralyzed for some time isn’t such a scary prospect when you know you will be alright, Doctor. Because you won’t kill me. You are nothing but an innocent stable pony, who…” he trailed off, his eyes widening in confusion and, what I noticed with satisfaction, fear.

As much as I liked that I yet again had gained the upperhoof there, my action hadn’t been caused by my desire for that. No, it was purely accidental. I just couldn’t help myself hearing Scope’s words; I had to laugh.

“‘Innocent’?” I asked after a few seconds, covering my mouth with my hoof as I slowly got my laughter under control. By some miracle I remembered to not take my eyes off Scope; after all, he could always decide to “risk it” and do something to me. “Me? Sweetie, I lost my innocence when I was six,” I told him, now calm, as I took a step closer to him. “Whatever had been left of it was removed completely about half a year ago, I assure you. I am not innocent. Do you want to know what I would do if I’d manage to cast Anesthetic Spell on you, sweetie? You are right, I wouldn’t kill you.” My smiled widened and I opened my eyes wider in excitement, allowing Scope to see the side of me I’d normally reserved for my test subjects. “I would chain you to a table and force a serum into your body that would make you unable to use magic. Next I would… well, probably perform a vivisection on your body, first; I hadn’t exactly checked if radiation on the Outside affected ponies’ organs. Next, I would begin my experiments, by removing those organs to see how well I would be able to keep you alive with magic. I would flay you to see if I can cause a pony to regrow their entire skin. I would cut off your limbs and attach Jack’s in their place, so I can find a way to prevent a body to reject incompatible tissue. I would probably also attempt to inject you with glands of the bloatsprite’s remains that I have in my saddlebag to see if I can replicate their amazing reproduction in a pony, but something like that would require a bit more research before attempting,” I added, giggling. “I could conduct whatever else comes to my mind, but the end result will be the same, sweetie; you would be begging me for the mercy of death through that entire time, but even when my work would be completed… I would deny you,” I told him quietly, narrowing my eyes. “Your anguished cries would be my gift to the souls of those you had send to the Afterlife today.”

There it was; intimidation. It was plain on Scope’s face, even if it didn’t stay on it for long. His eyes had gradually grow wider with fear as I talked and his mouth had dropped slightly, and as I finished he had also taken a step back. Just like Demon had said, it was easy for me, even though back then he would have never imagined just how intimidating I could become.

And now, I hold the advantage here, I thought as I took a step back and let the rush of excitement to subside. I did feel a little pang as I noticed that Scope wasn’t the only one who became scared, though. Pinkie Pie, who had witnessed this side of me for the first time, was staring at me in utter shock, while Fluttershy’s gaze dropped down as she cringed. Both of them could tell that it wasn’t just an act, at least not all of it. Making a mental note to address this after the current crisis was resolved, I smiled at Scope.

“Of course, those who would be useful to me have no reason to fear such fate. There are numerous people out there in the Wasteland who are just a waste of air, after all. They would be far better off serving as test subjects. And you… I think you would be quite useful, sweetie,” I told him, tilting my head as I looked at him with interest.

By then the unicorn had managed to get himself under control. He again stood firmly before me, and his face was a cold mask that betrayed no emotion. Other than a mild amusement, that is. “Ideological differences, huh?” he said, repeating what I had told him to be the reason why I had left Stable Eight. “I have to admit, that makes a lot of sense now. I suppose in this case, we can talk… especially since I believe that my, hm, leader would find use for somepony with your talents,” Scope added, smirking.

Leader? I repeated in my mind. Not an ‘employer’ but ‘leader’... curious…

“Still, is it okay for us to talk? You are already struggling keeping that spell of yours going,” he explained when I gave him questioning look, nodding at Apple Core. “I can see you’re sweating. Wouldn’t want you to disrupt your concentration.”

Is he wondering how long will it take for me to suffer a magical burnout? I wondered, ignoring the few droplets of sweat that had began to trickle slowly down my head some time ago. In that case, it would mean that he still plans to kill me after I give him what he wants… so was that line about leader a lie to ensure I would have a use of him? Oh well, not like it matters at this point… I think...

“Oh, don’t worry about that, sweetie,” I told him, calming down his ‘worries’. “My old mentor had ensured that I would be able to channel spells like those on a patient during an operation without losing my concentration due to any possible distractions.”

I decided to not bring up that he had done so by spitting spitballs at me as I practiced channeling those spells on cadavers during my studies.

“Now then,” I said, smiling at him, “since we have reached consensus, would you kindly answer me the following questions: who are you? Why did you kill everybody? Or attempt to kill,” I added, pointing back at Apple Core. “And who’s this ‘leader’ you’ve mentioned?”

“Reasonable questions, given the situation,” Scope agreed, nodding. He sat down, as if to show that I had nothing to worry from him now; an illusion that failed due to him continuingly holding Burst’s shotgun with his magic. “I suppose you could say that I’m… an operative, of sort. I am a part of certain… group, and as part of my duties to that group I pose as a mercenary to gain information about possible assets or threats. I’ve told you how I’ve explored several Stables before; they are one of the few places a pony could find working technology from before the Last Day. And they could function as perfect bases of operation; that is, assuming, they would be in good enough condition, like this one happens to be.”

“So you killed everybody because you intend to use this Stable as a base?” I asked, my mind reeling as I tried to process all the - somewhat sparse - information he was giving me. “I’m afraid I don’t quite understand why such an act was necessary in this case, sweetie.”

“Really? I would have thought it was obvious; I couldn’t let information about an unexplored Stable spread,” Scope explained. “A week, maybe a month from now this place would be swarming with scavengers if those three made it back to New Appleloosa. Blast especially would get talkative when drinking after a finished job. However…” he added and paused to smirk at me, “I’ll admit that I might have gone for some less drastic solution, for the time being at least, if it weren’t for the circumstances.”

“Circumstances?”

Scope eyed me thoughtfully before speaking: “You weren’t drunk yesterday, weren’t you? When I was talking with that pony. You were eavesdropping.”

Slightly surprised he had figured it out, I found myself blushing in embarrassment for being found out. “I’ll admit, sweetie, I did,” I said, seeing no reason in covering that fact given the current events; not that it would have been convincing with my reaction. “However, I assure you, it wasn’t my intention to eavesdrop. Well, mostly,” I admitted. “It was purely by accident that I had stumbled upon your conversation. Afterwards I pretended to be inebriated because I wasn’t sure how you’d react… and you must admit, sweetie, considering your latest actions I was right to worry.”

Is he upset about it, or is he stalling? I wondered. He could be waiting for me to burnout… He didn’t really appear upset about this matter though (or my comment). In fact, he seemed… amused.

“You puked and fell into your own vomit on purpose?” he asked, his voice a touch mocking.

“I wanted to be convincing,” I explained, frowning. “More importantly, though, could you explain to me what was that about, sweetie? And why did you bring it up now?”

“But of course,” he replied, shrugging. “As I am sure you might have figured it out already, Appleloosa’s previous medic had left that buck a holotape to deliver to me in an event of his death. And as for why have I brought it up; those ‘circumstances’ I had mentioned? They were caused by that holotape. Suffice to say that I have to either report it in to my group or take immediate action; I decided to complete my current objective first though,” he added, nodding behind him at the bodies of the other mercenaries.

So my guess was right… I mused. I wish he would tell me more; why isn’t he, though? I believe he still intends to kill me, but in that case, it shouldn’t matter whether he tells me or not.. shouldn’t it? Hm, I wonder if I should ask him for more details… better not, I decided. I can’t risk irritating him. Perhaps later…

“Your current objective…” I began instead. I paused for a moment, recalling our talk from the day before. “You’ve told me that you joined them about two months ago. And that Jack had some lead about a different job then, and that’s what had made you join them. So your objective couldn’t have been searching for liveable Stables, sweetie.”

A short chuckle escaped Scope. “Damn, Doctor, you really are sharp. You’re right, that wasn’t my objective… I suppose you could call it an underlying directive I was given, to explore Stables when opportunity comes. But my main task had been the griffin,” he explained, nodding behind with his head at Jack.

“Jack?” I asked, confused.

“You remember what Blast had told you and your slaver friend, don’t you? He used to be a Bloodtalon… although I suppose it doesn’t mean much for a pony who had left her Stable only about two weeks ago,” Scope added, smirking.

I frowned as I recalled the brief exchange between Blast and Apple Core. “Apple Core had said that they’re the deadliest mercenary company in the world… and Blast had said that they’re possibly the first ones.”

“Being so new to the Wasteland, you can’t possibly imagine just what ‘the most deadly’ can mean; even if you had seen Jack at work,” he added. “It isn’t just that they are all about as skilled as he was. Their record of completed jobs is perfect; they’ve been around for almost three centuries, and they’ve never failed a task they were hired to do,” Scope said, causing my eyes to slightly widen in surprise and amazement. “Throughout the war and the post-apocalyptic world that followed, they’ve constantly fought. Wherever Bloodtalons are, you can expect bloodshed to follow. About the only good thing about it is that the constant wars and battles would dwindle their numbers; there are only a few dozens of them, currently.”

A few dozen griffins, all as skilled as Jack? That’s a rather unsettling idea…

“They are still a force to be reckoned with, though,” Scope continued. “One that everypony would prefer to avoid. Tribes, armies of raiders and entire contingents of Steel Rangers had learned that the hard way. Fortunately, they’ve been gone from Equestria for almost forty years; they’ve been cooped up in the zebra’s lands, constantly getting hired by one Legion after another for their constant wars over there. Almost forty years without any of them setting a single paw on Equestria’s land… until a little over a year ago, Jack Bloodtalon, son of the Bloodtalons’ leader, appeared.”

Son of their leader? I repeated, surprised. And their family name is the same as the name of their company… I wonder if this is related as to why he had made those comments regarding hereditary positions and nepotism…

“As you can probably imagine, when news of that reached us we were worried. It didn’t ease our worries when we had confirmed that the rest of the Bloodtalons are still in the old Zebra Empire. Higher ups were wondering whether he was sent as a scout for a job, or to make contact with potential customers. If they were hired by Red Eye, for example, that could spell some serious trouble. Seeing how he has most of the Talon companies already on his payroll and that there aren’t many others who could afford them that would probably be the case. As such, I was ordered to find out why is he here, evaluate how much of a threat he poses and eliminate him should I deem it necessary.”

“So you joined his team to do so? Didn’t you say that had happened only two months ago?”

“Originally, I only planned to spy on them; however, that approach yielded little results. Eventually I decided to arrange a ‘meeting’ between us, got myself hired to do the same job as they. I’ve already had an established reputation as a reliable and successive mercenary in the Wasteland, so it wasn’t too difficult. I had hoped that after we’d work together on it and split the reward, they’d invite me to join them. They did, and damn if that wasn’t a successful operation!” Scope uttered a short laugh as he continued. “Not only have I learned that Jack wasn’t affiliated with the other Bloodtalons anymore and eliminated him, but also found a functioning Stable! And an ‘information broker’ in Fillydelphia’s contingent of Steel Rangers, too. It’s a pity we weren’t able to find Stable-Tec’s secret storage facility in Manehattan as well, but then again, even my organization considers its existence to be just a rumor,” he added, shrugging.

“My, that is indeed quite a lot of accomplishments,” I hummed, gracing the buck with a smile as he recounted his tale of betrayal that only deepened my disgust towards him and caused me to think: I am going to enjoy ripping him apart, nerve by nerve… “Why, you’re probably going to get a promotion, sweetie! Or whatever equivalent of that you have in this organization of yours,” I added, taking a mental note of the name he used to describe the ‘group’ he belonged to; an organization implied a lot more power than just a group. “Especially if you add to all of them ‘recruiting a brilliant doctor and a scientist’,” I added, purposely faking modesty as I pressed a hoof to my chest.

I was certain that I spotted something that I didn’t like glimmer in Scope’s eyes briefly. “Right you are, Doctor,” he replied, however, smirking. “I’m sure my superiors will appreciate your talents… if not your modesty.”

“Speaking of your superiors, sweetie,” I began, “you have yet to tell me their name; or the name of your group, for that matter.”

His replied was disappointing to me, despite having already anticipated it: “Oh, come now, Doctor,” Scope said, amused, “there have to be some secrets left between us. Especially,” he added, noticing my disappointed frown, “when I’ve already told you so much and you told me so little.”

“You’re subtly suggesting that now is my turn to answer a few questions of yours, sweetie?” I deduced, smiling. “Well, I suppose that is only fair; very well then! However, we will come back to my questions soon, sweetie; I have a lot more to ask!” I added with excitement.

On the inside, though, I was calmly calculating my situation.

“Of course, Doctor,” Scope replied, even bowing his head graciously as he flashed me a smile. A smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

He’s going to kill me after I answer his questions…

“Now, if you don’t mind,” Scope continued; apparently I hid my realization of his intention well enough for him to not notice, “would you kindly tell me what you know of Black Widow?”

I blinked, surprised by the question. “Black Widow? You’re- Forgive me, sweetie,” I began, regaining my composure, “I’ve expected you to first ask me about-”

“The location of your Stable?” Scope finished for me, raising an eyebrow. There was an arrogant smirk on his muzzle. “Why would I ask about something I already know?”

What? I thought, now utterly surprised.

“Beg your pardon?” I asked, my shock so great that I completely abandoned my calm demeanor.

His smirk grew wider. “Don’t look so surprised, Doctor; the location of each Stable is known to my organization.”

Ah, that explains it, I mused. Still, I suppose it shouldn’t be that surprising; after all, Jack had bought a holotape containing the override password and location of Stable Eleven from… wait a moment...

“Now, I’ll admit, I don’t know the exact location of it, aside that it’s somewhere near Appleloosa and…” Scope continued, then paused to chuckle. “Since it’s been two hundred years, I suppose ponies of your Stable had forgotten where you came from, haven’t you? Consider this my gift to you, then; Stable Eight had been built below a place called Sanctuary, and that’s where your ancestors came from.”

“Oh, I know about that, sweetie,” I told him dismissively, pretending to be calm. “I’ve told you I’ve read the memoirs of the first chief of medicine of my Stable, didn’t I?”

Inwardly, though, I was unsettled, and not just because Scope knew where my old home was. I felt the same thing when Apple Core had brought up this subject shortly before we’d descended into Stable Eleven. Why did I not see any sign of Sanctuary when I left the Stable? Those ruined remains of a mine town couldn’t have been it. Scope says Stable Eight been built below it… is it atop that hill in which the mine that would become Stable Eight was? But then…

It took a great deal of effort to not physically shake my head as I put off that train of musing for later. After all, I was about to be killed.

“Leaving the matter of my Stable aside; why are you asking me about Black Widow, thought?” I asked. Smirking, I added: “She wouldn’t happen to be related to that holotape you’ve received, wouldn’t she?”

“Yes, she is,” he admitted freely. “I don’t think you need to know as to why for the moment, though.”

“Very well, I’ll trust your judgement sweetie,” I told him, smiling despite my annoyance and disappointment. “I’m afraid I can’t tell you much, though, other what I have heard from Apple Core and the others. You should probably question her after she regains her consciousness. Anyway,” I said, beginning to recount everything I have been told about her and carefully observing Scope’s reactions, “I’ve been told that she had come to Appleloosa about twelve years ago, along with one of their patrols, as a girlfriend of one of the slavers named Eulogy. Back then she used the name ‘Dark Lady’. Around the same time, the previous leader of the slavers, Butcher, had become incapacitated for three months after a fight with some Steel Rangers. Eulogy became a leader in his place, with Black Widow - whom he married at some point - advising him. Eventually she became the de facto leader of Appleloosa’s slavers, and became their leader officially after her husband had been shot by a sniper. Sometime before that she had acquired a zebra ‘bodyguard’ named Khan; she had found him heavily wounded among dead bodies out in the Wasteland. He doesn’t talk at all and obeys her every command, presumably due to the head injury he had suffered.” Pausing, I went over in my head whether there was something I hadn’t mentioned. “I believe that’s all, sweetie.”

Scope nodded, processing everything I’ve told him. He seemingly hadn’t noticed that his reactions to specific informations, however well-masked, have been spotted by me. His eyebrows had slightly twitched, signaling probably that he found the information especially interesting.

“That’s all?” he asked after a while. He sounded a little disappointed. “I would have thought you’d know a bit more… Weren’t you interested just why Black Widow had asked you to kill your predecessor, Cutter?” Scope asked, raising a single eyebrow. “Don’t tell me it was a coincidence that the day after you arrived there the medic of Appleloosa - with whom she had some disagreements - dies and you take his place.”

I couldn’t help myself; I giggled. “Oh, sweetie, I assure you, I had nothing to do with Cutter’s death,” I spoke, truthfully; after all, he wasn’t dead. “I admit though, it was unusually lucky for me that things had turned out this way; for Black Widow too, I imagine. But tell me, sweetie,” I added, noticing that Scope looking at me dubiously, “do you think leaving that holotape to be delivered to you was the only precaution Cutter had taken?”

“What do you mean?”

“If Cutter expected Black Widow was after his life, wouldn’t it make more sense if he had told her ‘If something happens to me, information about you will be revealed’?” I asked; I had been musing over it every now and then after overhearing Scope’s discussion with that buck. The long walk to Stable Eleven gave me plenty of time to think about various things, after all. “Black Widow however didn’t give me, Apple Core or the other two any commands saying we should be on a lookout for somepony with a holotape or anything of that kind. Which implies that she did not know about it. As such, Cutter leaving that holotape for you seems more like a ‘last-ditch effort’ to get back at her. Now, assuming he had valued his life more, wouldn’t it make sense that he’d have told her of another way for him to share information with others about her if something would happen to him? In a way that would promise a much quicker retribution, too? My theory would be that he shared this information - whatever it might be - with his lover, Whip Crack, and asked him to share it with the other slavers if Black Widow would harm him in some way. However, nothing of that sort had happened; there hadn’t been any ‘revolution’ in Appleloosa or fight for power. That is because there wasn’t any connection between Black Widow and what had happened to Cutter; Whip Crack could see that, and so he had no reason to reveal this information and risk getting killed by her zebra bodyguard,” I finished, quite pleased with this theory.

Scope, too, seemed impressed. “You’re quite shrewd, Doctor,” he said, narrowing his eyes. “Though this theory depends on that slaver’s intelligence; if he’s dumb, he could have missed something obvious pointing out to Black Widow’s involvement… or yours.”

“Really, sweetie? I would have thought that it would be the other way around; his lack of wisdom would have led him to jumping into conclusions.”

The unicorn snorted with amusement. “I suppose you have a point.”

“What’s more, sweetie, for what purpose would I lie to you regarding this matter?” I couldn’t help but point out.

Scope nodded absentmindedly, his gaze shifting to Apple Core. “If everything you have told me had come from her, I doubt she would be able to provide me with any additional information… she seemed the talkative type. I think she would have blabbed to you something a bit… juicier. Not that it really matters, what I do know is enough. Why are you saving her, though?” Scope asked, changing the subject. “I’ve begun to believe you aren’t a type of pony who’d care about somepony enough to go to such lengths to save them. You’re obviously straining yourself,” he added, nodding at my horn; which felt like something heavy had been placed on it. The surging energy accumulated in it had begun to increase my horn’s temperature, too. “You’re using up your magic instead of… well, I was going to say ‘using it to take me out’, but considering we had agreed to cooperate it seems redundant. But still, at this rate, you will suffer a burnout. All for a slaver who’s going to die due to the blood loss anyway.”

“I intend to save her,” I told Scope. “As for why am I doing this…”

Telling him that I am doing this because she’s my friend and it’s my duty as a doctor could cause him to doubt whether the personality I am displaying is real or not, I thought as I trailed off for a second. It’s best if I seem heartless; I can’t afford to lose what little advantage I have.

I smiled mischievously and continued: “I still have a use for her. It would be a pity to lose her, especially after all the time I had invested in building our little partnership in Appleloosa. Not to mention that, if your interest in Black Widow suggests you intend to remove her from there, Apple Core could very well be the next leader of slavers. She would be a valuable asset, if properly guided, don’t you agree, sweetie?”

“You continue to impress me, Doctor,” Scope replied, smirking. “Indeed, Appleloosa’s slavers might very soon find themselves leaderless. And yes… controlling them would be useful,” he added thoughtfully. I could tell that he was already planning something; I wondered what. “Although it would be difficult controlling her if we didn’t have means of reaching her easily… so how about you tell me how those portals you’ve mentioned you have in your Stable work?”

Recalling how interested he was back when I had mentioned them in passing to Burst, I wasn’t surprised he’d ask me about them again.

“You’ve said you use them for public transportation,” Scope continued. “That ‘with all the portals in Stable Eight’ it was pointless for you learning Teleportation Spell. Does that mean they are always active in certain places?”

“You have quite a sharp mind yourself, sweetie,” I praised him. “You’ve made a good assumption based on that little bit of information. The portals are in certain places, but they aren’t active; however, it is possible for anypony to open them. There are talismans placed in specific locations throughout the Stable. If one wants to use a portal, they need to power the talisman with their magic. The enchantment imbued into it will react to the magic and open up a portal, activating the talisman on the other one as well. They come in pairs, you see,” I elaborated. “The enchantment on them… I believe it’s a combination of Portal Spell and Targeting Spell. From what I understand, each talisman has a Targeting Spell’s formula set for the other one inscribed into it-”

“In short, they’re connected?” Scope interrupted me, his eyebrow raised again.

“If you want it to be put simply, yes,” I replied, a little miffed about the interruption. “Some ponies also know how to create portals themselves, too, with the Portal Spell. They can open them to whichever place they choose, as long as they know it’s location, but they also can tap into existing Portal Talismans, which from what I heard is easier.”

Scope nodded, biting his lip in concentration. “Most interesting… Such magic would be invaluable to my organization…” He continued to muse over the idea for several seconds until he shook his head. “Alright, Doctor, last question.”

Already? I was sure I grew tense for an instant, despite how well I’ve masked my emotions until then.

“Really?” I asked; somehow, my voice didn’t quiver. “Then by all means, ask; I have many more questions I wanted to ask you sweetie!”

I need a little bit more time…

While I pondered what should I do to gain the time I’d need, Scope narrowed his eyes at me as he asked his question: “How old are you?”

I stared at him, startled.

“What, do you seriously expect me to believe that you became a medical doctor when you were… what, ten?” he asked, looking me up and down. “You’ve said you were their doctor for seven years; I’d give you twenty years at the most based on your looks. So thirteen?”

“Why, thank you sweetie,” I cut in, holding back a giggle.

“So,” Scope continued as if he hadn’t heard me interrupt him, “my theory is, in your Stable you found a way of halting aging, or something. I’ve heard a rumor that the Ministry of Magic experimented with such spell back in the day. Or am I wrong?”

Oh, this would be funnier if I I were nearing the end of my tenure…

Somehow stopping myself from uttering the last remark out loud, I told Scope: “I’m sorry to disappoint you, sweetie, but I’ll be turning only twenty-two this year. Believe it or not, I have become a medical doctor when I was fourteen and a chief of medicine when I was sixteen. Well, closer to seventeen I suppose,” I added in an afterthought, shrugging. “I suppose you could call me a prodigy and a genius, as far as medicine goes at least. I hold the honor of becoming the youngest pony ever in the history of my Stable who acquired an administrative position; though again, it had been partially caused by my mentor’s desire to resume his retirement,” I amended, repeating what I had already told him.

Scope frowned, doubtfully. “You really became a doctor when you were fourteen?”

I allowed myself to giggle this time. “I’ve always wanted to become a doctor, and I’ve been reading medical books since I was a little filly. And after I discovered my cutie mark, I began studying day and night to achieve my degree.”

The unicorn nodded, appearing a little disappointed. Perhaps I should tell him though… would certainly buy me a bit more time to-

The shotgun, still held by Scope’s magic, rose.

“Alright,” Scope began, casually pointing it at me, “I think that’s about all I need to know. Sorry, Doctor; I think you would indeed be a great asset to us. But I’m not dragging some mad scientist across the Wasteland all the way to Stalliongrad.”

Oh, this is just not fair, I thought, frowning inwardly. Activating S.A.T.S., I turned my thoughts to Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. Can you believe that double-crossing pony? I was even about to tell him-

Then quickly tell him! Pinkie exclaimed, interrupting me. It will buy you time!

Except he might think that now I am making things up to live a little longer. He might get annoyed and just shoot me. I stopped for a few seconds to think what I could say that would stop him. Hm… yes, this should work…

“You want a moment to pray to your Goddesses?” Scope asked as I turned off S.A.T.S. again. “I think I owe you this much-”

“You’re going to die.”

Scope stopped mid-sentence. He stared at me, actually speechless for a second. “Pardon?” he finally asked, narrowing his eyes at me.

“I’m assuming that the fact the reason why you’re not asking me about Stable Eight’s Security is that you don’t intend to attack my old home?” I asked, raising my eyebrow questioningly. “That you intend to try and negotiate with them instead, so they’d teach you Portal Spell and how to create Portal Talismans?”

“... Go on,” Scope replied, clearly in no mood for a banter after my previous remark.

“There is one small problem with that idea: me. You see, sweetie, I happen to know how Chief Lightbringer, the head of security, thinks. Quite well in fact. And when the door to Stable Eight will begin to open one day - or just somepony will knock on it from the Outside - after two hundred years of it remaining dormant and undisturbed, he’s going to think that I am somehow related to that. Well, actually, everypony will think that,” I amended. “I mean, two hundred years of peace, but weeks or maybe months after I get banished and they start to open? After all, they have no way of knowing that there are groups out here who know of Stables’ locations. They’ll think I told them Stable Eight’s location. But this isn’t the only thing Chief Lightbringer will realize. You see, he knows me quite well, too. He’d know that I wouldn’t just tell somepony the exact location of Stable Eight. Not without some… encouragement,” I added, nodding at the gun that was still pointing at me. “He would also know that it still took some effort on your part, and that I was probably killed afterward. Now, he might have been the one who arrested me, and who had escorted me to the Stable Eight’s door after I was banished, but when he realizes that you have killed me…” I paused for a dramatic effect, staring into Scope’s eyes, “... you will burn.”

Scope stared back into my eyes, not backing down. However, I did notice a flicker of doubt pass him. “So you’re saying that I would need you there alive, is that it?” he finally asked, lowering his gun a little.

I nodded, but just as I was about to tell him how could this work in his favor, I realized that I didn’t have to prolong this for much longer. Finally!

“Well, yes, that was my point,” I told him, smirking. “However, that is assuming that you’d ever go to Stable Eight, but that will never happen. You see,” I added as Scope stared at me with confusion, “when I told you that you’re going to die? I meant today.”

Scope’s brows narrowed, but his annoyance quickly gave way to amusement. “Oh really? How exactly? Because as far as I can tell, the only one who’s going to die now is you,” he said, raising Burst’s shotgun meaningfully.

I giggled. “I rejected death a long time ago, sweetie,” I told him, enjoying the discomfort my demeanor caused him. “You are the one who’ll die because you hadn’t thought of asking me one question.”

“Which is?”

“‘What was my initial speciality when I began studying medicine’,” I told him. As he looked at me with mixture of confusion and annoyance, I elaborated. “Of course, by now I’ve studied all the medical specialities, and I suppose for this particular case I should specify that I mean surgery and not medicine per se, but-”

“Get to the point!” Scope shouted, clearly fed up with me as he pressed the shotgun against my temple.

I looked him straight in the eyes. “Neurology and arcane neurosurgery.”

Scope’s brow furrowed. “What does that have to with-” he began, but then stopped as his eyes slowly grew wider in dreadful suspicion.

To help him grasp the situation faster, I nodded with my head at what was behind him.

Scope actually managed to turn around, Burst’s shotgun raised to fire, before Jack’s sword reached him, but it didn’t save him; it still pierced his throat. As the two of them fell to the floor, one panting with pain and other gurgling with blood, I backed away. The tension that had gripped me was gone, and I sat heavily on the floor, grasping my chest and breathing loudly.

It worked! I thought, more relieved that I could ever recalling being. It worked it worked it worked! I shouted mentally, overjoyed, as Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie hugged each other happily before coming to hug as much of my muzzle as they could.

I didn’t let myself become too relieved; after all, I still needed to keep channeling the Haemostasis Field Spell. However, now that I no longer had to channel the Cerebral Reconstruction Spell and Life Support Spell on Jack, it was easy.

Still, I’ll better reattach her leg back soon, I thought, realizing how much of a toll keeping up both of those spells had taken on me.

As slowly got my breathing under control I looked over at Jack and Scope. The former managed to get off the latter, and was currently staring down at the unicorn with a mixture of disgust, anger and… hurt. Scope was still alive; he even tried to raise himself up, too, but his legs no longer had the strength to do that. So he laid there, gurgling and bleeding out, with a sword still pierced through his throat.

“Back when I said that my mentor had me ensured I would be able to channel spells on patients without getting distracted?” I spoke, not even sure why; I guess I was gloating? “I forgot to mention that he’d have me cast those spells while operating on two patients at the same time. Never really mastered that as he had,” I added, shrugging, “but I did manage to learn how to keep one patient alive while I’d operate on the other.”

I glanced at Jack. The griffin had backed away to the Overmare’s desk, leaning his back against it as he sat down on the floor. He was still eyeing Scope, though I wasn’t sure whether he was doing so out of precaution, or out of anger or grief at his betrayal. However, that wasn’t the reason why I looked at him; it was that he was clutching his head with his talons.

Of course, it wasn’t surprising that he was in pain. What worried me was in how much pain he was; after all, this was the first time I had used Cerebral Reconstruction Spell to heal a bullet wound, not to mention that it was a griffin’s brain, not pony’s.

Theoretically, that spell should have still worked the same, even if my unfamiliarity with griffin’s brain had caused me to pour more magical energy into it. Still, I should make sure he’s alright, but… I trailed off, glancing at Apple Core. The sooner I take care of her the sooner I’ll be free to focus on Jack.

“Try not to move too much, sweetie,” I called out to him. “I’ll take a look at you properly once I’ve seen to Apple Core. Oh, and don’t touch the entry and exit wounds the bullet had left,” I added as I noticed him moving his paw around his head. “I melded your skull after I finished healing your brain and meninges, but I had to omit the skin; I was afraid that Scope would have noticed the glow.”

I thought back to how Scope had lowered his gun when the glow around Jack’s head had dispersed. If he had realized then that the reason behind it was that my magic had seeped into his brain… I trailed off, looking at Scope. His body was still convulsing; with the sword still stuck in his throat, it was taking him longer to bleed out. But it wouldn’t be long now.

Um, Fluttershy spoke up, a little hesitant, shouldn’t you-

I need to take care of Apple Core, I reminded her gently; I knew that Fluttershy had a kinder heart than me. If I had the means, I might have tried to save Scope - even if for different purpose that Fluttershy would have wanted - but in the current situation healing Apple Core took priority. His fate had been sealed the moment he turned on everybody.

More like the moment he allowed you to talk, Pinkie Pie said as I left Scope to die and began to head back to where I’d seen Apple Core’s leg. You were amazing! And a little bit scary, but I suppose that was the point, right? she said, giving me a smile.

I could tell that, while she was happy that my plan had worked, the smile had been a little forced.

“I will be with you shortly, sweetie,” I told the griffin as I passed him.

Jack turned to look at me. His gaze was unfocused, and I could tell that he was confused, but he did nod and stayed where he was. I forced myself to turn away and hurry up.

I found Apple Core’s leg and took a closer look at it. The glow of my horn was bright enough to illuminate it for me. I was relieved to see that, while some tissues were gone from it, it was nothing I wouldn’t be able to heal after I reattach the limb.

I quickly grabbed it with my mouth, not wanting to waste magic on such mundane task, and hurried back to Apple Core. I sat beside her, placed her limb next to her wounded shoulder and turned on my PipBuck’s lamp; I’d need as much light as I could get.

Alright, Disinfection Spell first, I thought, casting it on both Apple Core’s wound and on the leg. After the wound had been cleaned, I took a deep breath, concentrating. Now, the Regenerative Microthreads Spell…

My horn flashed with pain. Casting this spell so soon after having channeled two other spells for a while, with one of them being very advanced and magic-consuming, while continuingly channeling Haemostasis Field Spell, wasn’t the brightest idea. I would have definitely advised anypony else against using it in such conditions. Gritting my teeth, I cast it anyway; it was the only way to reattach Apple Core’s leg. I had no medical equipment, sterile environment, lighting or time necessary to conduct the surgery without magic… not to mention that I would need said magic to continue channeling Haemostasis Field Spell so that Apple Core wouldn’t bleed to death while I operated her, and I was certain I wouldn’t be able to keep it up for as long as that would take. No, this was the only choice I could make.

A thin, almost invisible if it weren’t for its innate glow, thread made out of pure magical energy emerged from the tip of my horn, followed quickly by another, and another, and more after them, all descending upon Apple Core.

I lowered my head closer to the wound that was now surrounded by the microthreads. Thread by thread, stitching it together, I recited the short “song” I came up with after first learning this spell - or rather, it’s ‘reprise’; the original version was about reattaching only a hoof, not entire leg - as I send a few threads to the shattered remains of humerus left in Apple Core’s body. They phased through the bone, after which I sent them the other half of the bone from the limb ripped off by the explosion. The threads phased through it in a similar manner, after which they shot straight up, their ends connecting back to my horn. Bone and artery, watching out for details. More threads connected the artery in the same manner, except it first phased through limb’s end. Vein as well, don’t you know a stitch in time saves lives? As another thread connected itself to the vein, I focused on the muscles. Triceps muscle, brachialis, radial carpal extensor muscle too, don’t forget lateral carpal flexor muscle, Apple Core won’t be thankful for a limp, I hummed to myself, ensuring that every ruptured muscle was connected. Don’t forget some magic in the skin, I added as several shot towards the punctured skin in both Apple Core’s shoulder and severed limb. Carefully, I sewed them into the very edge of the wound, leading them along it before directing them to their respective opposite sides. I allowed myself a satisfied smile before furrowing my brow in concentration again. Piece by piece, nerve by nerve, thread by thread, never stressed…

Unlike the bone, artery or muscles, I couldn’t see Apple Core’s nerves, not without a microscope or some other equipment. However, that was why I first used my spell to connect to everything else. Now I could connect the limb properly, and because of that, the Regenerative Microthreads Spell could find the nerves automatically, based on the spell’s user’s medical and anatomical knowledge.

… and that is the art of the flesh! I finished my chant as the remaining threads shoot down at and began connecting the torn nerves. As soon as they finished, I completed the spell, forcing the threads to back up into my horn. As they connected the limb and Apple Core’s body the threads dispersed, their magical energy seeping into her, perfectly molding everything back in its place.

Well, almost everything; even as red glow of my magic surrounded the wound and merged the ruptured flesh, there were still some lost tissue and burn marks. The humerus, too, while reconnected was still shattered. I quickly remedied that, casting Healing and Bone Mending Spells.

I took a step back as I finally released the Haemostasis Field Spell, looking down at her with satisfaction; aside from a few missing patches of coat and barding, and the huge pool of blood and her pale complexion, she looked good as new!

Right, need to do something about this, I noted as Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie gawked in awe.

Not giving myself time to relax after my prolonged usage of magic, I pulled out the saddlebag Burst had found for me and started to rummage inside of it.

Wow, that was amazing! Pinkie Pie praised me.

It was almost like watching a seamstress instead of a surgeon, Fluttershy added.

Yeah, pity Rarity’s not here, she’d totally dig that thread action! Pinkie said, giggling.

Ministry Mare Rarity had been a dressmaker before becoming the Mare of Ministry of Image, hadn't she? I noted, still searching through the saddlebag. I smiled at the two apparitions. I’m honored that you think she would have such opinion of my Regenerative Microthreads Spell.

“She lost too much blood.”

I perked my ears, surprised that Jack had been observing me; perhaps he was in better shape than I had originally worried? “I know, sweetie,” I told him, not looking up from the saddlebag. “I intend to transfer her my own- ah, there it is!” I exclaimed as I pulled out a surgical tubing. “Should be perfect,” I noted as I looked it over, then set it aside as I prepared empty syringes.

“Do you have the same blood type?” I heard Jack ask as I cast Disinfection Spell on all the equipment I had hastily put together.

“I'm a universal donor; it doesn’t matter what Apple Core’s blood type is,” I told him.

It took me only about a minute to get everything ready. Through all that time, I could feel Jack’s gaze on me, but he didn’t interrupt me further, merely observing me as I used an empty syringe on Apple Core, piercing it into her vein, then, after securing it with bandage, connected it with the surgical tubing and repeated the process with myself. As soon as everything was ready, I began the blood transfusion, casting a spell to ensure that it would circulate properly, then watched as my blood began to flow into my slaver friend.

We’ll have to move her somewhere more comfortable, I noted as I checked her vitals. Her heartbeat had slowed down and her temperature had dropped, but neither was at life-threatening levels; she’d be alright.

I raised my foreleg slightly so that it would be directly above Apple Core and, after making sure everything was connected properly, released my magic. As soon as I stopped using my Telekinesis Spell to hold the surgical tubing, I groaned with relief. Raising my hoof to my horn, I discovered that its temperature was definitely higher than it should be.

A few more spells… unless I take some rest soon. However, I still needed to examine Jack. I’d better not cast any unnecessary spells.

“Jack, sweetie, could you come over here?” I asked; glancing at Apple Core I added, somewhat sheepishly: “I’m afraid I didn’t realize that I won’t be able to ‘be with you shortly’, as I have said.”

The griffin rolled his eyes and rose. While I would have preferred for him to not move until I’d examined him, it did allow me to evaluate his motor coordination. Jack staggered a little as he pawed his way to me around Scope’s dead body. However, it seemed to be mostly caused by the wounds he received due to the explosion. Still, I wanted to be sure; I knew that the bullet had pierced only the frontal lobe of his brain, but due to my unfamiliarity with griffin’s anatomy I wasn't sure whether or not his primary motor cortex had been damaged or not, or how well my spell did heal him.

“Sit before me, sweetie,” I told him, patting the floor directly before me. Jack complied, although he seemed to find the distance to be uncomfortable for his tastes. I ignored that and grabbed his head in my hooves, bringing him down to my eye level. “Sit still. Follow the light of my PipBuck with your eyes. How do you feel?” I asked as I leaned back a little and began to move my left leg before him.

“Like I have the worst headache ever,” he replied wryly. His eyes followed the light without any problem. “Doctor-” Jack began, but I cut him off.

“Close one eye,” I told him. Slightly annoyed, but clearly knowing better than to argue with a medic in his condition, he obeyed. When he closed his eye, I put my right hoof over it and brought my PipBuck closer. As I watched his pupil dilated properly, we repeated the test with his other eye. “Reach out to your beak,” I told him next, continuing to test his voluntarily movement. When he performed that task, I told him to touch, spread his wing, flick his tail, and reach out and touch my shoulder. Jack completed all those test perfectly. “Alright, now I’ll need you to-”

Strong talons gripped my mouth, silencing me.

Well, I guess it’s safe to say that his personality hadn’t suffered any changes due to the injury, I noted, seeing him glaring at me with annoyance and impatience. Pinkie Pie giggled, amused by my remark; even Fluttershy had to cover her muzzle. And his long-term memory, probably…

“Doctor,” Jack spoke; there was an edge to his voice and I could tell that it took some effort from him, but he didn’t slur words, “the last thing I remember is that damn explosion. When I came to, Scope was pointing Burst’s gun at you, your slaver friend was lying in a pool of her own blood, and my two best friends had had their heads blown off. So if you could kindly fill in the blanks, I would very much appreciate it.”

A wave of guilt washed over me as he mentioned Burst and Blast. I closed my eyes as Jack released my muzzle, needing a second regain my composure.

“Of course, sweetie. I wanted to finish examining you first, but it would appear-” I cut myself off, noticing the look Jack gave me. Clearly, he didn’t want to hear another word that wasn’t related to the events after his explosion. “Right. After Scope called me out of the office, he threw some sort of explosive…”

I dropped down on my haunches, exhausted. Besides me, Jack did the same. We have just finished moving Apple Core to the princess-size bed in the Overmare’s quarters. I wanted her to be comfortable as she recovered. However, moving her had proved to be problematic.

Panting, I glanced at Jack, worried. The rest of the injuries were gone (most of them healed with a healing potion, aside from a few fractured ribs that had required my personal touch) and my examination - after he finally allowed me to conduct it - had revealed that my Cerebral Reconstruction Spell had worked surprisingly well. Jack’s personality, impulse control, attention, language, everything the frontal lobe was responsible for seemed to be unchanged. The only thing I wasn’t sure off was his regulation of emotions and empathy; due to the very recent loss of Burst and Blast and the short time I’ve known him, I wasn’t capable of assessing if the bullet would had affected that. Still, I wouldn’t feel confident he had made a full recovery until I got a chance to perform a Neuroimaging Spell - which I was fairly certain I wasn’t able to at the moment, at least not without any equipment - and until he would spend several days under my observation.

And speaking of full recovery, he still needed to rest, as much as Apple Core in fact. Though healed, his brain and body had been through a very serious trauma; combined with the psychological trauma he had to feel over the deaths of his best friends and Scope’s betrayal… suffice to say that carrying around unconscious mares wasn’t something a doctor should allow him to do.

My initial thought, that I quickly had dismissed, was to transport Apple Core myself. I almost instantly realized though that it would have been impossible; I wasn’t strong enough to carry the much heavier mare to begin with, let alone after having transfused my blood to her and nearly reached the point of magical burnout. And the exhaustion after a day worth of walking, too. The truth was, I needed to rest as much as they needed.

Between the two of us, though, we were somehow able to move Apple Core as soon I transfused to her as much of my blood as I was able to do safely . Fortunately, the Overmare’s quarters were right next to the office, and as I had hoped, the Overmare’s bed was mostly intact.

“Well, that takes care of that,” I said in breaks between panting. “How do you feel, sweetie? Any nausea?”

Jack sighed. “No. And Doctor… I would really appreciate it if you’d wait with bothering me about my physical condition until tomorrow. You’ve already examined me and said I was fine. If I feel bad I’ll tell you, okay?”

“Jack,” I began; the griffin gave me and annoyed glare but I ignored it, “you’ve suffered a very serious injury.”

Jack snorted. Even though he had felt up the ruptured skin on his head the bullet had left before taking a healing potion, he had found it difficult to believe he had actually been shot through the head and lived.

Undaunted, I continued: “The spell I had used to heal you was originally invented in my Stable to aid with the recovery of ponies after removal of brain cancers, tumors, or other similar ailments, not to heal bullet wounds through the head.”

Since the only guns in Stable Eight were magical energy weapons, we’ve never bothered with researching that, as that type of weapon would most likely disintegrate any pony upon shooting them in the head. I did however experimented with that spell a bit before I’ve been banished, of course; which was why I have been able to use it on Jack. Still...

“If it weren’t for the bullet shooting through your brain and hitting only the frontal lobe, as well as my immediate reaction, I doubt I would have been able to save you. And adding to that the fact that you’ve woken up even without my help - I intended to force you awake due to the circumstances - and how you seemingly avoided a decrease of the frontal lobe’s functions, it truly seems miraculous.”

Jack snorted again. “Any other Bloodtalon would claim that it’s because our bodies are made for combat,” he said, sarcasm creeping into his remark.

My brow furrowed a little with interest. I wonder… he indeed seems in remarkable physical condition. I need to find a way to examine him and compare his physiology with an average griffin.

“But there weren’t many documented cases of ponies surviving similar injuries - of objects going through the brain - to begin with,” I continued after a second, taking a mental note of the short interruption. “About the only one that had made its way into my Stable was from almost four centuries ago, so I’m afraid it’s a little ‘outdated’ when it comes to medical knowledge. As such, I am unsure what kind of circumstances could that injury, even if healed so quickly, yield for you, sweetie, especially considering that I am unfamiliar with griffin brains.”

“I get it, okay?!” Jack turned on me, snarling. I almost backed away from surprise, but I managed to stay my ground. “I still find it hard to believe I am alive after being shot in the head, but I get it that I should be under medical observation. Now, will you lay off my tail?”

Confused, I looked at his tail. “But I wasn’t-” As his talons again gripped my muzzle, I realized that he probably didn’t mean that literally. I gave him an apologetic stare and he rolled his eyes, releasing me. “Very well, sweetie. Now, if you’d be so kind to lay down and rest?” I added, pointing at the other side of the bed.

Jack glared at me, but he didn’t protest. “What about you?” he asked as he reluctantly began to walk around the bed. “You’re no better for wear than I am.”

“I’ll stay up a bit to make sure Apple Core’s condition is improving, but after that I will go to sleep too.”

“Close the door to Overmare’s wing at least before you turn in, then,” Jack told me as he unstrapped the scabbard from his back and laid it beside the bed, then got on it and laid down himself, as far away from Apple Core as he could while still being comfortable. “For safety.”

I had my doubts whether it was necessary, but I didn’t voice them, merely nodded and turned my attention to Apple Core. Color had began to return to her face, but I wanted to stay a bit longer with her, just in case.

After about a minute, though, I glanced at Jack again. Our conversation from before came back to me, when I have told him about what had happened. How Scope had shot him with his firearm, then Burst and Blast with Burst’s shotgun. How he had spared me only so I could answer his questions, and how I had stalled him. I didn’t go into too many details regarding that, but I had told Jack that Scope had been ordered by some organization that was apparently based somewhere in Stalliongrad to spy on him.

Do you think he’s blaming himself? I asked Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, unsure.

The two apparitions exchanged a glance. Probably? Pinkie Pie tried, looking at me sadly.

He did say they were his best friends, Fluttershy pointed out.

I looked down at the ground. Jack wasn’t the one to blame for what had happened; I knew that, and so I decided to tell him what weighed heavily on my soul.

“Jack?” I asked softly as I walked around the bed to him, unsure whether the griffin was still asleep.

At first, I thought he was. He laid with his head on one forepaw, in which he held his firearm, and his eyes were closed. However, after two seconds he replied, without opening them, “What?”

I took a deep breath. “It’s my fault Burst and Blast died. I… I could have used my Anesthetic Spell on Scope right away, I even planned to. But when I heard the shot and saw him standing over you, I just panicked and acted on instinct.” My voice quivered a little, but I carried on, afraid he would interrupt me. “Even then I could have still used it, but then I noticed Apple Core and I panicked again. After I began channeling my Haemostasis Field Spell, it was too late, I couldn’t cast the Anesthetic Spell. But I should have done that at the beginning. It’s… just like triage,” I added, my gaze dropping down to the floor. “The process of determining the priority of patients’ treatment based on the severity of their condition. Applied to this situation, priority would have been taking out Scope, and I failed. I…” My shaking hooves rose to my head and I held it, panic and grief finally overtaking me. “T-the first chief of medicine of my Stable, Doctor Hawkeye… h-he had served as a medic in the army during the Great War. I-I read his memoirs and I knew that triage there had been more important than anywhere else, that it was completely different to heal when so close to the fighting or right beside active combat, but I always thought myself capable of staying calm and yet I…” Tears began to stream down my face. “I-I failed, I…”

Talons gently grabbed my muzzle. I raised my gaze to see Jack looking with one eye.

“Don’t do this to yourself,” he said quietly. “You did the best you could. You, me and your slaver friend are all alive because of you. Nobody else would have been able to do what you did. Don’t overthink it,” he added, releasing my muzzle. “The only one guilty of their death is that bastard Scope. The one pulling the trigger is always the one responsible.”

I stared into Jack’s eye, wondering. Wondering if he was right and I shouldn’t feel this guilt. Whether I truly did my best. Whether nobody else would have been able to save the three of us. Whether the one pulling the trigger was the only one responsible.

Whether Jack believed the words he told me and wasn’t blaming himself like I blamed myself.

I wiped the tears out of my eyes. “This won’t happen again,” I told him. “Ever. The next time I’ll find myself in such situation, I will stay calm, analyze everything and take the best course of action.”

Jack snorted, but the edges of his beak curved into a half-smile. “Don’t make promises you might not keep, Doctor.”

I gave him the exact same half-smile. “I’m not,” I told him, gazing into his eye with confidence.

Jack’s eyebrow raised, but he didn’t comment further. His right forepaw again reached for me, but not to clasp my muzzle shut this time. Instead, to my bafflement, he flicked his talon against my nose.

“Go to sleep Angel,” he told me, closing his eye and bringing his forepaw back.

I stayed a few seconds there, massaging my nose out of surprise. I… didn’t expect him to warm up to me, I finally thought, still looking at Jack. Not after I told him-

He doesn’t blame you, Angel, Fluttershy chimed in. He understands that you did your best.

Yeah, and plus, you did save his life, Pinkie pointed out. Kiiiinda hard to not warm up to somepony after that.

I gave them a half-hearted smile in reply. They had a point, but…

You know I didn’t tell him everything, I began as I trotted away from the bed, out of the Overmare’s quarters. Jack wanted me to close the entrance to the wing before going to sleep. Because I cannot, not yet at least. I cannot tell him that there was a chance Scope wouldn’t have tried to kill them all if it weren’t for the holotape. The holotape he got because everypony believes Cutter to be dead.

The two apparitions exchanged a worried and sad glance.

Because of me.

Um, Angel… Fluttershy began after several silent seconds had passed, during which I’ve reached the Overmare’s wing’s door and sealed it. You couldn’t have known-

Doesn’t matter, sweetie, I interrupted her as I began to head back. My actions had started the chain of reactions that led to this.

C’mon, Angel, Pinkie spoke up, sounding as if trying to cheer me up, you’ve heard Jack, you shouldn’t feel guilty.

Guilty? Who’s saying anything about feeling guilty? I asked; despite my question, I smiled at the two apparitions sadly. Well, I do feel guilty, and sad, but that’s not what I meant, what I primarily feel right now.

Then what is it? Fluttershy asked as she and Pinkie looked at me with confusion.

I waited a bit before answering her, mostly because I’ve returned to the Overmare’s quarters just then. I quickly went to check on Apple Core, and when I made sure that her condition was improving, I concentrated. A hiss of pain escaped me as I cast a Sleep Spell on her her; I didn’t want her to regain her consciousness in the middle of the night and wake up me and Jack asking what had happened when we all needed to be resting. Thanks to my spell, though, now she would drift into sleep instead, helping her recover.

Satisfied, I climbed unto the bed, making my way to the big space between her and Jack. Fluttershy, did you, um, ‘see’ - or ‘experience’? I’m not sure which term to use - that dream I had back on the train? I asked her as I laid down. About the Ouroboros telling me that if I’d open the door I must be prepared to walk through them? It wasn’t the first time I had that dream, I continued after Fluttershy nodded. And those words… I actually came up with them, long ago. When you take action, you must be prepared for their consequences. Every action has a reaction, whether it's good or bad. You must be prepared to take responsibility for what you cause. That is why I don’t like taking any action before thinking it through, not if I can help it. But I was hasty; I manipulated Bulk Build to remove Cutter from his seat of power and placed myself in his place, at the same time giving an unfortunate soul closure, punishing the wicked and acquiring a test subject, all while thinking the consequences would only affect Appleloosa. I was wrong, and now I have to take responsibility for it. And I will. I will take responsibility for the deaths of Burst and Blast… as soon when I figure out how, I added as I closed my eyes, falling asleep almost instantly.

“Thank you for your book Miss Funcare!” I told the kind, middle-aged mare as I placed the book on her desk. “I’m sorry it took me so long to return it.” I added, embarrassed.

Miss Funcare smiled in mild amusement. “It’s alright, Angel; I hope you enjoyed it and that you’ve learned from it…” she trailed off as her eyes briefly darted around the magic kindergartener’s classroom at all the other foals. “Let me know if you’d like to borrow it again or some other book,” Miss Funcare continued as she returned her attention back to me. “It’s such a pity you can’t access the library until you get your PipBuck. I guess whoever thought up that rule never expected there would be a filly who liked to read as much as you do, huh?”

I giggled as my kindergarten teacher winked at me. I liked her, unlike most ponies she was always kind to me. Despite that, though, I hoped Granny would come to pick me up soon; I knew Miss Funcare couldn’t spend time with just me as she had to take care of every foal in her care. And with Demon being excused from magic kindergarten for the time being, I didn’t have anypony to play with.

I was about to reply to Miss Funcare’s remark, but just then her gazed moved somewhere above and behind me, surprise mixing with pleasure.

“Hello Miss Funcare,” I heard a pony speak behind me. “And I’m guessing you’re Angel?”

I turned around, unfamiliar with the voice… and backed away, startled, as I beheld the older, green-colored filly. “L-lady Emerald Gaze?” I asked, my voice coming out as a squeek.

The midnight green pony with malachite mane and emerald eyes, who was ten years my elder and the daughter of the current Overmare, giggled. “Just Emerald will be enough, Angel; I haven’t even begun the Overmare apprenticeship,” she pointed out, raising her eyebrow at me.

Nodding and blushing from embarrassment, I wondered briefly if I was being ridiculed. After all, everypony knew Emerald was going to be the next Overmare. However, I had more pressing question to consider: namely, why was she talking to me?

As if reading my thoughts, Emerald continued: “Anyway, I’m pleased to meet you. I’m actually here to pick you up;” I’ve already been staring at her, but hearing that made me stare her even harder; “my mom wanted to hear you grandmother’s advice on the… well, something boring to a little filly like you, I’m sure. They’re still discussing that and it doesn’t look like they’re going to finish anytime soon, so your grandmother asked me to take you out of magic kindergarten and keep you company until they’re done.”

Throughout her explanation, I continued to stare at her. I did hear what she said, of course, but my brain had trouble processing it. Not the part about Granny being asked by the Overmare for advice; it happened from time to time. It was the other part that confused me.

M-me? Spend time with the next Overmare?

It seemed that some of my fellow kindergarteners shared the opinion that somepony like me shouldn’t be spending time with somepony like Emerald. I could hear them whispering from the playing area:

“Hey, is that Lady Emerald Gaze?”

“Wow, she’s so pretty! Did you know she’s going to be our next Overmare? My Daddy said so.”

“Duh! But wait, what is she doing with that freak? Is she talking to her?”

“Why would she do that? You think we should go over there?”

Their - admittedly loud - whispers weren’t heard only be me. Emerald had heard them too, if the twitching ear and quick glance in their direction was of any indication. “Oh, I know!” she exclaimed, her voice suddenly louder than before. “How about I show you around the Overmare’s wing?”

I blinked in surprise. “Um…” I mumbled, not sure what to say to such an offer; the other foals’ gawking in shock that I could see in the corner of my eye didn’t help me decide.

As I hesitated, Emerald frowned and looked up past me at Miss Funcare. Her eyebrows quickly raised and she turned back to me. “We have a lot of books there,” she added encouragingly.

That did catch my attention. “Really? W-would it be okay if I read some of them?” I asked hopefully.

“Of course! Now come along Angel,” she said, beginning to turn back. “It was great seeing you again Miss Funcare,” Emerald added to the kindergarten teacher; I noticed her winking at her.

The older mare smiled at her. “Always a pleasure to see one of my old students,” she said, waving with her forehoof, the other one placed on her book.

Did she want to read it? I wondered, noticing that. Oh, I should have given it back earlier!

Making a mental note to apologize to Miss Funcare again later, I picked up my saddlebags and followed after Emerald. The older filly led me through the door and out the corridor leading to - I assumed - the portal talismans.

“So Angel,” she spoke up as we walked, “what kind of books do you like to read?”

“Oh, um…” I stammered, still feeling a little intimidated by her. “W-well, I like to read any book, b-but if I had to pick my favorite kinds… I like to read about medicine. A-and biology overall.”

“Really?” she said, her emerald eyes sparking with interest. “Does that mean you want to be a doctor like your father?”

“Yeah!” I answered immediately with enthusiasm. “I want to be able to make ponies better like Daddy does!”

Emerald smiled at me. “I see; do you also plan to become the chief of medicine after him then?” she asked as we reached the end of the line to the portal talismans; the pony standing before us tried to let us go ahead of him after noticing Emerald, but the green unicorn declined the offer with the wave of her hoof.

“Hm, I think so,” I said thoughtfully. “I’d like to help as many ponies as I can, but I wouldn’t want to take Daddy’s place too soon.”

Emerald giggled. “That’s really thoughtful of you. Well, if you were to become the chief of medicine, it’s good that we’re gonna spend some time together; after all, we would be taking care of everypony together in Stable Eight someday. It would be great if we’d become friends,” she added with a wink.

I smiled at her, a bit of uncertainty in my surprise. Somepony like Emerald wanted to be my friend? For a moment I considered asking her if she truly meant it, but the second after saying that we’ve reached the front of the queue. We stood before a small space; on the walls there were lined several portal talismans, each with their destination written in glowing letters above them. Emerald turned her head to the leftmost one, under the letters “OVERMARE and SECURITY WINGS”.

The unicorn closed her eyes as her horn began to glow, shooting a short beam of magic into the talisman. It began to glow in turn then as its enchantment activated, and, as the glow intensified, it began to spread, opening a tear in space. In the matter of seconds the circle of magic expanded, becoming big enough for two ponies to go through it at ease; inside of it I could see what I assumed to be the corridor separating the Overmare and Security’s wings.

I took a step forward but stopped when I heard a cough. Surprised, I glanced at Emerald, who was holding her hoof against her muzzle. “Are you alright?” I asked.

But the older filly was already smiling at me. “Of course,” she said, then walked through the portal; I quickly jumped after her.

As expected, on the other side we were greeted by the sight of green grass and bushes higher than a pony surrounding us, and the ceiling was replaced by the open sky. Like Granny had told me, the illusion spell placed on the Atrium’s ceiling extended through this corridor. The Atrium itself laid before us, with the grass pathway leading to the Security’s wing on the left and the Overmare’s wing on the right. Without hesitation Emerald turned to the latter, trotting towards the nearby door that blocked the entrance.

I joined her as she pressed the switch to open them, then walked through them into a normal Stable corridor. It was a weird contrast to the one outside; I would have expected it to be ever more pristine and beautiful.

“If we had grass growing from the floor and illusion on the ceiling, we’d have to be constantly visited by the Maintenance and Gardeners,” Emerald answered my unspoken question; apparently it must have showed on my face. I glanced at her in worry, but the green unicorn seemed undisturbed by my borderline insolence. “We have a few plants in our quarters and in my mom’s office, but we can water them ourselves,” she added as she reached the nearby door. Pointing further down the corridor she continued: “That way is the Overmare’s office; I’m afraid I can’t give you the tour of it, it would be better if we didn’t interrupt my mom and your grandmother. But we can hang out here.”

I trotted after her, about to assure her that I didn’t intend to interrupt them, but just then I realized that we’d just entered the private quarters of the Overmare and her family and I began to look around with interest. Their living room was ever bigger than ours! Several shelves adorned the walls, filled with books! Aside from them, there were also a few paintings, portraits and pictures, mostly of the Overmare, her daughter and her late husband, Emerald’s father. In the corners there were some potted plants, some orchid, fern and a fiscus. In the middle of it stood a small table, surrounded by a large couch and two armchairs.

“Make yourself comfortable,” Emerald said as she walked over to the small kitchen in the corner of the room. A small, chest-high wall separated it from the rest of the living room. “Would you like some juice to drink?”

“J-just water will be fine,” I said, jumping shily at the couch.

As Emerald rummaged through the kitchen, I continued to admire the paintings when something suddenly touched me lightly. I turned startled to see a mass of arcana energy that had taken a feline shape. Realizing that it was just a magical construct, I relaxed, and eyed it curiously as I raised a hoof to pet it. Most magical construct created in Stable Eight weren’t this complex; they usually had an oval shape with two limbs that they’d use to carry some stuff and to perform similar task as ordered by their owners. The few constructs that resemble animals, though, had much more advanced enchantments crafted into the talismans that made their core. They not only determined its shape, but also its behaviour, causing them to act like pets from before the war. Indeed, as I petted the lightly blue shape, it responded how according to my books cats would have; by pressing its head against my hoof, then as I moved it along its “spine” it arched its back. A cat would have also purred, but, unfortunately, the magical constructs couldn’t emit any sound.

“I see you’ve met Duchess,” Emerald said, coming back with a tray - oddly - in her mouth. She placed it on the table and passed me a glass of water. “Amazing, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” I agreed wholeheartedly as Duchess bounded past me onto the floor and disappeared into one of the two bedrooms.

“Although it is kinda hard to fall asleep when she’s in your room, constantly glowing,” Emerald joked, sticking her tongue at me. I covered my mouth and giggled. “So, wanna see those books?”

“Um, w-well, actually…” I began, hesitantly. I did want to see them, but… if she really wanted to be my friend, I didn’t want to bore her. “I was thinking that maybe we could do something else. I-I mean, you don’t have to do something I would want to do just because my grandma have asked you to…”

But Emerald was already giggling. “Oh, Angel, I don’t mind, really. It’s nice to have an easy day like this every now and then; Mom always has me studying all the Stable Eight laws and administration and…” she shook her head and sighed.

“Really? But you said you haven’t began your Overmare apprenticeship yet,” I said, confused.

“Yeah, but my mother says it will make it easier for me when I do, so I would feel more confident when I’m helping her with her duties,” the teenage filly replied, shrugging.

I frowned. Something in the way she had said that… was it reluctance?

“But… you do want to become the next Overmare, right?” I asked her, uncertain if I read that note of voice correctly.

“Of course! That being said though…” she trailed off, glancing at the door we’ve came through. As if she had wanted to make sure that they were closed, Emerald turned back to me and told me in a hushed voice, “I’m actually thinking about trying out a few other things first before starting the Overmare apprenticeship. I just need to figure out how to tell my mother about it,” she added, returning to her normal volume.

“R-really?” I asked, trying to process what she just told me. “How come?”

Emerald smiled, somewhat sheepishly, as she replied “Well, I have two reasons for that. The first being that I want to familiarize myself with the duties ponies perform in the Stable so that I can better lead them all when I became the Overmare. The other one, though… I want to make sure that this is what I want, to become the Overmare.”

I shot her a confused stare; hadn’t she just have said that this is what she wants?

The green unicorn continued, growing serious as she went on: “There is a reason why ponies who hold administrative position have so many privileges, Angel; it is because they carry tremendous responsibility to everypony, and the Overmare has the most of them. I’m sure you’ve learned that from your parents and your grandmother. I… I want to make sure that this is what I truly desire before I try to pick up those responsibilities. As the Overmare, it will be my duty to look after the wellbeing of every citizen of Stable Eight and to lead them in the right direction. If it wouldn’t be something I could dedicate myself to completely, I could fail everypony. So I’d like to try my hoof in other duties first to see if something strikes a chord in my soul,” Emerald added, more lightheartedly.

Having been listening attentively to her, I nodded as she finished. “I… I think I understand it. You want what’s best for ponies of Stable Eight, so you want to make sure if you really want the super important position.” As Emerald nodded with a smile, I hesitated, feeling slightly embarrassed. “But, um… i-if you don’t mind me saying, Emerald, I think it already proves you would be a great Overmare. You said yourself that you want to become the Overmare, but you’re willing to put it off until you tried first training for other tasks, which could take years. A-and you’re thinking so much ahead, of how your rule could be affected by how much you’d enjoy your duties, it’s like…” I trailed off, unsure what I meant to say. “It’s like you’re… already looking out for us, in the future.”

“Well,” Emerald giggled, looking back at her flank, “with a cutie mark like that, huh?”

My eyes followed her gaze, at the cutie mark depicting an emerald eye inside a triangle and surrounded by rays of light. The Eye of Providence.

“Don’t get me wrong,” Emerald continued, looking back at me, “I doubt I would discover there is anything I’d want to be more than the Overmare. I just want to make sure. But… thank you for telling me that, Angel,” she said unexpectedly. “You’re the first pony I told this to; I was afraid it would come off as silly or stupid.”

I blushed hearing her thank me. “I-it’s nothing, really.”

“You know, you are quite a smart filly; to be able to understand what I meant so clearly right after hearing it. I wonder…” Emerald mused, looking at me thoughtfully, then smirked and continued: “The ability to understand others is an important part of being a leader; are you sure you wouldn’t want to be an Overmare?”

“M-me?” I blinked, startled. I tried to imagine myself as the Overmare… “Um, no, I don’t think so. I don’t think I would ever be able to lead anypony. Besides, I really want to be a doctor; I would be quite happy to advise you after I’d become the chief of medicine, though,” I added shyly.

“And I would be quite happy to have you as an advisor,” Emerald replied, laughing happily. After a few seconds, though, she suddenly clasped her hooves. “Okay, enough worrying about the future, it’s unhealthy for young fillies like us. What do you usually do to pass the time?”

“Um…” I stammered, taken aback by the change of topic. “Oh! We could play some game I play with Demon- I mean-” I began to clarify who I meant but Emerald was already waving her hoof.

“I’m familiar with the nickname you thought for him that he has taken such a liking to. I gotta say, it really fits him.”

“T-thanks… though it wasn’t what I actually meant. The book where I’ve read that name had been mistranslated from Old Ponish,” I explained when Emerald gave me questioning look. “What I’d meant to call him was ‘Daemon’, which is a benevolent, guiding spirit. I thought of it because he’s always there for me trying to help me,” I added, blushing. “But I suppose Demon really suits him. I’m glad he likes it,” I said with a giggle.

“I see… he must be a really good friend if you think of him so highly.”

He’s my only friend… or at least, was my only friend until today, I thought hopefully.

“So, what games do you usually play with Stable Eight’s number one troublemaker?” Emerald asked.

“Well, my favorite is ‘the doctor’...” I began, only to stop.

I didn’t stop only because of the wide, stunned stare Emerald was giving me (although it was a factor). I’ve stopped also because just then I’ve heard a… giggle. A giggle that hasn’t come from either me or Emerald, but from somewhere in that room.

Emerald’s voice brought my attention back to her and caused me to forget what was clearly my imagination. “I’m sorry, could you repeat that?” she asked, looking at me oddly.

“My favorite game we play is ‘the doctor’,” I repeated, unsure what was wrong. (I also heard another giggle at that time, but it was quieter, as if muffled; I ignored it this time, thinking it was probably… something else.) “I really like acting like a real doctor, checking out all the body parts with my biology book!”

Despite my enthusiasm, Emerald continued to stare at me in that weird way. “All the- um, did Demon come up with this ‘game’ by any chance?” she asked, frowning.

“Demon? Of course not, he doesn’t like that game,” I replied, rolling my eyes. “I’d always have to play ‘security and robber’ with him before we’d play ‘the doctor’. And he had never let me see his penis and testicles, always crossing his hind legs…” I muttered, upset that my friend didn’t like my game. “Of course, I never forced him into playing this or doing anything else he wouldn’t want, he is my friend after all… so anyway, do you want to play it?” I asked Emerald, full of hope.

The green unicorn, who was still staring at me, facehoofed. “Oh Goddesses, what have I gotten myself into…” I heard her murmur, a mixture of dread and amusement in her voice.

I was about to ask her what she meant, but just then a very loud laugher erupted next to me. I turned towards its source, confused…

“Oh, I can’t!” the pink pony exclaimed, rolling on the ground while holding her side. “This is so funny!”

I blinked. “Pinkie?!”

I woke up, startled. Pinkie Pie’ apparition’s laughter continued as I took in the sight of very different Overmare’s private quarters than the one I’ve just been in in my dream.

There are some similarities, though… Did I have that dream because of this? Brilliant Luna, thou art a cruel Princess at times… I thought, looking around… and then with a frown I realized that my E.F.S. showed me only one green - the same shade of green as Emerald’s eyes, as my dream so kindly reminded me - bar.

The spot on the bed next to me was empty and cold. Jack had left, and it was some time ago.

Sure, ignore your doctor, I thought, pouting, then sighed and raised my forehooves to my head, rubbing my eyes. I still had a mild headache after overusing my magic, but the long rest - my PipBuck’s clock informed that it was now morning of the next day - had helped me a lot. What did not help was Pinkie Pie’s continued laughter. I take you enjoyed my dream, sweetie? I asked, resigned.

Pinkie tried her best to answer me in between her bouts of laughter. Yeah… oh, I can’t… Ah, I wish Dashie was here to see that… she said as she rolled in mid air, still holding her sides like she did in my dream.

I looked at her with pretense, but when I noticed that Fluttershy, while blushing, held her hoof against her mouth as she giggled quietly, I lost my composure. I was five! How was I supposed to know that the phrase ‘playing doctor’ is usually used to refer to the foals examining each other’s genitals under the pretenses of playing a game?! I asked them, huffing with annoyance.

My comment caused Pinkie Pie to resume her fit of laughter, but Fluttershy in turn looked at me apologetically. You’re right, sorry Angel. We shouldn’t have-

So, how long did it last? Pinkie asked, interrupting her. You playing with your friend Demon, I mean? And did the two of you ever-

I wonder where Jack had disappeared off to, I thought loudly, ignoring her. He should be resting… I’d better go find him.

Before heading after him, I first checked on Apple Core, who slept on my other side. Her condition had improved since the previous night, as my quick examination had revealed. If it weren’t for my Sleep Spell she would probably be conscious by now.

Leaving her to continue sleeping, I began to make my way out of the Overmare’s wing, searching for Jack. I noticed that I wobbled a little; the events of the previous day had really drained me. I’d better eat something soon, at least, I noted. I paused to touch my horn. Although it would do little to help me recover my magic… and besides that, there is still an issue of me having transfused blood to Apple Core. I sighed; my first expedition into the Wasteland was a massive failure in my eyes.

Suddenly a green bar appeared on my E.F.S., pulling me out of my musing. Frowning, I hurried to meet Jack; I didn’t have to go far. I could already hear him from the entrance to the Overmare’s wing, so I sat down on the floor, deciding to wait for him.

“Hello sweetie,” I told the griffin upon seeing him. Although I tried to be gentle due to his loss, I found it difficult to not show my annoyance at him for leaving the bed. “You shouldn’t be up and about without first checking it with me, you know.”

Jack snorted, but he kept his eyes downcast. “Yeah, I figure,” he replied, sounding very tired.

Further berating died on my lips as I took in his appearance. He was dripping with water, his feathers, pelt and armor all wet, and as I looked closely, I realized that he was covered in mud, his forelegs especially.

“Sweetie, what were you doing?”

“This could have waited until you’d recover,” I pointed out as we left the tunnel leading to the Stable’s entrance.

I shook as I felt small droplets of rain fall on me. As Jack had told me, throughout the night it has been raining outside, but it appeared to be almost over now. Still, as weak as it was, this was the first time I got to experience rain; intrigued, I looked up at the clouds, letting the drizzle wash over my muzzle.

Interesting sensation, I mused; it was different than using a shower head, more natural. I stayed like that for a few more seconds, my eyes on the clouded sky. I wonder how it is up there…

But as always since I’ve left the my Stable, the earthbound matters took priority, not giving me the time to wonder. As Jack walked past me, I turned my full attention back to him.

“I wanted to do it now,” he replied to my earlier comment as we walked a little further ahead.

I hesitated berating him as we reached the two small holes he had dug during the night. Inside were the remains of Burst and Blast, already dragged by Jack before he went to fetch me.

“Sweetie, you could have at least waited until the rain had passed,” I said, taking my eyes off the headless corpses. “Your body might be in a remarkable good condition after your injury, but digging two graves with just your talons through the night as it rained is about the opposite of what you should be doing - resting.”

It didn’t seem that Jack was listening to me, though; his head was turned up the sky, just like mine had been a moment ago. “Maybe you should have let me die,” he unexpectedly said. The corner of his beak curled into a sad smile as he continued, “Maybe it had been my time? Certainly looks like it…”

I frowned, not sure how to react to that. What could he mean by saying ‘certainly looks like it’? I cleared my throat and spoke up: “Sweetie-”

However, he quickly held up his paw. “Forget it. Help me with… um…” Jack hesitated as he looked down, then turned to me with a troubled expression. “What do you ponies say when you do this?” he asked, pointing at the graves.

I turned to look at them, thoughtful. “I believe funeral rites depend on the environment where a pony lives; I’m afraid I could only tell you how it would have been done in my Stable, sweetie. Burst had mentioned about their parents living in Tenpony Tower,” I spoke up, looking at Jack. “Shouldn’t they-”

But Jack was already shaking his head sadly. “We wouldn’t be able to get their bodies there, not without them rotting… and do you think their parents would have wanted to see them like this?” he asked, pointing at what remained of their necks.

I said nothing to that, merely turned back to them. Their souls have already ascended… but just like mother always said, the funeral isn’t for them, but for their loved ones, to let them say goodbye…

“I can perform the funeral service, if you wish,” I said, glancing at Jack. “But it would be good if you could say something as well; you don’t have to do it out loud. Of course, I’m not a priestess, so-”

“Do it, please,” Jack once again interrupted me.

Nodding my head, I trotted to stand right beside the graves, directly between them. I cast my gaze over their remains as I prepared myself. A memory of Burst’s awkwardness and kindness emerged, along with Blast’s slightly vulgar but good hearted nature. I’m sorry, I thought, deeply saddened that this was all I could for them.

Sighing, I sat down on my haunches, ignoring how dirty I would get because of all the mud, closed my eyes and spread my forelegs as I began to recite the words I heard my mother use many times:

“Just as after day comes night, so must after life come death. But just as the night is illuminated by the light of the Moon, so is death not the dark emptiness we often fear, for the light of our Goddesses guides us to the Afterlife’s rewards. Burst and Blast are already there, knowing peace and happiness unattainable in the mortal life. Let the grief and pain that had gripped our hearts disperse in the knowledge of that, and in the promise that we shall see them again in Heaven one day.” I paused to open my eyes and look at their remains. “Burst, Blast, I haven’t known you for long,” I began, sadness creeping into my already sad voice. “But… I really liked you. Blast, you were a bit lecherous, but you were also thoughtful and showed me care when I was injured. Burst, you were…” my voice broke. It took me a few seconds to find it again, during which tears began to form in the corners of my eyes. “You told me to run, thinking of my safety even in the face of death. You were kind and loyal… I’m sorry we’ll never get a chance to go on a date. By the Goddess Cadance’s grace, may you meet love on the other side. May you both be reunited with your loved ones, whether now or when those yet remain on this mortal world join you. By the Radiant Celestia’s blessing,” I intoned, making circular motion with my right hoof over my heart, “by the Brilliant Luna’s kindness,” I continued, making the same motion on the other side of my chest, “and by the Loving Cadance’s compassion, may you rest in peace and happiness,” I finished, making a bigger circle over my chest then bringing my forehooves together.

I waited a few seconds before turning to Jack. He was standing beside me now, his eyes on his dead friends. “Thank you,” he told me, a single tear streaming down his cheek; or was it water from the drizzle?

“Don’t mention it, sweetie,” I said kindly.

A very loud blowing of the nose inside my mind almost caused me to jump. I turned my attention to the two apparitions, both who were drowning in tears.

S-sorry, Pinkie Pie, who was the one to blow her nose, exclaimed. It’s just so sad…

Fluttershy said nothing, only nodded in agreement, her eyes red from crying.

I know, I replied, feeling my own tears dropping to the ground.

I brushed my eyes and focused back on Jack. “Do you want to say anything before we…” I trailed off uncomfortably and pointed at the nearby pile of ground Jack had made while digging out the graves in the first place.

The griffin remained silent for a while, then finally began to open his beak. He hesitated, but after a second he said “Blast, Burst… you guys were the best. I… I’ll never forget you. I hope we’ll see each other again someday, somehow.” Jack closed his eyes and sighed, dropping his head to the ground. When he opened them after about a minute, he didn’t even look at me. “Alright, let’s just do it.”

I helped him as best I could, but Jack had still done most of the work. Not that he minded, although I wasn’t sure if he had even noticed. His mind seemed focused only on the bodies we buried; before they were completely covered, I heard him mutter “Goodbye guys.”

My weakened state wasn’t the only reason why I hadn’t contributed as much as Jack. Every few moments, as more of their bodies disappeared under the earth, I…

I’m Doctor Angel. Pleased to meet you.

Likewise, darling. Name’s Blast, this is my brother Burst…

I closed my eyes and clenched my teeth, trying to clear my mind.

I’m starting to rethink my opinion regarding your courtesy, I hope you don’t follow your brother’s example when talking with mares.

Um… W-well, I wouldn’t say I do…

I brought my hooves to my head and grasped it.

... even if we run into raiders we can protect you.

I think she’s more worried about us buddy.

Maybe she wouldn’t have if you hadn’t made that lewd suggestion.

I knew that their souls were gone long before this moment. However the more ground we threw at their bodies, the more reality of their deaths hit me. More and more memories of the time we’ve known each other, however short it was, came to me:

And why I can’t cover the hot medic?

Sorry, sorry, just… didn’t peg you for somepony that would keep bugs as pets.

So? That’s not that weird. Doesn’t one of the Hoofington’s Reapers keep radroaches as pets too? I would love to see you laugh to his face about them.

Would you like me to stay with you? There still could be something dangerous around.

… I wouldn’t call you annoying, just… um… unfamiliar with the Wasteland and stuff.

Wow, that’s just… amazing! Your Stable seems like a paradise! Why would you ever leave a place so beautiful?

Wait, your father was the chief of medicine as well? Wow, that’s cool! So you wanted to follow in his hoofsteps?

I… guess that makes sense. Never really thought of it that way.

So, um, you’re not technically together, right?

Um, I, er, I mean… I mean, I don’t even know if you are into bucks as well.

Hey. You guys wanna join in?

Oh fuck! Don’t worry, I’ll get you out in a moment! Hang on…

Let me help.

Huh, you weren’t kidding when you’ve said how good you are.

Run!

I almost collapsed, trying to sort out the memories that whirled in my head and calm myself down. I took a sharp breath, on the verge of breaking down as more tears gathered in my eyes, then took another, more slowly, and another…

They’re gone, I thought, and there is nothing I can do about it. I failed them.

As I got my breathing under control, I felt a paw on my shoulder. I looked up at Jack, who extended his other forepaw to help me up. Calming down, I accepted it, and a few seconds after he got back on my hooves I resumed helping him.

By the time we finished, it had already stopped raining. Breathing heavily, I turned my gaze towards the sky. A part of me expected to see a ray of light, another part a rainbow; I knew from my books that when it rained during the day, a rainbow would naturally appear by itself. But all I saw was a cloud cover, completely obscuring the sky.

“So this is how the world is?” I asked. “Ponies and other beings live and die under clouded sky, never knowing the warmth of the Sun or beauty of the Moon and Stars? They live in hardship and die betrayed, buried in the middle of nowhere, as if their lives had no meaning? Is that what Equestria, what this world has become?”

It took Jack a few seconds before he replied. “Yeah, more or less. Sometimes it’s better, sometimes it’s worse. Everywhere it’s shit, just different kinds of shit. Up there,” he said, nodding at the clouds, “with pegasi, in Tenpony Tower, and in the few cities in Zebra Empire… they’re the closest you’d get to what the world was before the war, and even there it’s shit. And the reason why they can have it good is mostly because of how fucked up the rest of us are. In most of the world… it’s kill or be killed. Wild animals, feral ghouls, raiders, or just people with different goals, they’re all out to get you, and that’s besides wonders such as radiation or even megaspells that are still going. Surviving is a competition, and you either win or lose. Burst and Blast…” he paused briefly, his voice quivering a little, “they didn’t win. Every now and then you’ll meet kind people like them, or maybe not even kind but just fucking decent, but sooner or later they will get killed, even if you try your damn hardest to save them, and it will go on until you yourself get killed… or become a monster.”

I had turned to look at him as he spoke, listening intensively, and when he finished I resumed to gaze at the clouded sky. My brow furrowed as I went over what he said, and what I knew and experienced; the covered sky, the raiders, the way slavers treated slaves, the betrayal and murder.

“No,” I finally said. “I refuse such a reality. I refuse such an Equestria, I refuse such a world, and I most certainly refuse such people!” I stomped my hoof against the ground. “This world… it’s being plagued by a sickness, sickness that twisted all of us! What this world needs… is a doctor.”

I thought back to my dream; not the one I had this night, but the one which I’ve pursued for years. I thought of my goal. I thought of what I’ve just decided. Could I do it? Would I be able to accomplish all three? But even as a sliver of doubt crept into my soul, I saw a bigger picture. A picture in which all the three, not just the first two, were connected, in a triangle with me in the middle.

The Eye of Providence.

Was my dream, that precious memory, a sign from the Goddesses themselves? I wondered, a bit wistfully; it didn't really matter, though. I might have to concentrate on one of the three more than others in the upcoming future, but it won’t matter; accomplishing one will lead to accomplishing all of them!

My resolve reinforced, I continued “I will change this world, ponies, griffins and zebras and everybody else. No more will they live in fear of tomorrow, no more will they die a pointless death!”

No more will they die.

I placed my hoof to my heart. “This I, Angel, doctor of medicine and the mare that will discover the Truth of the world, vow: I will heal this world, starting first with our fallen nation! I will rebuild Equestria, bring peace to ponies and everybody who lives here or will live here, and ensure that elements such as raiders or dishonest murderers have no place in it!”

And then, I added in my thoughts, I will bring about the Everlasting Paradise.

My heart was pumping in my chest. Despite my tiredness, I felt power; power such as the one I had when I stalled Scope. At this moment, I felt more powerful than I ever was!

“That’s all nice,” I heard Jack speak up; truth be told, I had almost forgot he was there. He was staring at me, his expression unreadable, as he continued, “but impossible. You are just a doctor from a Stable; how do you expect to change the world? Strong will and resolve wouldn’t be enough, nor would your knowledge, magic, skill, or whatever else you possess. To change everything… people don’t change. Or rather, they don’t change easily. If you’d truly want to change them, to make them obey the rules of this nation you’d want to rebuild, you’d need them to follow you, to follow your vision. How would you accomplish that?” he asked. “How would you get the people of Equestria to follow you?”

With a pleasant surprise, I realized that he was seriously asking me, and now was looking at me expecting an answer.

I thought it over for a few seconds. He had a valid point; I couldn’t change ponies. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to lock them all up as test subjects for my experiments, nor did I even want to. With all the raiders and other elements about, I had more than enough potential test subjects. Those that commited lesser crimes… yes, they could be stopped, they could be changed, they could be helped. But… they would need guidance. Somepony with a vision.

My dream from last night came to me. Emerald, I thought, saddened, it looks like it will be different for me; for everyone’s sake, I’ll have to take up a position that I don’t truly, completely want.

I turned back to Jack, my anwer ready. “You’re right, I am just a doctor from a Stable. As I am now, nobody will follow me. But… there is one pony I can think of whom others would follow, even of different races. If I want to change this world, that’s who I’ll have to become.”

Jack frowned. “Pony whom others would follow? Who is it?”

I smiled. “The Princess of Equestria.”

The griffin’s beak hanged open as he stared at me, blinking in surprise. I waited patiently for his response to my declaration, curious how he was going to react.

After about ten seconds, Jack finally recovered… and bursted with laughter. My brow slightly furrowed as he slapped his forehead, laughing, but it quickly relaxed. I couldn’t detect any malice in that laughter, and even if there was, I could forgive him; what I declared was hard to believe, after all.

More importantly, I thought, smiling inwardly, it is good to hear him laugh after what he had just been through.

You said it sister! Pinkie Pie exclaimed, bouncing happily.

“That does it!” Jack shouted when he calmed down. He looked at me with a broad smile and pointed a talon at me. “I already suspected this when you began talking, but this confirms it. Unlike most crazy doctors, you don’t have a goddess complex; you have a messiah complex!” he finished, laughing up into the sky again.

I frowned again, more out of confusion rather than offense. Had he said that I have a Goddess complex, it would have been another matter; I wouldn’t stand for insinuating that I’d be so blasphemous. A messiah complex, though…

“My mother had me tested,” I spoke after a while, “so I am not crazy, nor do I suffer any mental disorders. However, if I were to be a Messiah,” I said, extending my hoof to him and smiling, “would you care to be my first Apostle?”

Footnote: Level Up!
New perk: Royal Canterlot Voice (level one) -- You can use your wily charms to influence people. You gain +5 points to Speech and Barter skills.

Author's Notes:

... this was supposed to be a short chapter... possibly even the shortest one. My notes basically came down to "Angel deals with Scope" regarding this chapter... four freakin' words...

Anyway, hope you all enjoyed it^^ Thanks to Zaleros, guardianxela and Sage Probo for their editing/proofreading, and to TimePrincess for the last check-ups (thanks sweetie ). And to Kkat for creating this nuclear wonderland^^