Twilight sat at her massive Maplewood dining table, enjoying lunch with Spike, who was currently enthralled in his own rant about an argument he’d gotten into with a drinking pal of his. Twilight slightly shivered with pleasure as she recalled the memories of bedding Silken Touch. It had been a day and a half since that night, and she could still feel the soreness and other love aches from their encounter. The mare had proven herself to have quite a stamina. The disgust followed soon after though, as she recalled the fact that the mare had broken in, and hypnotized her into being seduced.

"Did you like that, Princess? Please, allow me to show you more."

The heat built up again, and Twilight downed the rest of her OJ smoothie to cool herself off.

"Ah! F-fuck, it feels so good!"

“And I told him that not every Zebrican dies first in the movies!!”

Silk pulled Twilight closer to her, before reaching a hoof between them. Twilight let out a sharp groan as Silk rubbed an extremely sensitive spot.

“Although El El Cool Hay survived all of ‘Wide Blue Ocean’. But I think it’s because he’s incredibly famous.”

Their hind legs were intertwined, locking them together as they rode and ground into each other’s core. Twilight threw up a dome of sound muting magic around them. She didn’t know which of them would shout in sexual ecstasy, but she knew one of them would.

“And the bastard had the nerve to tell me that that movie didn’t count!”

“FUCK! I-I-I think I’m g-going to-” a moan cut her off mid-sentence. “T-Twi-”

“TWILIGHT!!”

Twilight jumped as she was snatched back into reality. Her name hadn’t been called out in a passionate love cry, but in a draconian fueled rage. She sheepishly stared up at Spike, while he leered down at her. Little angry streams of black smoke billowed from his nostrils, “Seriously, Twilight? Can I get at least ten damn minutes of your time?”

Twilight tried to change the direction of where she knew this conversation was going, “Uh…Spike, you’re going to set off the smoke detectors…”

“We barely hang out as just family nowadays. When are you going to actually invest spending some time with your friends?”

“Well Spike, there’s just so much stuff going on right now-”

“When are you going to spend time with me?!”

Twilight caught the flash of green light in his already emerald eyes. “We’re hanging out right now-”

“WE’RE NOT AND YOU FUCKING KNOW IT!!! I WANT MY TIME TWILIGHT!!”

Twilight recoiled in shock, and a couple of the cooks dropped pots and pans on the ground. Nopony, nor dragon, dared talked to the Princess like that. Spike’s eyes went wide as he realized the severity of his mistake. It didn’t matter that he was Twilight’s right hoof dragon. It didn’t matter that they’ve grown up together like siblings. He had just snapped at his Princess, at his ruler, and if she was to continue being that without anypony questioning her authority, she would have to punish him for his insolence. Her eyes narrowed at him, but Spike could see the hurt and displeasure in what she was about to do.

This was going to be painful.

He felt the rope of magic tighten around his throat. He gasped out in pain as he was yanked to the floor. Twilight’s pupils vanished, replaced by the angry magic. Spike had his face pressed against the floor, claws outstretched and him in a humbling position. Her wings snapped open, “You have made a most terrible mistake, dragon.” Her voice echoed. She teleported them to an empty room. It consisted of bricks and chains and terrifying tools. Tools that, from this angle, he could tell why they could so easily instill fear into anyone. He never thought he would be in this situation, in this room.

This was the interrogation room.

“What in Equuis has gotten into you, Spike?” Twilight softly questioned. Her wings were still splayed, and her eyes were still white with magic. Spike lowered his eyes to the floor,

“Your Majesty… I do not know what came over me.”

“You need to figure out what it was, Spike. I care about you, and I will always love you, but this is not the first time you have lashed out at me. And it’s worse that you did it in front of other ponies.”

“I know…” Spike replied softly. “I know you don’t want to punish me, but…I feel like you need to this time.”

‘What the fuck is wrong with you, you fool?! Why would you let her put your hooves on you?!’

Twilight took a couple steps back, “I couldn’t hurt you…you know that.”

‘Hmm…looks like one of your play things isn’t as stupid as I thought she could be.’

“Then get one of your guards to do it!” Spike clenched his hands into fists, “Please…by the gods, I beg of you to…”

‘WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!’

Twilight stared down at the drake, hoping to see something that would show he wasn’t serious. When she found none, she let out a defeated sigh,

“A-are you sure?”

Spike nodded eagerly, “Please...Your Majesty.”

Twilight tapped her hoof with a rhythmic pattern, and it echoed throughout the castle. Within a few seconds, an electric blue Unicorn stood beside her, her violet clad armor clinking as she appeared out of thin air. Another half minute later, an orange Pegasus bolted down the stairs, and was soon followed by a massive chocolate shaded Earth Pony, both of them wearing the same violet armor. They stood before Twilight and bowed,

“Yes, Your Majesty?” they asked in perfect unison.

Twilight nodded in acknowledgement, the calm gracefulness of a Princess returning to her features, “Spike, I’m sure you remember my Commanders.”

“Yes, Your Majesty….”

Twilight looked over at the Unicorn, “Absolute Zero, you are the most familiar with punishment techniques, correct?”

Zero nodded, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Alicorn looked over at the Earth Pony, “And you, Jasper, I know you’ve come up with some creative techniques when it comes to interrogation, correct?”

Jasper stood taller, his gruff voice echoing in the room, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

She then turned to the Pegasus, “Flash Sentry…I’ve heard of the things that you do to the recruits up with Cumulus Platoons. Things that will toughen up any colts into a big strong stallion very quickly….”

Flash’s ears slightly folded before he caught himself, “I’m not sure of what you speak of, Your Majesty.”

Twilight slightly shook her head, “No need to act stupid. I recommend you stop treating the recruits like that though, or I will have to step in.” she walked past him and up to Spike. “However, I know that those techniques are… painful enough to where even a dragon could feel it….”

Spike looked up into Twilight’s eyes. If he didn’t know any better, he would’ve thought she truly didn’t care for what was about to happen.

“I want you to three to show Spike what happens when he lashes out at his Princess….”

The armor clad ponies looked at each other with slight confusion, then at their princess in disbelief. “Is that what you wish for, Your Majesty?” Flash questioned.

Twilight gave him a sharp look, “Did I say anything in a way that left any doubt?”

“No Your Majesty-”

“Then do as I say, and do not question me again.”

Flash nodded then took a couple steps back. Twilight glanced down at Spike, and he caught the glint of sorrow in her eyes. He stared back her, speaking with her eyes, telling her that it was going to be okay, and that he wanted this. She turned away from him and trotted up the stone steps. Absolute’s horn lit up with magic, while Flash and Jasper grabbed various torture weapons from that were hanging on the walls around them. Spike closed his eyes, ready to endure the pain of whatever they’d have to deliver.

-MLP-

Twilight was curled up in her room, tears streaming her face. Spike, had never lashed out like that. Not with such anger, and certainly not when there were others around to see it. Why did he want to be punished so badly? And why did she even go along with that? What kind of Princess of Friendship was she, having somepony she considered a brother to her, put through the pain that she knew her commanders were doing? She buried her face into one of her lush pillows, and let out a frustrated scream. She couldn’t let herself mourn for long, as a voice filled with distress yelled out for her.

“Princess! Something has occurred that requires your attention!”

“What could it possibly be?!”

“L-Lady Rarity! She’s been arrested!”

Twilight jumped up, “WHAT?!?!”

-MLP-

Rarity sat behind bars, clanking her hooves against the poles. She looked up lazily as Twilight, with two assistants, rounded the corner. “Step aside please!” She screamed at the officers as she stormed up to Rarity’s cell. “What happened? How did you get arrested?!”

“Darling, this has been a long day… and the night was even longer, so please… tell me, do you have bail money?”

Twilight quickly nodded, “Yes, of course….” She summoned a small but heavy bag of bits out of a null space and passed it to one of her assistants. “This should be more than enough to cover Rarity’s bail. Give it to the bondspony, and have her released immediately.” The assistant nodded before hurrying to go and get Rarity’s bail paid for. Twilight looked back at Rarity. “Are you gonna tell me what’s going on here?”

“Okay, what has the Police Department told you?”

“They said you were at a crime scene, covered in blood and the last pony seen with Pinkie Pie….” she reached for Rarity through the bars. “What happened, Rarity?”

Rarity sighed, rubbing her tired eyes, “Somepony said there was loud crashing coming from Sugarcube Corner, so I went to investigate. When I got there, there was… blood… everywhere. It… it stained the walls, and soaked the carpet.” She grabbed Twilight’s hoof within her own. “And Pinkie…she was red. Her whole coat… just dripping with blood.” her eyes went wide, “And there was a mare with her. She had a black coat, w-with a red mane and tail, and the iciest blue eyes I’ve ever seen in my life….” Twilight gulped. She knew a mare who fit that description perfectly. A certain mare who had proven herself quite well in bed. “She came onto me! She did it in such a crude and unruly behavior, as if she were nothing more than a common callmare! I don’t know how on Equis Pinkie could even be associated with a mare like her!”

“Wait, Pinkie knows who the mare was?”

“Well… one can only assume so since she insisted I didn’t attack her.”

Twilight rubbed her chin thoughtfully, “Strange… that’s real weird. Do you know what hospital they took her to?”

Rarity shook her head, “I’m afraid not… the police didn’t tell me anything, and I used my one free scroll message to tell you I was here….” She slumped back into her chair. “I swear, this magic dampening horn ring is a pain in my derriere….”

“Don’t worry; one of my assistants is already getting the paperwork done to get you out of here.” She looked over at another one of her traveling assistants. “Dust Dancer, go find out which hospital Pinkie is in.”

“Y-yes Your Majesty.” The jumpy young stallion replied before scrambling off in another direction.

Rarity let out a soft chuckle, “It must be nice having a group of hooves to do all the things you try to have only Spike do.” She raised a brow, “Speaking of, where is the fiery little darling? I miss his grumpy, hot headed antics.”

Twilight gave her a look of shame before dropping her gaze to the floor. “He hasn’t been himself lately. It’s not something I want to talk about here… or really right now period.” She looked back up at Rarity. “I’m going to get the other girls. When you get out, teleport straight to the castle please.”

“B-but I haven’t had a proper shower, or done any of my beautification rituals that get me through the day!” Rarity whined. “Couldn’t we just meet up at my place?”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Fine, we’ll just head over to the Boutique.” She rose to her hooves and turned away from the cell. She shared a glare between the two stallions standing as security within the cell. “I am a firm believer of equality. No titles or traits or talents, makes anypony special to me.” she raised her head and straightened her shoulders. Her growing Alicorn body allowed her to easily look the two stallions in the eyes. “But believe me when I say this… that mare that you’ve got locked up, has helped save Ponyville a dozen times over, and Equestria more than a few times as well. She at least deserves to be treated as somepony who is innocent until proven otherwise.” She used her magic to pull them closer to her. “So if I hear that she has been treated like a criminal, or that you’ve hurt so much as ONE HAIR on her coat… I will not use my title to have you two locked away for attacking an Element Bearer, and I will not do anything that involves some crazy Alicorn magic.  But, I can promise you that I will bring down the wrath of a very angry and very powerful mare. I’m sure that’s something you two don’t want.” The guards, now trembling, wildly shook their heads. “Good! I’m glad we understand each other. I bid you two a good day, and I thank you for keeping Ponyville safe, one day at a time.”

With that, she trotted out, leaving Rarity with the two guards. They looked at each other with wild eyes, before focusing on the attention cough that came from Rarity. They turned to her, and she gave them a small smile, “Could one of you be a darling and fetch me my things and have them prepared for me upon my release? I don’t want to stay here a moment longer than necessary.”

They looked at her with fear in their eyes, then one of them scrambled to go get her things ready. She smiled and folded her legs before leaning back in her chair, thinking of the things she was going to do when she got home. She was going to soak in the finest, most expensive bath salts and bubbling concoctions she was able to afford. Then, she would primp and pamper her perfect purple coiffure. She was so lost in her thoughts, that she almost didn’t hear the light thud of something that sounded too close for it to be coming outside of her cell room. She opened her eyes, and found herself surrounded by darkness, save for a small glint of blue light. She was still sitting in her uncomfortable metal chair, and she could make out the metal bars that contained her. She couldn’t see the guard, but could hear the sounds of him choking and wheezing, fighting for air. There was suddenly the sickening crunch of bones breaking, followed by a thud. A long, heavy silence that was so quiet it was almost deafening to Rarity’s ears. Suddenly, she felt the moist heat of something breathing on her face. She swung her hoof out in defense, and felt it collide into a heavy matted coat. She could feel her hoof sinking into the crust and grime of its coat. A set of glazed, pupil-less sky blue eyes stared down at her.

“Ouuuuch… that hurt….” A voice spoke, deep and incredibly slow. The eyes rose up, and something thumped the ceiling. Rarity felt a couple bits of debris fall into her mane. “You’re very mean, Rarity….”

Rarity took a couple steps back, “Who are you, and how do you know my name?”

The thing shifted a bit, letting out a heavy sigh as he did, “You are wanted… and if I found you… I can be left alone to sleep….” The eyes leaned back down towards her.  “Now I can tell her you’re here… and I’ll be left alone until he comes….”

“Who’s ‘her’? Who’s ‘he’? Who in the world are you talking about?”

He didn’t answer her, rising back up and turning away from her. His heavy steps quickly faded into silence, and the lights flickered back on. Rarity’s eyes widened in horror, as she saw the caved-in, bloodied skull of the security guard, one of his eyes hanging out by a thin, muscly thread. She began to shake violently, and cried out for somepony to hear her. The door opened, and five Unicorn guards rushed into the room. They looked over the horrific scene of the mutilated pony, three of them looking in Rarity’s direction. One of them bolted up to Rarity’s enclosure, “What happened here?!” the stallion questioned, his tone sharp and demanding. Rarity didn’t answer, though. She couldn’t. She had witnessed the brutal end of somepony’s life. Who was he? What was his name? Was he somepony’s brother? Somepony’s husband? Could he have been a father? And if so, how many children did he have? How many ponies would get the heart breaking news that somepony they cared about had died? “Hey! Do you hear me talking to you?!” the stallion repeated.

“Back away from her right now!” The guards turned away from her, as yellow coated Unicorn mare stormed into the room. She looked down at the corpse. “Are you idiots going to just leave this poor stallion lying here?” she snapped. “Prepare him for a proper funeral and let his family know.” She pointed to the stallion that was harassing Rarity, “And you! Open the door, you little shit! This mare has nothing to do with what’s going on here. Or, would you like me to let your boss know how you’re mistreating this poor, innocent mare?”

Rarity’s eyes went wide as she recognized her liberator, “Moon Dancer?”

The mare gave her a friendly smile, further solidifying Rarity’s guess, “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you, Rarity…” she looked towards the door, “Twilight needs some new assistants. That mare she’s got trying to get you out is so damn passive. I wonder how she gets anything done for her….” her smile disappeared. “We’re heading to your place when you get released. I’ll explain everything when we get there.

-MLP-

It was nice, to be able to enjoy a simple meal of burgers and hay fries with her friend. Between their two music careers, Vinyl and Octavia never had much free time to barely spend on themselves, let alone each other. They chatted idly, and sipping their drinks and eating their meal.

“I do not have a crush on Lyra!” Octavia stated in a playfully angry tone. “Besides, even if I, for some odd reason, did, she’s happily dating that mare who owns the candy shop. Oh, what’s her name… Pinkie Pie?”

Vinyl snorted, “Oh no way, Pinkie’s too silly to even consider relationships right now. Besides, she helps run the bakery that the Cakes own. You’re talking about Bon Bon.”

Octavia corrected herself, “Oh, my apologies. Bon Bon.” She nibbled on her burger. “Point being, she’s with her.”

“So…if she wasn’t, you’d totally get with her.”

Octavia rolled her eyebrows, while Vinyl waggled her eyebrows. The taunting continued on for a while longer, and Vinyl milked it. She wasn’t sure when she would get to have this opportunity again. She heard the thump of something landing behind her. There was an overpowering smell of death surrounding her, and it took everything in her to not visibly gag. Something leaned in, and she could hear something between a gurgle and growl next to her ear. She flashed Octavia a grin,

“Hey, could you be a doll, and grab me a milkshake please?”

Octavia arched a brow, “I’m not your mare.”

“But you ARE my friend.” She popped her lip out a little bit. “Pleaaaase?”

Octavia let out a defeated sign. She rose from her chair and headed into the café to order a shake. Vinyl’s smile vanished as the thing next to her started to chuckle.

“What’s wrong? You didn’t want to look like a weirdo by acknowledging my presence?” It was gruff, but Vinyl could tell it was a female’s voice.

“Who are you, and what do you want?” She whispered sharply.

“Relax. By no means do I wish to anger somepony of your… caliber.” She could hear the thing shift and started to see it in her peripheral. It was some type of reptilian, but that was all she could tell. It flicked its tongue as it grinned at her. “I am simply a pleasure slave, who is serving my harem master. They have use for you. They need you alive, and if you get caught by them, then you’re as good as dead.”

Vinyl arched a brow, keeping her eyes on the doors to the café, “What you are talking about. Who’s ‘them’?”

“You don’t know who’s after you?” the lizard thing chuckled. “Wow… guess you have lost your memory.” She slithered forward into Vinyl’s view. She was huge, one of the biggest monsters Vinyl had ever seen. Yet, she had barely made a sound. This monster was probably in a different league than the spider-pony freak she fought about a week ago. It pulled out the chair and sat down, the chair slightly creaking under her weight, but not enough for anypony to notice. She folded her scaly arms and flicked her tongue out once more, “There’s a group of self-righteous fuckwads called the Holy Alliance. They want you dead, and in your current situation, they’ll get just that.” She craned her neck up and sniffed the air. She quickly rose from her scaly feet, “I can smell ‘em in the air. I suggest you seek help from somepony soon, until you get your shit together.” She backed away from the table as Octavia came stepped out. Her ethereal body slithered right through the Earth Pony’s body, and Vinyl frowned as she watched the mare’s face go pale. Her trot slowed considerably, and her ears drooped a bit. She slouched into the chair as she passed Vinyl her milkshake.

“I don’t feel so good all of the sudden….” She grumbled. Her stomach gurgled and she grabbed it.

Vinyl hopped out of her chair and rubbed [Octavia’s] back. “Let’s get you home. You look like you’re gonna barf.” She helped Octavia to her hooves and started to take them back to their apartment. It had taken them longer [than normal], but after about an hour, they had made it home. Vinyl magically gripped the keys out of Octavia’s thigh pack and opened the door. “Do you need anything? Maybe some sparkling ginger soda or peppermint tea?”

Octavia shook her head, “I’m sure I’ll be fine if I just lay down….” She lazily waved her hoof. “Thanks for getting me home….” With that, she walked to her bedroom and shut the door. Vinyl trotted over to the couch, and plopped onto it. She didn’t even get to rest for more than five minutes before [she] heard something was banging on her door. She let out an annoyed sigh before getting up to go and opened the door. She got the door open a smidge before a pink hoof shot through the crack. Soon, a head squeezed through, followed by a body. Vinyl’s eyes went wide, “P-Pinkie??” Pinkie was gasping for air, and covered in bandages and gauze. Her muzzle was soaked in blood, and had IV tubes hanging from her legs. “Pinkie, what the fuck? What happened to you? What are you doing here?”

Pinkie looked up at her with wild eyes. “Vinyl, you’ve got to get out of here. You’re in danger.”

“Why, what’s wrong?”

Pinkie grabbed her hoof. “Let’s go!” She started to drag her. “Twilight can help you!” She was soon dragged out of the house and down the street, as they made it to the bottom step, a couple of golden-armor cladded Pegasi rounded the corner, gunning for them.

“STOP! YOU WILL COME WITH US!!”

Pinkie and Vinyl’s eyes went wide. Their legs went wild as they scrambled in the opposite direction. Despite the fact that Pinkie was bandaged up, she still managed to keep ahead of Vinyl’s speed.

‘Why are we running? I could pummel them into mush in a heartbeat!’

Vinyl ignored Madd’s voice as they kept running. Suddenly, an armored Unicorn popped up from an alley and tackled Pinkie. Vinyl looked on in shock as she saw Pinkie and the guard crash through the wall of a nearby building. The beating of wings sounded louder than they were a few moments ago. The other guards were closing in on them.

‘Stop running and FIGHT!’

Vinyl ignored her, and bolted for Pinkie. The mare was already emerging from the ruins of the wall, fresh splashes of blood and dusty debris covering her coat. Where did that blood come from? And… why was there just so fucking much of it?? Vinyl felt a mass hit her with an audible clang. She was immediately sent to the floor, and hooves were pressing into her neck and ribs.

“By order of Princess Celestia, you are under arrest!!” One of the guards shouted.

Vinyl hacked and looked up at the guards from her peripheral, “WHAT?! What for?!”

Neither of them had time to answer, before Pinkie tackled both of them. They went flying, and Pinkie snatched Vinyl to her hooves. “W-we… we have to keep going!” She shouted between ragged breaths. She broke off into another furious gallop, and Vinyl soon followed. The rush of adrenaline made her head pound, and her muscles were beginning to burn. Bits and pieces of the environment around her made it through her tunnel vision.

Horrified expressions.

Ponies running or backing away from them.

Little colts and fillies crying.

What were they doing? Where were they going? Why did they have to run? Why were the guards attacking them? Did Pinkie kill that guard back there? Question after question flooded her mind as she focused on the racing Earth Pony in front of her. One of her questions got answered as they rounded a corner and headed for Twilight’s castle.

“OPEN THE DOORS!!” Pinkie screamed at the top of her lungs. The guards looked at her in shock at confusion. “I SAID OPEN THE DOORS!!!”

The guards scrambled to get the doors open and let the two mares rush inside. The servants within gasped, and backed away. Six guards cautiously walked up to Pinkie and Vinyl. “Lady Pinkamena… we cannot ignore the fact that you are drenched with blood… what happened to you.”

Pinkie didn’t answer. She simply stood up straighter and looked the guard dead in the eyes, “Go and get Twilight… NOW.”

One of the guards immediately galloped away to go get Twilight. Vinyl looked over at Pinkie, and noticed that her normally gravity defying mane and tail were incredibly flat and straight. Maybe it was all the blood that soaked it. She couldn’t be too sure. It wasn’t long before Twilight rounded the corner with absolutely no princess-like grace whatsoever.  Nonetheless, she was still their ruler, and it was Vinyl’s duty to bow when in the presence of one of them.

Vinyl barely began to kneel before Twilight spoke up. “Please, don’t worry about that. It’s not important.” She looked over at Pinkie with worried eyes. “You look horrible. Let me help you get cleaned up….” Twilight surrounded the three of them in a sphere of lavender aura. There was a sharp sucking sound, and in the blink of an eye, they were in a bathroom as big as Vinyl and Octavia’s apartment. Twilight guided Pinkie into one of the massive tubs before looking over at Vinyl, “You uh… you got blood on you too.” She magically activated the showerhead. Almost instantly, steam poured from the stall. “Make yourself comfortable.”

“T-thank you, Princess.” The DJ stammered, before hastily stepping into the shower. The warm water felt good on her coat, and she didn’t realize how tense she was until it did. As she let the water pelt her skin, she eavesdropped on Twilight and Pinkie’s conversation,

“Pinkie, what happened to you?” Twilight asked again. “Rarity told me you were in the hospital.”

“I was, until Celestia’s personal goons barged into my room.”

'The Solar Soldiers? That explains the bronze and gold inlayed armor. But what were they even doing all the way here in Ponyville?' Vinyl thought to herself.

“Were they there to ask you about what happened to you?”

“No. The police had already come and did that….” Vinyl heard Pinkie shifting in the tub. “They just told me that I was under arrest. They didn’t tell me why or anything.”

“I know that you’re an Earth Pony and everything… and that you guys are physically stronger than Unicorns or Pegasi… but I don’t think that even Applejack could’ve fought off Celestia’s personal guards. So… how did you??”

The bathroom was silent for a few moments before Pinkie spoke up again. “I don’t know. All I remember was that they were about to jump on me, and then I blacked out. When I came to…they were all dead.”

Twilight gasped, “Pinkie Pie!”

“I don’t know what happened, and I didn’t know what else to do! How would look if I was laying in my hospital bed, surrounded by bloody corpses? And the police were already looking at me all funny because of what happened at home! So… I ran….”

“And your friend? Why is she here?”

Vinyl wanted to know the same thing. Why did the Solar Soldiers want her, and how did Pinkie know they were coming for her? She tapped the tiny thunderhead to turn it off, and stepped out of the stall. She looked over at Pinkie, waiting for an answer.

“I heard somepony mention her name out in the hallway, just before the guards came in.” Pinkie replied in a soft tone. “They said they needed to split up, and that three of them would come into my room, while the other three went after her. She’s my friend, Twilight. I couldn’t let anything happen to her….”

Twilight stared thoughtfully into her eyes for a few moments, before turning away from her. “Okay… follow me. I’ll go and handle the Solar Soldiers.” She turned and trotted out of the bathroom. Pinkie and Vinyl followed after her as they headed down to the Main Hall. As they approached the entrance, they could make out the sounds of a verbal conflict.

“You don’t belong here!” Absolute screamed. “Get out of here before I make you leave!”

“Bring me Pinkamena and Vinyl Scratch, and we won’t have any problems!”

*THWACK!!*

As the trio rounded the corner, one of the guards was sprawled out on the floor. The other three guards were helping him up as she stomped angrily.

“What is going on in here?” Twilight demanded. She faced the Solar Soldiers. “Why are you here?”

The guard rubbed his chin before giving Twilight a curt bow, “Good afternoon, Princess Twilight. We are here to detain Pinkamena Diane Pie and Vinyl Scratch.”

“As in ‘arrest’ them? Did Celestia actually send you here?”

“Yes Princess. This order was by our Majesty herself.”

“Very well then, under what charges?”

At this, none of the guards answered. Twilight narrowed her eyes at them. “I will not ask again.”

One of the other guards stepped forward, “I am terribly sorry to say this Princess, but what we were instructed only to capture Pinkamena and Vinyl Scratch, and bring them back to Canterlot. We were told not to tell you why.”

“So… what I am hearing; is that you know the reason why you must bring them in, but you will not tell me.”

None of the guards answered her. Twilight flared her wings out and displayed them as a sign of anger. “You dare to step hoof onto my land, causing chaos within it, and striking fear into my citizens. Then, you have the sheer audacity to come into my home, and make demands as if you rule this place?!” she stomped towards them. “If you want these two, then you will tell me what the charges are! After that, they will be tried within a court of law, where, if they are guilty of whatever it is they could have possibly done, will be placed within jail as they would deserve. But if you will not tell me the charges, then you will have to fight me to get them!” The guards backed away from her. Elite fighters or not, she was still an Alicorn, and could strike them down with a single spell. She waited for any of them to challenge her. “You all will remain silent? If that is the case, then leave my castle! Go back home, and tell Celestia that if she has a problem with me turning you away, then she can address me herself! And if you step into my kingdom again, I will personally come track you down, and take care of you myself!!”

The guards hurried out of the entrance. Absolute started to follow them, but stopped and looked back at Twilight, “Your Majesty, if it’s alright with you, I would like to make sure that they leave the city walls without harassing anypony else.”

“It’s alright, Commander Zero. They were being followed as soon as they stepped hoof outside.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

She trotted off, leaving the trio to themselves. Twilight folded her wings and turned to Pinkie and Vinyl, “Sorry you girls had to see me like that.” She walked between them, “Well… I doubt they’ll come back here again on their own, but just to be safe, I’ll have two of the guest suites set up for you. Are either of you hungry or anything?”

Pinkie shook her head, “No… but I do want to let the Cakes know that I won’t be back there for a while….”

“I would like to do the same thing, Your Majesty. I would also like to grab some things from home.” Vinyl said.

Twilight nodded, “I understand. Stay right here. I’m going to send some guards out to make sure you two get home.”

She trotted around the corner, leaving them to themselves. Now that Vinyl was left alone with Pinkie, she felt that this was the perfect opportunity to ask her what was going on. “Pinkie, how did you really know they were coming for me?”

Pinkie looked up at her, “I know you were listening from the shower….”

“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean you were telling the truth.”

“I lied to keep Twilight safe!” Pinkie whispered harshly. “Twilight isn’t just my Princess, she’s one of my closest friends! And I’ll do whatever I need to do to keep one of my closest friends safe, even if I have to lie, cheat, steal, or kill to do it!”

Vinyl was taken aback by the statement. She had never seen Pinkie act like this before. Such ferocity… where did this all come from?

Pinkie pawed at the ground softly, “I’m sorry… I just….” her gaze wandered. “I don’t know how to really explain this….” She looked over to see if Twilight was coming back. When there was no sound of her, she turned back to her, “Can I ask you something? Maybe it’d be easier to explain if I started it this way.”

Vinyl arched a brow, “Um… sure… shoot, I guess.”

“I need you to be completely honest with me when you answer this, okay?”

“Pinkie, I’ve never lied to you, you know this. And you’re starting to freak me out, so please, just spit it out.”

Pinkie swallowed, and stared her straight in the eyes, “Does it feel like, there is somepony-no… something, talking to you? Like it’s something that’s living inside of you?”

Vinyl nodded slowly, her jaw slacking more and more as she did, “And… it’s telling you to do terrible, horrible things….”

“And you fight it, as hard as you can, but no matter what you do-”

“You know you can’t fight it forever….” Vinyl finished. She stepped closer to Pinkie, “You… you have something inside of you too?”

Pinkie nodded at her, “Yeah… I named the thing ‘Twisted’.”

“I call mine ‘Madd’.”

Both of their ears flicked as they heard wings beating from down the hall. Twilight flew back around the corner. “You two can start heading home. You’ll have safe passage through the city.”

“I thought you said you were getting guards?” Pinkie questioned.

Twilight smirked. “The Sunset Squad will be taking care of you.”

Pinkie’s eyes went wide. “Wow… you really think we’re in that much danger?”

Twilight’s smirk disappeared, “Yes… now go, please. I don’t want anything to happen to you or your friend. I don’t want anything to happen to anypony within my kingdom.”

“Okay… well, we’ll try to be quick.” Pinkie responded, before heading towards the doors and pushing them open. Vinyl wordlessly bowed before Twilight, then turned to follow Pinkie outside. Alone again, now they could finish their conversation.

“Pinkie… how long have you had this thing-”

Pinkie threw a hoof over Vinyl’s mouth, “Shush! They can hear!”

Vinyl pulled Pinkie’s hoof down and looked around. “Who are you talking about?”

“The Sunset Squad…” she looked around at the tops of buildings and alleyways, “They’re Twilight’s eyes and ears around the whole kingdom. Twilight doesn’t tell us the names of any of them, but I know one of the fighters. However, I was Pinkie Promised to keep their identity a secret.” Vinyl nodded in understanding. They continued in silence until they reached Sugarcube Corner. “I don’t know how long I’ll be here. So you go ahead to your own place. I’ll wait for you here.”

“Are you sure it’s safe for us to split up, Pinkie?”

Pinkie nodded. “The Sunset Squad is all around us right now. Trust me, you’re more than safe.”

“If you say so….” Vinyl trotted off, leaving herself to her thoughts. Had Pinkie been keeping that dark secret all of her life? How did she get that monster inside of her? Was the thing sharing her body as evil as Madd? They had been close friends ever since Pinkie moved to Ponyville… why hadn’t she ever told her monster?

‘Why didn’t you ever tell her about me?’

She was at a loss for words. She couldn’t be mad at Pinkie for not telling her, when she had only just told Ditzy recently. At least Pinkie had said something first. And as horrible as it was… it was nice to have this in common with somepony. Now she could share her dark and disgusting little secrets with her friend.

‘Oh wow, you’re ditching one Earth Pony mare for another. You must be soooo proud.’

Vinyl’s face scrunched up a bit, ‘Shut up, you idiot. Octavia is still somepony I consider dear to me.’

‘Yeah yeah… I can’t wait until you stop caring though. Then I’ll get my hooves on that mare and pummel her face into nothing.’

‘I would take us both out before I ever gave you that opportunity!’

Madd chuckled in the back of her mind, ‘Please… if the black magic was going to let you die, then you would have already been successful with your last pathetic attempt to end your life.’

Vinyl shut her eyes in an attempt to block out the horrific memory that drove her to want to commit suicide in the first place. The image of her terror-stricken parents crossed her mind’s eye before she could completely shut it out.

“Vinyl?” Vinyl’s ears perked up at the sound of her name. She looked up to see Ditzy trotting up to her. “How are you?” Ditzy chirped. “What are you doing here? You’re pretty far from home.”

“I got attacked by some of Princess Celestia’s personal body guards.”

Ditzy’s eyes went wide, “Oh no! Really? Why?”

“I think it has to do with that thing we talked about….”

“You mean about that mons-”

Vinyl threw a hoof over Ditzy’s mouth. “Don’t talk about it so loudly! We’re being watched by the Sunset Squad….”

Ditzy pulled her muzzle away, “Wow… you’ve got the Sunset Squad keeping an eye on you? They must think you’re real bad news.”

“No, not at all. Princess Twilight sent them out to protect me until I get home and then back.”

“Back to where?”

“Princess Twilight’s castle. I’m going to be staying there for a little while, until she can find out why Princess Celestia sent them here in the first place.”

“Well if that’s the case, you’re definitely safe. Nopony messes with the Sunset Squad.”

“Am I the only pony who doesn’t know who the Sunset Squad is?”

Ditzy gasped and stared at her in shock, “Y-you don’t know who the Sunset Squad is?”

“No… that’s what I just said….”

“Okay, you know how the Solar Soldiers are Princess Celestia’s personal bodyguards? Well, the Sunset Squad is Princess Twilight’s version of that.” She looked around in hopes of seeing one of them. “Except everypony believes that they’re tougher than any of the other Princess’ personal bodyguards combined. You’ve never heard any of the things anypony say about them?”

Vinyl shook her head, “I told you, I hadn’t even heard of them until Princess Twilight said their name.”

“They are Princess Twilight’s shadowy hooves that reach over the city.” Ditzy replied in a scary, albeit goofy tone. “Their strength is unsurpassed by any normal pony, and they could even go hoof-to-hoof with the other Princesses!!”

Vinyl scoffed, “Yeah, right. I’m sure they’re tough. They’d have to be to be able to protect the Princess, but there’s no way they could successfully fight and win against an Alicorn.”

“Well maybe not one, but two or three of them, and the Princesses would find their hooves more than full.”

“No way. Strong or not, there’s just no way two or three ponies could beat up an Alicorn.”

“Who says that they’re just ponies?”

Vinyl looked over at her, “Well, super secretive or not, it’d be really frickin’ hard for something other than a pony to blend in into the city.”

“Well, yeah, that’s true. Sorry, what I meant was, what makes you think they’re normal ponies?”

“Uhm….”

“Exactly! They’re NOT normal ponies. Or… at least… that’s what everypony believes….”

Vinyl chuckled, “What other rumors have been said about the Sunset Squad?”

“That Princess Twilight experimented on them.”

Vinyl gave her a blank stare, before bursting out into a fit of laughter.

“It’s not funny!!”

“No way! No frickin’ way!”

“It’s totally true!”

“What makes you say that?”

“Look around you. How many members of the Sunset Squad are here protecting you right now?”

“I don’t know. Princess Twilight disappeared around a corner, and then she was back within a couple minutes. Pinkie asked her about the body guards, and she said the Sunset Squad would be taking care of us, and that was it.”

“That’s my point. You never saw them. Not even once. Nopony has, because Princess Twilight doesn’t allow it.” Ditzy scratched her chin, “Well…nopony that has seen any of them has lived to talk about it.”

“So, wait, are they like, mutated assassins or something?”

“They have sworn their lives to Princess Twilight. They’ll be whatever she wants them to be. If she wants them to be scouts, then they’ll be scouts. If she wants them to be escorts, they’ll be escorts. And if she wants them to be assassins… well… then that’s what they’ll be.”

Vinyl checked her surroundings once more. She didn’t see even the tiniest tell-tale sign that the Sunset Squad was around. She only knew they were there because she was told they were out there. If Princess Twilight saw her as a threat to her kingdom, she could have the Sunset Squad take her out before she even had the opportunity to process what was going on. And that….

That terrified her.

“Ooh! I need to head to Market Square! I need to grab some vegetables for dinner tonight!” Ditzy patted Vinyl’s shoulder, “If you ever need me for anything, don’t hesitate to talk to me, alright?”

Vinyl nodded, “Thank you Ditzy. Thanks for being my ear. Someday… I’ll be able to tell Octi.”

“Don’t rush it, okay? It’ll be a lot or her to take in, friend or not. I know it was for me!” Ditzy giggled, “I’ll talk to you later okay? Bye!”

She fluttered off, waving to Vinyl as she did. Vinyl waved back, then trotted up the steps to her apartment. She let out a sad sigh before unlocking the door to her apartment.

Octavia was trotting around the kitchen, throwing vegetable into a pan. They sizzled as soon as they hit the pan, and she immediately went to grab some butter and seasonings to spice up her meal. She looked over at Vinyl, “Good evening, Vi! I’m glad you made it home so early, I’m making pan seared mixed veggie stir-fry! Can you grab some plates and set the table?”

Vinyl gave her a crooked, sad smile. Octavia, far too busy cooking, didn’t pay it much attention. “Sure thing Octi.”

She walked into the kitchen and proceeded to grab a plate and glass for her friend. She set them on the table, and then grabbed the paper towel roll within her magical grasp. She sat at the table and waited for Octi to finish cooking. How would she tell her? Should she? Octavia was one of the longest running friendships she had, with only her bond with Pinkie predating that. What should she do? She rubbed her temples with her hooves and sat in brooding silence until she heard Octavia getting closer to the table.

“I hope you’re hungry-” Octavia frowned when she saw only one plate, “Vinyl, you’re not eating out of the pan again just so there aren’t as many dishes to wash. You’re going to start working on your etiquette! You promised me that, remember?”

Vinyl felt her heart tighten at the nagging. She would miss it. She would miss her. But with Princess Celestia wanting her captured, she would have to leave so that she didn’t put Octavia in harm’s way.

“Octavia….” She magicked the pan and spoon from Octavia’s hooves and scooped the contents of it onto the plate. The pan hovered back over to the stove, before it landed with a soft clank on one of the cold isles. “Please, sit down.”

Worry crossed Octavia’s features, but she listened. Vinyl took off her shades and placed them on the table. She looked up at her, “Octavia, I’m… not here to eat. I just came here to grab some of my things.”

“W-what? Wait, why?” Octavia questioned.

“Something happened earlier today, and Princess Twilight is having me stay with her until the whole thing blows over.”

“What thing? What happened?” Octavia narrowed her eyes. “What did you do?”

Vinyl couldn’t help but chuckle at the last question. Typical Octavia. “I didn’t do anything, Tavi. It’s just… dangerous, for me to be here….”

“Is somepony out to hurt you?” Octavia scooted her chair closer to Vinyl, “Listen to me… you know I don’t like to, but I will resort to violence if need be, if it means protecting you.”

Vinyl looked up at her, “It’s the Solar Soldiers.”

Octavia arched a brow, “Princess Celestia’s personal guards?”

“Yeah. Pinkie showed up here and told me to go with her ASAP. I followed her, only to find out the Solar Soldiers were after both of us. “

“Do you know why they’re after you?”

‘Because you’re a fucking monster who could kill damn near everypony on the planet.’

“No…and that’s why I’ll be staying with Princess Twilight. She said she’ll keep me safe until she can figure out what’s going on.”

There were a few moments of silence that hung in the air. Octavia rubbed her chin thoughtfully before she spoke up. “Well…I may not be able to beat all of the Solar Soldiers, but I can most certainly take one or two down.”

Vinyl smiled and shook her head, “Nah, I don’t wanna get a call from the police department telling me you’re in jail. Besides, you’d be in there for attacking the Solar Soldiers. Your bail would probably be so damn high that you’d probably clean out my bank accounts.”

Octavia giggled. “That’s if they would even let somepony bail me out.”

Vinyl joined in on the laughter. It was weird how they just…worked. Nights of playful banter, watching movies, and the occasional rough housing (If they had consumed enough alcohol that night) had helped them form a bond. Vinyl’s smile disappeared when she realized that she wouldn’t get to have moments like these for a while, if ever again.

“I… I need to start packing my suitcase.”

Octavia’s smile vanished as well, “Okay. I’ll help you.”

They trudged into Vinyl’s room. There were various cables mapped out on the floor, connecting different pieces of equipment to one another. A turntable with dozens of CDs stacked on it was in the corner of the room. On her mattress, lay a laptop, with a few empty bottle of energy boosters surrounding it. She thought of all the times she laid there, and Octavia would join her to drone on about how rough things were up at the concert hall. She missed those nights. The nights were she would teeter into Octavia’s room at 4am to tell her how awesome her beats were, and then how Octavia would stagger in the next time around. She wanted to tell her everything. To tell her that it was too dangerous for Octavia to be there, because Vinyl was the danger. But she was scared. Too scared of the rejection of one of her closest friends. She grabbed her suitcase, and began to grab some of her things. The time passed by all too quickly, and it wasn’t long before she had all of her suitcase full and ready to go. They both trudged out of the room and to the living room. They stopped in front of the door and Vinyl looked over at Octavia, who she caught trying to brush away a tear. “Hey… thanks for putting up with me all these years….”

Octavia let out a tiny chuckle, “What are friends for, if not for putting up with each other’s little escapades?”

Vinyl trotted over to her, and nuzzled her cheek. Octavia sniffled a few times and threw her forelegs around Vinyl’s neck. Sophisticated cellist or not, Vinyl could feel the Earth Pony strength that was ingrained into her muscles.

“Promise me you’ll stay safe….” Octavia said.

Vinyl nodded. “I promise….” She pulled away from Octavia, and raised her hoof up. Octavia wiped her eyes one more time and hoof bumped her friend. Vinyl turned away from her and opened the door, and stepped outside. With a tiny click from the door’s lock, she realized that she would never be able to return to that part of her life, so long as this thing was inside of her.

‘It’s a good thing you told her goodbye. I don’t plan on leaving, for as long as you live.’

With a defeated sigh, Vinyl began a slow trek back to the castle.

-MLP-

There were very few times in the vast expanse of her life, were Silk felt even the slightest tinge of fear.

However, this was a situation where she did.

It was dark, and the moisture in the air was thick and hot. The room smelled foul, heavy with decay and death. There was a steady breathing that filled the room. Gasconade was beside her,

“Calm yourself, Sister. You reek of fear.”

Silk gave a small nod. The breathing got louder as something slumbered towards them. Silk absorbed her fear, as the thing in the dark stopped. Something was in front of her. Something large. Something evil, and something that she feared and respected only to its face. A set of milky, pupil-less eyes appeared before them.

“You called for us, Father?”

The blackness in front of her let out a loud snort, “What have you been doing, child?”

“Enjoying the ways of the world, and the sins of ponykind.” Silk coolly replied.

“Did you do as I have asked of you?”

Gasconade puffed out his chest proudly. “But of course, Father. We have never let you down be-”

Something large slammed into the ground beside them. Silk barely saw any movement in Gasconade’s body, save for one. One tiny flinch of muscle that was a dead giveaway to her.

He was just as scared as she was.

“Don’t you dare finish that, you disgraceful little shit.” The voice spoke. It was very calm, but they knew the power and rage that swam behind it.  “If you had done as I said the first time, we wouldn’t be here now, slithering around underneath the hooves of those pathetic mortals.”

Silk swallowed, thinking of the right words to say. “Yes Father. You’re right, and we will spend our eternities serving you, and to put you on the Throne of the World.”

A row of teeth, each tooth as long as a stallion was tall, glimmered with a source of unknown light.

“Daughter…you know your silky lies fall upon death ears.” The teeth edged a bit closer, “You are the fruit of my loins, the seeds of my influence that I have unleashed upon the world. I know that you won’t serve me for eternity. You will lash out as soon as you think you have found an opportunity. I will make sure you never get that chance. When you have served your purpose, I will take my essence that flows within you, and recreate new forms when I feel like you will need to be used again.” Silk inwardly cringed as his hot, rotten breath hit her full force. “It will be…a fresh start, so to speak.”

Gasconade’s feathers ruffled with irritation. The milky orbs focused on him,

“Do you have a problem, child? I suggest you deal with it in a manner that keeps you from suffering permanently.”

Gasconade’s anger was barely contained, and it showed. Silk watched as his body twitched with a rage-induced tremble. Silk dissipated the situation as quickly as she could. She thumped his shoulder with a hoof, and he looked over at her as if she had stabbed him. She gave him a stern look, before facing the eyes and teeth.

“Worry not, Father. I will be sure to correct him later.”

“Do so. I don’t want to waste the energy ending his life sooner than necessary.”

“Of course, Father.”

“Remove yourself from this domain, and spread my influence upon the mortals.”

Silk bowed a bit before him, while Gasconade remained rigid. She rose up, and put on a sultry look, “I love you, Father.”

The beast in the dark chuckled. The stench of his breath rolled onto them in waves, “Once again you spin your lies. You are a whore, Daughter. You were created to bring out the sexual desires of mortals. To corrupt their morals and cloud their judgement. Continue doing that, and do not waste your words on me.”

Silk’s smile turned into a tiny smirk, “Of course, Father.”

They turned and left, leaving their father in the darkness. They faded into shadows, and emerged in the shadows that outlined Twilight’s kingdom.

“Torpor is somewhere within the kingdom’s wall.” Gasconade stated. “We should go find the little shit before he gets too lazy and starts bullshitting around.”

Silk nodded. “Agreed. Besides… I would like to pay another visit to Princess Twilight… I cannot simply have just one night with a beautiful princess.”

“We don’t have time for you to be fucking some princess.” Gasconade hissed. “If you’re going to go to the castle, why don’t you go and speak with our little dragon. I heard he’s starting to wake up. Maybe he is more useful now.”

Silk started to slink into the night, “Very well… but after that, I shall have another night to have a taste of royalty….”