Canterlot (Domain of the Solar Queen)

Many things were going through the mind of Rainbow Dash, general of the Empyrean Army as she trotted through the corridors of the royal castle. It was only a few hours ago that she had been told by the captain of the Wonderbolts that a unknown, yet powerful foe was able to stop them when they commenced an attack on a rebel encampment. Now she had the report that Spitfire had delivered to her and was beginning to evaluate it, but was personally unsure of a few details inside this report. For one thing, the attacker resembled a hairless ape, but it could control spells and a blade that looked a lot like a key. Something that was unknown, but also that she was sort of familiar with.

But before she could even think about that, the pegasus could hear multiple beings scrambling and before she could even respond, she found a few gryphons and some soldiers that were under Queen Chrysalis inside the medical wing. Before she stepped in though, the rainbow maned pony soon noticed a bipedal being in a white trench coat with a specialty pair of goggles over it’s eyes and a long and flat blond mane. Solar Flare knew this being, yet it did not have a name. Only a title. And that was how he preferred to be addressed.

“Why… isn’t it ze general,” It spoke in a foreign accent, reminding the pegasus of visiting ponies from the country of Germane. “What brings you to my clinic this evening?”

“Keep it together, Rainbow.” She told herself before swallowing a lump in her throat and looking back at the figure. “Doctor, I was just passing through and noticed the amount of patients that were in your office was more than usual. What exactly happened?”

“I’m afraid zat I don’t exactly know myself.” The Doctor replied back. “A few griffons were hurt and lost zeir fangs, most of ze swarm zat Chrysalis took with her to attack Appleloosa returned with burn marks, and a group of seven minotaurs were also severely hurt. However, each one of zem faced an opponent zat’s ze same… yet different.”

That left the mare confused. “Okay, Doctor. I didn’t ask for any puzzles. Can you explain what the hay that is suppose to mean?”

“My apologies, general.” The Doctor apologized as he looked back at his patients. “What I mean is zat zeir attackers were similar in form, but different in abilities and appearance. In total, zere were three separate accounts, but something tells me zat I am wrong with my guess.” The doctor told her, pointing at the folder she was holding. Now, Rainbow was thinking all of this in her head, shortly before asking the individual she was talking to another question.

“Could you draw up reports on all three of those accounts? If this is what I think it is, then this may indeed be a problem to the security of the empire and must be brought to the attention of the queen immediately.” The pegasus firmly spoke, the only reply she got was a simple nod of the head from the Doctor.

“Certainly. Anything for ze general and ze queen.” The Doctor said, just as Rainbow left the clinic. She wasn’t able to catch a break though as she heard another voice call to her. But not by her rank like most soldiers would.

“Rainbow!!!” A voice snarled as the pegasus turned around. “Explain. Now.”

“It’s good to see you too, Gilda.” She muttered, trying to ride off the Griffon.

“Don’t give me that crap.” Her friend shot back. “I’ve been walking around all day and no one here is giving me a goddess damned answer on what the hell happened to one of my squads that I had go to Manehattan to try to root out any rebel survivors. I’ve even tried going to the queen and she’s too busy right now talking to Chrysalis.”

“So you came to me to try to find the answers on what happened to your squad? Look, I know we’re friends, but I am in charge of the Wonderbolts and their attack routes. Not your birdbrains.” The pegasus snapped. “If you want to find out what happened, talk to your own troops. There in the doctor’s clinic.”

“I don’t trust that creep,” Gilda retorted. “I know that he’s been helping our men, but his methods just… bother me. He’s turning my kind into… whatever the hell they are now and it just really just ruffles my feathers.”

“Just leave him to me. He’s going to be giving me some reports on what happened and I’ll ask him to make a second copy for you.” The pegasus sighed. “Hey, the sooner we find out what we’re exactly up against, the sooner we can plan accordingly to be able to deal with this. Get some sleep. It won’t help you if you are sleep deprived and too tired to command your troops tomorrow.”

“Pfft, whatever. See you tomorrow, Dashie.” The griffon grumbled. Now, only one thought remained on Rainbow’s mind as she waited on the reports that she needed to give to the queen.

What exactly was she going to say to her?

Oobleck

It was only a short while after the training session had wrapped up and some plans did not go the way some ponies intended. For one thing, Luna’s guards had advised Pinkie to save her plans for a party to be put on hold until sunrise. Princess Luna was taking precautions that some of the Wonderbolts would be doing night patrols and the sounds of music and games would most likely catch their attention. Twilight herself was with Doctor Oobleck again, returning to the research that they were doing earlier before being interrupted by Spike and Moondancer. “Doctor, are you ready to continue?”

“Indeed, my astute scholar! Please direct me to the next textbook!” Oobleck replied, practically warping over to her, much to the surprise of Spike and Moondancer. “Now, where did we leave off?”

“I believe it was just after the princess’ coronations, profe-. I mean Doctor.” Twilight answered, catching herself mid sentence as she passed the book down to Oobleck and opened it for him with her magic. Right now, doing this with Oobleck was having Twilight remember some fond memories from her fillyhood. But there wasn’t a lot of them for her to look back on. Especially when the memories of somepony specific made her think of something else that mentally scarred her. Something… that Oobleck could tell was bothering her.

“What’s wrong, my dear?” Oobleck asked, having just finished the textbook, again to Spike and Moondancer’s shock, before kneeling down to her level. “You’ve clearly got something on your mind.”

“Well… the last time I did anything like this… was when I was with my foalsitter, Cadance. But…” she paused, trying to breath calmly and think to herself.

Spike growled. “Don’t even talk about her, Twilight. She’s not worth it,” he spat.

“Spike! Don’t say that about her!” Twilight scolded.

“Why shouldn’t I!? I might not remember her because I was young, but I know she hurt you! She hurt Shining Armor, too! What kind of pony would try to kill her coltfriend just for more power!?” he shot back.

“Everypony, calm down!” Moondancer shouted. “Spike, come with me. You need to leave her alone right now.” Looking at Spike, she had the dragon come with her into the back room, leaving Twilight there with Oobleck on her own and in an emotional mess, tears running down the sides of her face.

Oobleck gently reached over and stroked Twilight’s mane. “Would you like to talk about it? It doesn’t help to keep emotions like those bottled up, but I can’t force you to talk.”

She nodded, looking back at the professor and trying to wipe tears from her eyes. “S-she was a friend to me. And more important to my brother. The two of them had dreamed about someday wanting to get married and start a family of her own. B-but all that changed when they went to the C-crystal Empire. The kingdom to the north…” She was silent again, looking to either compose her thoughts… or to calm herself.

“Wait a moment… Is Cadance… Princess Cadenza? The one Princess Luna mentioned?”

Twilight’s only answer to Oobleck at that moment was a simple nod of the head.

“Oh dear. So, what happened after that? If you wish to talk about it, I mean.”

“W-when my brother and her were there, they expected to fight against an evil king named Sombra… But when they got there… Sombra gave Cadance an offer. For her to take his place. Under one condition though…” Again… another pause. But the one who finished her sentence wasn’t her. It was the Stallion that had been listening to the entire conversation from outside for the past few minutes.

“... To kill me.”

“S-shining!?!” Twilight gasped in shock. “H-how long-?”

“Long enough… I’m not mad Twily… They’re just things that I’d rather not look back on.” the Stallion said, trotting in the room and sitting by his sister’s side.

“I apologize, Captain Shining Armor. I was just hoping to understand and ease your sister’s emotional state. It was never my intent to dig up skeletons from the past,” Oobleck apologized.

“I understand… and I thank you for helping her… Twilight, you should get some sleep. I can help answer any questions our guest has.” The unicorn insisted, hugging his sister before she went to go back to her room. “We can pick up on further studying tomorrow.”

“Y-yes, bbbff.” She spoke softly, before excusing herself from the room. “Good night, Doctor Oobleck.”

“Good night my dear. I wish you pleasant dreams,” he replied with a tip of his hat.

As Twilight left the room, Shining used his magic to softly close the door before returning his attention to Oobleck. “Now Doctor, I believe you might have some questions on this subject?”

“Yes, indeed. I was hoping to learn more about history as a base, but I believe you would be best to inform me about things like your battle strategies, weapons, and those of our enemies.”

“I assure you that we can get to that in due time. What I meant was if you had any questions regarding… Cadance.” The stallion corrected himself for the doctor.

Oobleck was quiet for a moment before simply responding with, “Why?”

“You seemed to wonder about her, but the real question that was unsolved was what would drive her to commit an act such as to murder her lover? Plus, you would find the answer to such a question from the survivor of that incident.” The stallion replied. As he took off his chestplate, the doctor could now see the scar that was exactly where his heart would be. Visible in the dimly lit room by candlelight.

“To bear a scar of betrayal not only on a metaphorical heart, but a literal one as well. Fortune is not without a sense of whimsy, it seems.”

Shining nodded his head. “This was from when she took a dagger that Sombra had given her and drove it into my heart. However, the look on her face when she committed the act was not the pony I once knew. To understand her, you need to understand her heritage. Are you aware of her family bloodlines, Doctor? I’m going to assume that you read through the ancestry section of the textbooks?”

“Well, I did read some mention of a Princess Amore that ruled over the Crystal Empire in the past before Sombra took over and the Celestial Sisters banished him, and the Empire vanishing along with him.”

“Well… Let me tell you something then. Her full name is Mi Amore Cadenza and she is what remains of the royal family bloodline in the north. When the Empire reappeared a few months ago, Luna sent us to investigate under what circumstances that the empire would reappear again. As it turns out, when we arrived, Sombra himself was dying. His magic that kept the empire hidden and himself alive was almost fully expended. He was looking for a successor and since he believed that Cadance could take his place, he gave her a test to prove herself worthy.” He explained, looking down at his scar before looking back at him. “In the end, she committed the deed, became the Empress of the Crystal empire and left me out in the cold to die. If it wasn’t for Luna and her guards finding me when she did… I would’ve been long gone. I’m not planning on leaving my little sister just yet. She needs her big brother to help her sometimes… Even though she doesn’t want to admit it.”

“Gracious. I had heard the Amore’s were champions of love and peace. I wouldn’t have thought her own love would be so fickle. Do you think perhaps… perhaps she was not in control? Much like how the forces that caused Celestia to become Solar Flare?”

“To a degree, you might be right. But I don’t know. Inheriting Sombra’s throne could mean that she inherited his dark magic as well and that might have affected her judgement. Right now, it sounds just like a theory.” Shining answered back. “If we have any evidence though, that could make this theory a little more… concrete if that’s the right term.”

“Then if it exists, I vow to find it!” Oobleck proclaimed. “Captain, I may have given up on finding romance and love for myself long ago, but that doesn’t mean I’ve given up on the idea entirely! If I can return your former lover to you, or at least to our side, than it will be done! Besides, it’s not only a sentimental goal, but a practical one as well! Think how much we could accomplish with not only the Crystal Empire but another alicorn on our side!”

Shining smiled, admiring the Doctor’s words. “Thank you my friend. You’re a good influence for Twilight and I believe that because of you, these old wounds are now beginning to heal… properly. I know that I’ve only met you a short while ago, but I do appreciate everything that you’ve done. For Twilight, for me, and for all of us here. It’s no wonder that Luna has faith in you.”

“And I hope I can convince you to have the same faith in the others as well. And, though I may be speaking with some biases here, I would ask that you show some patience with my student, Mr. Sakuraba. He… doesn’t do well with social interactions, so if you could show some consideration for his somewhat confrontational behavior, I would appreciate it.”

“I will do so. Thank you for letting me know about him. I must say though, that unlike yourself, some of the others will need to prove themselves if they are to gain my trust. Nevertheless though, I will have faith in them and patience with your student.” He told the doctor. “Is there… anything I should know about Mr. Sakuraba to keep in mind though? I don’t want to say something that he could take the wrong way if I were to talk to him.”

“Well, I’m not too familiar with the subject, but… don’t ask him about his family. I knew there were problems, but today showed me there were more than I realized.”

“What do you mean by that, Doctor?” Shining asked. “I know I’m not one to speak on the matter, but given your tone, something tells me that you saw something that might make you worry about him.”

“I could always tell the Mr. Sakuraba never had the most fulfilling family, but it wasn’t until today that I knew that it had left scars on him as well,” Oobleck explained grimly.

“Dear Luna, that sounds horrible.”

“Indeed. But enough trading of past hardships, I think I should turn in for the night, and I’m guessing you have your duties. Early to bed, early to rise, as they say. With luck, I’ll be mostly finished with your history and ready to help improve our soldier’s tactics and effectiveness by the next day.”

“I’ll be looking forward to it. I’ll see you in the morning doctor.” With that, Shining trotted over to the lit candle by the door and blew it out, having all the light disappear and have the entire room fade to black.

Neku

Knock! Knock! Knock!

“I’m coming~!” A cheerful voice from inside the building could be heard as Neku waited for them to come to the door. On the outside, he looked fine, despite the almost utter annihilation of the top half of his clothes. Inside his head though was another different story. He didn’t want to look back at the pain of what happened to him in the past, but it seems that now, those thoughts were returning inside his head. Something that he just wanted to get out of by any means necessary.

While he was caught up that train of thought, he soon briefly noticed the door begin to move and the hinges of the door beginning to creak. On the other side of that door was Rarity, who was using her magic to hold the door open for him. But her attention drifted immediately to the gaping hole that was on the back of his shirt. Neku was personally thankful that what did remain hid his scars, but what came next from the Unicorn was something he began to drone.

“What in the world happened to your clothes!? There was never that hideous hole there when you rescued me-.”

“Rarity, I finished my homework-.”

The newfound voice was what caught Neku’s attention as he looked to the left while leaning against the wall. “Sweetie Belle, we have a guest. This is Neku and he’s going to be staying with us for a while”

“Wait, you mean the guy that saved you earlier today?” She asked. The teen nodded in response, just taking the headphones off of his ears and putting them around his neck. “You know… I honestly thought he was a stallion. Like the ones you would fantasize about in your diary-.”

“Sweetie Belle, that is very private. I told you not to be reading that!”

“But I didn’t know it was yours.” The filly whined. “You change the covers of your diary almost as often as you change your outfits. I can’t tell it apart from anything else anymore.”

Rarity sighed, looking back at the filly. “We’re going to talk about this later. Right now, I need to fix Neku’s clothes and the hole that’s there.” Turning back to Neku, Rarity them asked something from him. “Give me your shirt.”

“What?” Neku asked, a little bit worried about the circumstances.

“Your shirt, it needs to be fixed. So, please give it me.”

“Can’t I just take it off in the bathroom or something?” He protested. “It’s rather rude for you to be asking someone to take off their shirt right in front of you.”

“Actually, this is normal for Rarity.” Sweetie Belle added on, now making Neku even more concerned. “Sister, maybe I should direct Neku to the guest room and then return back with his shirt. That way he has a sense of privacy.”

Rarity considered the thought, then looked back at Neku. “Okay, that’s fine by me darling. Don’t worry, I’ll have your shirt patched up in no time.” She chimed as she pranced over to her work station in the home while her little sister guided Neku to the guest bedroom. However, with Sweetie Belle being a filly, anytime she looked up when she was behind Neku, the unicorn could see scars and scratches along his shoulders and back. She wanted to ask, but out of courtesy, did not.

When they approached the guest room, Sweetie Belle held the door open for him as Neku walked inside, Now with a little more space and a little less lighting, he was finally able to use his arms and pull his shirt over her head before tossing it to her to catch. Ironically, the shirt went around Sweetie’s neck like it was a ring game at a carnival, making it easy for her to pull off. “Thanks. My sister should be done in a bit.”

All Neku did was nod his head as Sweetie Belle closed the door. However, for a moment, she thought that she heard Neku speak to himself. Almost as if he was singing. But the song wasn’t intended to be happy. It came out quite the opposite.

Broken home…… All alone…

It left the filly confused, but it didn’t stop her from going back down to her sister. “There you go, Sister. One shirt ready to be fixed.”

“Why thank you, Sweetie~.” The unicorn replied as she began to look for the right patch of fabric that was needed to fix the piece of clothes. “How is Neku? Getting adjusted to his surroundings?”

“I… think so? I’m not sure if he’s okay though.”

“Well, he isn’t much of a talker, honey. He was like that earlier when meeting Princess Luna and the others.” Her sister replied, finally finding the fabric and now looking for the thread that would match.

“I get that… But I think there’s something else that’s bothering him.” Sweetie Belle replied, thinking about something she saw earlier. Around then, Rarity had finally slipped the thread through and tied it down to the needle. She was going to begin the careful first step in sewing, until her sister spoke again. “Did you notice what was on his back?”

She stopped, looking back at her younger sister. “What do you mean?”

“Well… Remember when Twilight’s brother got hurt and he was left with that scar across his chest?” Sweetie Belle asked, only receiving a slight nod from her sister. “It’s like that, but there’s more than one. You couldn’t see it because it was under what remained of the back side of his clothes.”

“My word… I wonder if he’s okay. I mean… I didn’t see him get attacked from behind or anything like that and I don’t think what happened to his shirt was the reason for it.”

“There was something else too,” She said. “He was saying something in a melodramatic song like tone. Broken home… All alone… I can’t make heads or tails of what that means, but maybe it’s based on those scars?” Rarity thought about it to herself, considering what her sister said as she got back to focusing on her sewing.

“Maybe. I’ll check on him after I fix his shirt. He just probably wants some space right now.” Rarity said as Sweetie Belle went back to her room. It took her ten minutes to simply have the first set of sewing complete, but another five to make sure that she didn’t feel rushed. Even though it was a simple patch up. As she was trotting to the guest room though, she heard the exact same thing that Sweetie Belle was telling her.

“Broken home… All alone…” It sounded sad, but a curious Rarity soon could hear the music he was listening too since his headphones were now around his neck. To Neku, he was singing the song again, at the second set of lyrics that the song had. “I know my mother loves me, but does my father even care? If I’m sad or angry, you were never there.”

Rarity continued to listen, even peeking through the keyhole of the door to see what he was doing. What she saw frightened her. What Sweetie Belle said before about the scars was true, but what she didn’t see was the scar that was under the sweatband he had on his left wrist. “Dear Luna, what has he been through?”

When the song ended though, Neku stopped what he was doing, holding onto the same pin that she saw him have before in Manehattan. The black one with the white skull. After a few seconds, he looked towards the door and deeply sighed.

“Rarity, I know you are there. Just… go ahead and come in.” He groaned, sighing out loud. The unicorn, in response, slowly opened the door and trotted in, closing it behind her soon afterwards.

“Neku, dear? Are you okay?” Rarity asked, trotting over and handing Neku his shirt with her levitation spell. “Is something bothering you?”

Neku himself, let out a sigh in defeat. The Players Pin allowed him to see that Rarity was there, but reading her thoughts told him that she knew about the scars that he would normally try to hide. So now, there was no point in trying to hide them. “I just… have a lot of things on my mind… Most in which I rather not remember.”

Instead of her leaving though, Rarity actually decided to sit next to where Neku was standing. She wanted to help him. After all, this was the same person that helped her when all things looked hopeless. “Do you want to talk about it, darling? It’s okay if you say no… but things like this can’t be bottled up. It’s not good for you.” Neku closed his eyes, thinking about it for a minute. Thinking of what would be the right thing to say to her. There was only one thing that reminded him of Rarity right now. And it surprised him the moment he realized it.

“I know…… my mother would tell me the same thing.” Neku spoke, taking a moment to breath before saying something else. “You remind me of her a lot, Rarity.”

“I… do?” Rarity had no idea what to think of this right now. This was sudden. Out of the blue. Unexpected. But she had a feeling that there was a reason why.

“Yes. In a lot of ways. Personality, generosity and even when you were talking to me as I came into your home. The whole time I was having flashbacks.” He sighed, gritting his teeth a little. “I might not have been in a war, but back home, there were times where the house I lived in became a battleground. But the fight was between my parents… with my mother being on the losing side of the fight. She was strong around me, but couldn’t be strong around my father. The year before my father left though was when things began to break.”

“B-break?” Rarity asked, a little horrified at what she was hearing.

“It was on a night in July where everything had been going extremely well up to this point. Then, my father and mother were at it again, the stupid thought of “If I was there, she could be brave.” entered my head. Well… let’s just say what happened next left me a painful reminder on my back for the rest of my life.”

“Oh dear… Neku, I’m so sorry to hear that.” Rarity gasped.

“The scars were not the only thing about it that hurts.” The teen told him. “Tell me, Rarity… What is today’s date?”

“The date?” She questioned. “It’s… well… July 17th.”

“The day that this happened was on July 17th, 2008.” He sighed, hearing Rarity internally gasp for a moment. “This though, only coincides with one other thing that I remember to heart.” Taking a deep breath, he soon looked back at Rarity and told her the second half of what he was saying.

“July 17th, 2000… The day I was born.”

That revelation blew Rarity’s mind. She couldn’t believe at all what she was hearing. Matter of fact, what Neku had told her.

“My mother always loved me, but my father never cared at all. Hell, Oobleck is a better father figure than he ever was. Oobleck understood and helped me in ways that my actual father never did. He left my mother and I when I was 9, shortly after charges were filed against him for what he did to me. I’ve never seen him since… and I rather not want to see him again after all the pain he put me and my mother through.” He turned to Rarity, thinking again before speaking. “In times when I had thoughts like these, I have used music to cope. I never had friends. Just teachers, classmates, neighbors. But no one to actually consider a friend. My life was shit… I tried going to someplace new so that way I can feel like I’m somewhere I belong. Now… here I am… Thrown into a world I have no understanding of and an important task being weighed down on my shoulders… One hell of a birthday present if you ask me…” He groaned, but something else caught him off guard. It was Rarity, who was pulling her hoof on her shoulder and trying to calm him.

“Don’t think like that… You’re forgetting about all the good things you did.” The unicorn replied. “Without you, nopony would’ve been able to save me in Manehattan. Nopony would be able to find Coco and all those refugees. You touched the lives of all those people ever since you came here… You know what you should see this as?”

Raising an eyebrow, Neku asked. “What?”

“A chance to start over. You don’t have to cling onto what’s hurting you anymore. I know memories as horrific as those don’t just immediately go away, but you should replace those ones with good memories from here. I know that with the war and everything, things don’t exactly look good on the outside, but you got to think about all the lives you touched. All the ponies who are thankful that they have a second chance at life now because of you… This should be your second chance.”

“I… I don’t know what to say…” Neku replied, shocked and stunned by Rarity’s words. He didn’t see it at the time he had arrived here, but now, it was all beginning to make sense.

“Neku… I might have only known you for a short while, but I see you as a friend. I’m here for my friends and I’m generous to them as well… My home is your home now too.” That, almost caused the teen to slip off of the bed onto the floor.

“A-are you serious?”

“Yes. You’re always a welcomed guest in my home now, Neku. See it as a birthday present from me to you. You don’t need to be all alone in a broken home anymore. Sweetie Belle and I will be here for you.”

That, caused the teen to jolt up a little, holding the white unicorn in a tight hug, some tears beginning to form and roll down his face. “T-thank you… so much. I-i don’t know what to say…”

“You’re welcome Neku.” The element of generosity replied. “Anything for a friend.”

Vanitas and Azula

“Jane just apologize will ya?” Warrick pleaded, glancing over at his sister as he felt around his helmet, trying to figure out a way to get it off.

“I want to, but that damn farmer pony won’t let me get close enough to her sister to do so!” She complained pacing back and forth.

“Then shouldn’t you apologize to her first?” He asked, flinching a little as his helmet melted into darkness. “I probably should have expected that...”

“What do I have to apologize to her for? I saved her life! I saved her whole family’s lives! If I’d charged out there spamming fireballs I would’ve gotten my ass handed to me and we’d all be dead!”

“You did you know... kick her sister...” Warrick reminded, rubbing his neck. “Don’t lie and say you would want anything to do with someone who did that to me.”

Jane was about to continue to argue when her voice caught in her throat. She struggled to find some way to refute what he said but had nothing. She growled and folded her arms, huffing. “So what am I supposed to say then?”

“Can you just be honest for once?” He asked, getting to his feet. “I dunno, bond over big sister stuff or whatever.”

Jane flinched at that for a moment. Lying was the thing she was best at… and she hated it. She wanted to be able to be honest and forthcoming, but lying came so easy to her. Not to mention, being honest had never gotten her anything good in life, despite all those “the truth will set you free” adages out there. She sighed. “Ok, but I don’t see how being honest is going to help. In fact it will probably piss her off more.”

“I dunno, we could ask Fluttershy to help.” He gestured to the quiet pegasus, who was tending to some injured animals in the corner.

“You really think she can?”

“You didn’t see how she stopped that raging bear. She freaking stared at it and it just went all cowardly. Gave me the willies...” Warrick shuddered a little.

Jane actually looked impressed before he gaze shifted back to the pegasus. With a sigh she walked over. “Hey, um, Fluttershy?”

“Oh um yes?” The little pony jumped a little before turning to look at them.

Jeez, there is something wrong with this world when something this cute can beat a bear in a staring contest, she thought. “Uh, listen, I’ve been trying to apologize to Apple Bloom… the whole Apple family actually, but Applejack’s making that really hard for me. I don’t suppose there’s a way you can help me with that?”

“I could try but, AJ can be a little stubborn.” Fluttershy nodded. She got up, fluffing her wings before trotting over.

“Pfft. Tell me about it,” Jane scoffed. “Damn girl won’t even let me get a word in edgewise.”

“She’s a sweetheart once you get to know her.” Fluttershy smiled, walking out of the room, gesturing for them to follow.

Jane sighed. “I hope so,” she muttered before turning to glance at Warrick. “If I get hit from this, you owe me.” Warrick just smiled, following after Fluttershy. They walked through the compound, it taking only a few minutes for them to arrive in the barracks set aside for the Appleloosa refugees.

“Applejack?” Fluttershy asked, peering around for the farm mare.

“Fluttershy?” Asked a familiar voice from the right. “Well, how ya-?” She began only to cut herself off and for her face to contort in rage as she saw Jane.

I’m so going to make him give me his next dessert, Jane thought bitterly.

“Now what did Ah say ‘bout you gettin’ anywhere near mah family ya lousy no good-!?”

“Applejack, calm down.” Fluttershy cut in, her voice staying calm.

“Fluttershy, ya don’t know what she-!”

“I know all about it Aj, I’m here to help you two put it behind you.”

“But-!” Fluttershy narrowed her eyes, giving her a deep stare. AJ immediately clamped up and flinched.

“Now, are you going to sit down and hear her out?”

AJ pressed her lips together and huffed before turning to look back at Jane. “This better be good.”

Jane closed her eyes and thought long and hard about what she was going to say. Well, Warrick did say to be honest. If nothing else, I can hold it over his head that it didn’t work.

She inhaled deeply. “Applejack, I am not sorry I lied to you and Chrysalis about being a spy. I am not sorry for taunting you and your family to make that stupid bug lower her guard. What I am sorry about is that that was the only thing I could think of to save you. And for kicking your sister.”

“That's one hay of a backhoofed apology.” Applejack glared, crossing her hooves.

“I was told to be honest,” Jane said flatly. “Besides, do you really think we would’ve made it out alive if I just came strutting out and attacked like I was some kind of superhero? I could barely handle bug butt herself, no way I could’ve taken on her and her minions.”

“Ya’ll didn’t have ta lie!” Applejack objected, narrowing her eyes.

“Oh no, I certainly didn’t have to lie! I could’ve just hid and let all get killed! Just stay back while Queen swiss-cheese-for-legs killed you in god knows what gruesome way possible! But no, instead, I risked my life to save yours!” Jane spat back with a sarcastic tone.

“Well... that's going nowhere...” Warrick sighed, shaking his head. “This is just going to be a continuing thing isn’t it...?”

Jane stopped, overhearing her brother before taking a deep breath and closing her eyes. “You may not believe this, Applejack, but I get it. I get why you’re so upset about me lying. I get that you’re still pissed off at me and why you won’t let it go. And you know what? I agree with you. I think it is bad that I lie all the time, and that I have to pretend to stab the people I care about in the back to protect them.” She then opened her eyes and glared at the farm mare. “But you know what? Not all of us get lives where our honesty is rewarded. Not all of us live a life where doing the right thing gets you a hug and a pat on the back. In fact, some of us have lived lives where the more honest and kind you are the more you get punished for it. Lives where if you don’t lie and cheat you get eaten alive. So you want to be pissed at me for lying to save the lives of you and your family? Fine, go ahead, that’s nothing new to me.”

Applejack opened her mouth to speak before closing mouth. “Fine. I’ll fergive ya, but ah ain’t ever gonna trust ya.”

“I guess that’ll do. Now will you let me go and apologize to Apple Bloom?”

“Fine. Ya’ll just stay here-”

“Azula!” Came a cute voice, followed seconds later by a red and yellow blur slamming into Jane’s chest and knocking her to the ground. “Ya came!”

“Ow,” Jane wheezed before managing to crane her head down and see the little filly hugging her chest. “You pack one hell of a punch, kid.”

“Ah was hopin’ Ah’d get ta see ya soon!” She said before looking up and seeing Warrick, gasping. “Is that yer brother!?”

“Uh, yeah?” Jane replied.

Apple Bloom hopped off Jane and trotted over to the other human. “Howdy there Azula’s brother! Mah names Apple Bloom! Ah’m so happy you and yer sister got back together! She was so worried ‘bout ya!”

“Nice to meet you Apple Bloom. I’m Warrick, but you can call me Vanitas.” He knelt down, holding his hand out.

“Nice ta meet ya, Vanitas!” She replied, extending her own hoof and shaking him back.

Applejack cleared her throat. “Apple Bloom, miss Azula here has something she wants ta say to ya.”

“Huh? Oh, okay! What is it?” The filly asked, turning to Jane.

The human pulled herself up to a sitting position and turned to face the Apple Bloom. “I just wanted to say I’m really, really sorry for having to treat you so badly like I did before. I hope you can forgive me.”

“Well, it really hurt, but Ah understand. You were trying to save me and mah kin, and it all worked out in the end. ‘Sides, it was right amazin’ to see ya beat that no good cockroach at her own game!”

“Heh. Glad you say so. I know a few other ponies who could learn to be as forgiving and understanding as you,” Jane joked.

Applejack grunted angrily.“Come on Bloom, ya’ll still gotta finish up yer homework,” she reminded, gesturing for her sister to come back.

“Aw. Well, Ah got ta go. Talk to ya some other time, Azula! You too, Vanitas!” She waved before trotting off with her older sibling.

“... So what was that about ‘big sister bonding’?” Jane joked.

“You’ll get better at it.” Warrick smiled, putting a hand on her shoulder. “Just don’t... you know... try to kill me for your own gain or something.”

Jane flinched and then hung her head. “Come on, Warrick, that’s not funny. You know I wouldn’t do that to you,” she mumbled dejectedly.

“You know I don’t believe you’d ever do that to me,” he said quickly, pulling her into a hug, “I trust you completely.”

She exhaled and hugged him back. “Thanks,” muttered.

“You worry too much.” He chuckled, pulling away from her. “Hey uh, thanks for helping out Fluttershy.” He smiled, turning to their escort.

“Oh, it was no problem at all,” Fluttershy replied with a gentle smile. “Um, if it wouldn’t be too much to ask, could you please help me with something Jane? I would appreciate your assistance.”

“Huh? Just me?” Jane asked.

“Mmmhmm. If that’s not too much of a problem, that is.”

“Uh… sure, I guess.”

“Thank you! Oh, um, Warrick? Maybe you should take a look around the complex and get yourself familiar with it. I’m afraid this is something only Jane can help me with.”

“You two play nice.” He waved before walking off, quickly vanishing around a corner.

“Um, could you follow me please?” Fluttershy asked, motioning back the way they came.

Jane nodded and walked along with the pegasus, who led Jane back to her quarters. Once the pony closed the door, Jane spoke up. “So what is it you wanted to say that you didn’t want Warrick to hear?”

“Well... I was just wondering about what you said before... about having to lie and cheat...” Fluttershy looked down, pawing at the ground.

Jane sighed. Her experience told her to keep her mouth shut, and yet something about this pony made her feel like it would be alright if she explained. In fact, she felt almost compelled to. She walked over to the bed and sat on it, Fluttershy hopping up to sit next to her. “Fluttershy, did Warrick tell you about his… accident?”

“He told me he couldn’t walk before coming here but he never said why.” Fluttershy shook her head.

“Warrick and I… we didn’t live in the nicest neighborhood. There was barely a time of day where you didn’t hear sirens going off somewhere in the distance, if not coming right next door to you.”

“‘Sirens?’”

“Oh, um… basically we have these… chariots that law enforcement and medical responders use to get to where there are crimes or other incidents. They have these loud sirens they blare when en route to where they going, as a basically a warning to get out of their way so they can go where someone needs them.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Anyway, our family actually used to live in a nice and safe neighborhood before the economy started to tank a bit and we had to sell our home and move. Warrick and I went to the same school, but we were in different grades so we didn’t get to see each other except for before and after. We had lunch at different times, we didn’t have any of the same classes, and we didn’t have recess at the same time. Warrick was always a really shy kid, and even back in our old home he was teased for it. But in our new home it was so much worse. They hit him and stole his money, they ruined his books and were basically just dicks to him. And I couldn’t do anything about it just because the school system kept us apart from each other.”

“Oh my! That sounds horrible!” Fluttershy brought her hooves to her mouth, her eyes wide.

“It gets worse. One day at recess those god damn bullies were shoving him around again and then one pushed him hard enough that he tripped and fell. His back hit a big rock, a broken cinder block that the damn school never moved because they were too lazy, and then his back just cracked. He lost all feeling from his waist down.” Jane was gritting her teeth in rage. “I swear if the teachers hadn’t held me back I would’ve killed the bastards that did it to him. Nearly did to one of them, too. I beat him so bad he was in the hospital for a month. The school freaking lets the students push around a kid who didn’t mean anyone any harm and get his back broken, and then try and tell me I’m the one that’s out of control for wanting break their skulls open? Hypocrites, every damn one of them!” Fluttershy didn’t say anything, only climbing onto the bed and giving her a tight hug.

Jane took deep breaths to calm herself down before continuing. “Anyway, after that my mom had a major freakout, not that I blame her. We sued the school and then they settled out of court so that it wouldn’t become a big story and get them in huge trouble. Honestly, I wanted to turn it down just so we could destroy them and get someone put in jail, but it was my mom’s choice of course. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, our dad ran out on us a little before we moved to that shithole, so it was just her trying to raise us. Anyway, like I was saying, we got a lot of money out of the settlement, but that just cause new problems. Mom was so damn terrified of anything happening to Warrick again that she basically didn’t let him do anything remotely dangerous. We managed to move to a nicer neighborhood and there mom just spent all her time trying to make sure he couldn’t get hurt. It was so bad that the police had to force mom to let Warrick go to school because she just wanted to keep him at home all day. She was so concerned about him getting hurt again that she didn’t realize she was killing him inside.”

Jane clenched her fists. “How could she not see? How didn’t she see that he was miserable? His world had shrunk to nothing but our house and the school, and it was all because of her. She wouldn’t let him hang out with any of the friends he made a school because she was so damn scared of what could happen to him when she didn’t have her eyes on him. She didn’t even let them come to our house to play. He… He actually told me he wanted to die just so he could escape.” Tears had begun to run down her face. “And so I began to plan. If there’s one good thing that living in that horrible neighborhood gave me it was that it taught me how to handle myself. I learned how to fight, and lie, and cheat, and bluff, and steal. And I was good at it. Really good. And the poor saps that lived in the new neighborhood we moved to never had to deal with anything like that. I stole and hustled money from other kids and even their parents. I took materials from anywhere and anyone I could find them. I bribed and charmed my way to get whatever skills I wanted to learn from whoever knew them. And then eventually I had all I needed. Warrick, one thing he always wanted to do was go to a con, to dress up as a character from one of his games or shows and have fun with people who liked the same things he did. So I bought and made the costumes and I finally convinced mom to let us spend the night over at friends’ house. I even managed to convince them to cover for us so we could go to the con instead. And then… and then we got sent here.”

Jane whimpered. “I… I know he’s so happy now. I know he’s happy because he can walk again and because he has powers and he can help people. I haven’t seen him this happy in years, but… But this world is dangerous! I can’t help but be afraid that something’s going to happen to him! I just wanted to give him one day where he could feel happy, something to make him feel alive and that it was worth it for him to keep living but now he might get killed and he doesn’t realize it because he’s having too much fun and OH GOD, I’M SO SORRY I DIDN’T WANT THIS I JUST WANTED TO MAKE MY BROTHER HAPPY!” She screamed, breaking down as she began sobbing uncontrollably.

“Just let it all out...” Fluttershy cooed, rubbing her back gently.

“OH GOD, I CAN’T TAKE IT! IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO HIM… HE’S THE ONLY REASON I HAVE TO LIVE, AND HE WANTS TO GO OUT THERE AND FIGHT AND GET HURT TO PROTECT OTHERS! I DON’T WANT MY BROTHER TO DIE!” She continued to bawl her eyes out as she hugged the pony who was doing everything she could to comfort her.

“You know... I have a brother too...” Fluttershy started, looking up at her, “I don’t see him too often.”

“You… You do?” Jane sniffled.

She nodded. “He’s always been my protector.” She looked away. “I know he doesn’t think I know but... I know what he does.”

“What does he do?”

“He’s one of Princess Luna’s Ravens. Her assassins.”

“Wh-What? You mean he’s like… a ninja or something?”

“Whats a ninja?” Fluttershy asked, blinking.

“Uh… basically a guy who sneaks around enemy lines, steal information and kills people without getting detected.”

“Oh... then um.... Yes, he’s a ninja.”

“That’s kinda awesome. But wait… what do you mean he doesn’t think you know?”

“He tries to hide it, he tells me he goes out to trade with whatever nations are still willing to help our cause but... I know what he does... You can’t keep worrying about Warrick like that. The best thing you can do is be his big sister. Be there for him and make sure he stays on the right path.”

Jane wiped her eyes before looking back to Fluttershy. “You… You’re so much stronger than I am. I… I don’t think I have the strength to do that. I’ve tried to protect him for so long that… I don’t think I know how to just let him go off on his own anymore.” She chuckled. “Funny. For all the hate that I gave her… I guess I’m not that much different from mom, am I?”

“We’re all stronger than we know.” Fluttershy smiled, nuzzling her. “You’ll learn how to cope together. I believe in you.”

“I hope so. But if you don’t mind… I think… that’s something for…” Jane trailed off as she fell onto Fluttershy’s bed, breathing softly, fast asleep.

“Poor thing,” Fluttershy smiled. “You’ve had quite a day, haven’t you?”

Warrick gazed at his reflection, putting his hand on the mirror, staring at the alien face looking back at him.

“We passed upon the stair, we spoke of was and when

Although I wasn't there, he said I was his friend

Which came as some surprise I spoke into his eyes

I thought you died alone, a long long time ago

Oh no, not me

I never lost control

You're face to face

With The Man Who Sold The World...”

“Hey, Warrick?” Sunset asked, snapping him out of his trance. “You okay? You’ve been staring at that mirror for the past few minutes....”

The young man threw up a smile, walking over to her. I’m fine Sunset. Don’t worry about it...” He moved off, putting his hands behind his head, letting out a long sigh.

Elsewhere…

“So, that is the report?” The alicorn queen asked her general as the pegasus named Rainbow Dash stood in front of her. Within the same room, the Doctor watched from against a pillar as the cyan mare filled Solar Flare in on the doctor’s analysis from earlier in the day. “Four individuals attacked our troops, but there is no clue as to who or what they are? We are honestly a bit surprised… and disappointed.” Turning towards the man in the lab coat, the mare then followed up on what she said with a deep sigh. “This complication can not be simply ignored if they were able to fight back against our forces. We want them gone and Our sister’s rebellion to be extinguished.”

“That is not simple, my queen,” Rainbow Dash spoke up. “I had any flyers that weren’t injured from yesterday go on patrol and look to see if they could find any traces of them, but they were unsuccessful in doing so.” This caused Solar Flare to sigh deeply in dissatisfaction.

“We did not wish to resort to this. We wished settle this with Our sister personally, but with these new nuisances we must end this quickly. We have contacted Shao Khan and requested the proper assistance.”

Rainbow Dash repressed a shiver. She never did like Shao Khan, his very presence just felt wrong, but she would never defy her Queen. Not when she has raised her since she was a filly and trained her to be the general she was now. “What kind of assistance would that be, my Queen?”

“Shao Khan has provided us with his… enforcer.” The Alicorn clarified. Just then, a hulking sound of footsteps echoed the halls as Rainbow Dash immediately turned around to see a huge two legged abomination in white armor and a golden helmet covering its face, which perfectly reflected her own expression of shock and fear back at her. And with no voice either, just a loud growl that sent shivers down her spine.

“Wh-What kind of being is this?” Rainbow stuttered, backing away slightly before catching herself and standing firm. That was when something else spoke. What looked like a spirit forming from the creature’s armor.

“We are the Meta… and we live to serve Solar Flare… and Shao Khan.”

Author's Notes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHIF6tfqRfQ

More about the heroes is known and We see two of the individuals under Shao Khan. We'll leave to you to soak everything in.