Oriana, Rose Thorn, and Vaiawa left Artex' hospital room shortly thereafter. They wanted to stay with Razor and they knew their stallion was not going anywhere. Night had fallen before they left and Artex was tired. Once they departed he closed his eyes and tried to fall asleep. Alas, it was not to be. As soon as he closed his eyes there was a knock on the door of his room.

Artex grumbled and yelled, "Come in."

The door opened and in strode one of the Royal Guard Unicorns wearing saddle bags. He stopped and bowed to Artex, "Good evening, Mister Emissary. I'm Regimental Commander Peach Pit. I understand you are prepared to provide a statement about the assault. Is that correct?"

"Yeah," Artex groaned, "Let's get this over with."

Peach Pit nodded and laid down on the floor. He lit up his horn and floated several sheaves of paper, a quill, a jar of ink, and a small box of sand out of his saddle bags, "Give me moment to get all set up, sir, and we can have this nasty business concluded so you can get some rest," he spoke as he arranged the articles on the floor. After a few moments to adjust everything he needed, he looked up at Artex expectantly, "Whenever you're ready, Mister Emissary."

"It began when I woke up this morning..."

"Sir," Peach Pit interrupted, "I only require an account of the events immediately preceding (proceeding is after, preceding is before) the assault."

"No," Artex replied, "In order to have a truly complete picture of the events, I HAVE to include what happened this morning as it pertains to your entire investigation."

Peach Pit grumbled quietly before he spoke up, low enough a Kavim would not have been able to hear the grumbling, "Very well sir," he sighed, "Begin with this morning."

* * *

"... and then Regimental Commander Swift Wind escorted me back here." Artex had related the events of his entire day to Peach Pit, taking time to carefully explain what Manic Depression was and exactly how it could effect one's perception and judgement.

Peach Pit had faithfully written down every word, and as Artex finished, so did he. He lifted the quill and looked up to Artex, "Was there anything else you wanted to add, Mister Emissary? I could let you review my transcribed account. I want to ensure that all events are presented as accurately as possible."

Artex nodded and held out his hands, "I would like to take a look please, Commander."

Peach Pit levitated the papers up to the bed and set them down in Artex' lap, "There you are, sir."

Artex picked up the papers, thankful Peach Pit had the presence of mind to number the pages, and he began to read. He finished after a few minutes. Peach Pit had written down everything Artex had said, verbatim. He placed the papers on the sheets of his bed, "I'm finished, thank you. I am also glad you did not color the statement with any of your own opinions. I know how difficult it can be to remain objective. Before I came to Equestria, I was a guard for hire."

Peach Pit levitated the papers off the bed and began packing away his materials but stopped and set them all back out, "Was there any personal opinion you wished to divulge in regard to the charges being filed against your assailant or the doctor? And were there any additional charges you wished to file on anypony else while we are on the subject?"

Artex nodded, "I would like you to write down my opinion of my assailant and the doctor, as well as the hospital staff and the Civil Guard who filed the charges in my stead."

Peach Pit lit up his horn and dipped the quill into the ink pot, "Whenever you're ready, sir."

"While the young stallion's attack was uncalled for and vicious, I am of the mindset that it was not specifically carried out with the intent of actually killing me. I also understand that once the severity of my injury was revealed, he actually took the initiative to alert medical personnel and bring them to me. To my understanding he also did not attempt to flee, and in fact stayed close by and submitted to arrest when confronted by the Civil Guard. I wish for these facts to be kept in mind while he is on trial. He does need to be taught a severe lesson about what is and is not the proper way to treat potential threats, but I think that perhaps his heart may have been in the right place. His methods were deplorable and highly irregular, but I do not wish for him to have his life ruined by a single, albeit drastically horrendous, poor decision."

Artex stopped to think for a moment before continuing, "Next, I wish to provide my opinion of the doctor who's care I was under and hopefully will be again. The doctor seems to have performed well given the likely extremely limited knowledge she has of Human anatomy. The manacles were excessive, though. Soft restraints would have worked better and the best course of action would have been to have a nurse present in the room to prevent a misunderstanding. I have nothing against her personally and I would like the charges against her dropped immediately. As for the staff of this hospital, they were all very patient with me. I was... less pleasant than I could have been and none of them presented, carried, or conducted themselves with anything except appropriate professionalism. The Civil Guard who filed the claims against the hospital did so without approval from me, though I can understand why she would have the idea that it was necessary. I whole-heartedly commend her sense of dedication and professional neutrality, as it is one of the best I have ever seen. She is a stoic and steadfast example of what a Civil Guard should be. Her integrity is not to be overstated. She arrested the young stallion who was effectively her own son, and she took steps to ensure that accusations against the hospital were filed in accordance with the spirit of justice... which is not always something that is adhered to by all who wear the armor of the Guard."

The snap of the quill in Peach Pit's grasp was something that Artex did not miss, "Is something wrong, Commander?" He asked innocently.

Peach Pit cleared his throat and kept his expression neutral, "No sir, just a mishap with the quill."

Artex nodded, "Very well then. I am finished with my opinions. I do have a question though, when I left the hospital there were eleven or so Unicorn stallions who escorted me to the train station and even assisted with my comfort. They carried themselves like members of the E.U.P. Guard but they were filthy and unkempt. Do you know anything about them? I asked them some questions, but they said nothing to me."

Peach Pit spoke as he put away his writing utensils, "They are the survivors of the Unicorns who took part in Proud Hoof's Massacre. Their sentence is to live as vagrants and to aid any and all Humans they see in the cities. There used to be more of them but the rest died of exposure to the elements this past winter."

Artex pursed his lips, "Fair enough. Was there any chance I could see my doctor this evening, Commander?"

"I am afraid not, sir. Since you were not the one to file the complaint, you cannot be the one to rescind it. Do not worry, we have another doctor ready to see to your needs as soon as I leave the room."

Artex controlled his expression, "Are you familiar with the Hippocratic Oath, Commander?"

"I am not, sir." Peach Pit replied.

"The Hippocratic Oath is a binding oath of privacy that Human doctors must swear in regard to the personal information of their patients. I was unable to state my permission to my doctor while I was undergoing surgery, but our law allows for such things in extenuating circumstances. Seeing as this is no longer out of my control, I wish to be treated only by the doctor who has knowledge of my body and its inner workings. It is one of the laws of Humans and has been for thousands of years. Do I need to ask the Princesses to involve themselves, Commander?"

Peach Pit met Artex' eyes evenly for more than a full minute of silence, "I will see if I can have the investigation finished by morning, sir. In the meantime I will see to it that the nurses who assisted in your surgery and recovery are the only ones who are permitted to administer to you. Would you be willing to allow another doctor to tend to you until I have cleared the accused doctor of the filed complaint?"

Artex shook his head, "I am sorry Commander, but I'm afraid I must be insistent on this matter. I do, very much, appreciate your determination in keeping to the law though."

Peach Pit rose to his hooves and bowed his head to Artex, "Thank you, Mister Emissary. I will see what I can arrange within the confines of the law. Was there anything else you needed help with?"

"No, thank you, Commander. You may send in the nurses whenever you like." Artex said politely.

* * *

In the morning, Artex awoke to the feeling of a very warm pile of bodies on his own. He opened his eyes to his favorite sight, four wonderful mares all cuddled up to him. He dared not move a muscle for fear of knocking one or more of them off the side of the bed. He had absolutely no idea how Vaiawa had taken her favorite position: sleeping above his head, in the small hospital bed. Artex did notice, however that the two E.U.P. Guards who had been inside the room were absent.

The door of the room clicked open and one of the Pegasus Guards poked his head inside. He and Artex met eyes and the Guard nodded while trying to conceal a smile. He closed the door quietly and the room returned to peacefulness. Artex closed his eyes and gently pulled his mares closer. They were an absolutely divine relief for the stress he had endured the previous day. He breathed deeply, their scent filling his nose and mind with peaceful and enjoyable memories. He felt his stress slowly melting away in the presence of his loves. He let himself slowly drown in the carefree feeling of so much love all directed at him. It was as close to Heaven as he could hope for while alive. It was wonderful beyond words.

Artex drifted back to sleep, enjoying the feeling of holding his loves. He awoke some time later to the sound of the door quietly clicking open. He raised his head, cringing at the pain it brought to do so, and saw a forest-green Unicorn mare wearing glasses and a white lab coat, who had her pinkish gold mane and tail up in a pair of tight buns. She was followed by the same cornflower blue nurse who had led him to the security office the day before. The nurse was pushing a metal cart with a plate of food on a tray on top and medical instruments on the bottom rack.

Artex locked eyes with the green Unicorn mare. She matched his stare with one of her own. Her face was neutral but curious. Artex nudged Razor Wit with his right arm and Oriana with his left. He was glad that Vaiawa was in her Pegasus disguise, otherwise there might have been a riot considering how he felt the city might very likely react. He was not sure about how to feel about the city, but it was still not in any positive light.

Razor Wit raised her head from the crook of his arm and gave a huge yawn. She smacked her lips a few times, then looked down at her fiancé. A warm smile graced her face and she lowered her head and kissed him lightly on the lips, "I'm so glad to see you're alright." She said softly.

"Uh, Razor," he began, "Is that one of your Petamines?"

Razor looked up so fast she overbalanced and almost fell off the bed. Fortunately Artex rolled a natural twenty on his reflex save and caught her with his right arm, "Woah there, sweetie." He said pulling her back to his chest and hiding the wince from flexing his stomach muscles,, "It's generally a good idea to get off a bed HOOVES first."

The vibrations and sound of giggling against his crotch alerted him to the fact that Rose was awake. Artex loosened his grip on Razor and she slowly slid off the bed as Oriana began to stir. Razor trotted around the far side of the bed and peeked around the corner sheepishly, "G-good morning, Petamine."

The forest-green Unicorn mare gazed evenly at Razor for a brief moment before sighing sadly. She closed the room's door with her magic and spoke only once it was completely closed, "Well it certainly is morning. As for the 'good' part, I would say that is to be determined by whether or not your Lamine has stopped crying yet."

Razor visibly bristled, the fur along her neck and back standing up on end like one very long mohawk, "I make no apologies for what I said." She replied sharply, "Had she been open minded, she would have told the family about her time around Humans and how frail they are. She would have told you how all the rumors floating around Trottingham were false. Then Cloud Cutter would have known better than to try cutting my fiancé in HALF!" She snorted and narrowed her eyes, "She KNEW what Humans were like from her own time training in New Humansville, but she let her prejudices hold her back from fixing a growing problem and the stallion I love had to suffer the consequences! As far as I am concerned this entire thing is her fault and I am done with her, now and forever!"

The green mare spoke evenly, "Razor Augustine Wittica, you may be a grown mare, but you will keep a level voice and a civil tongue when speaking to me."

Razor all but snarled, "I will speak to you any way I please! You practically hog-tied him to the bed..."

"I made a mistake, Razor. One I hope to fix." The green Unicorn said calmly, "Will you calm yourself enough for me to do that?"

Razor snorted and trotted back to the right side of Artex' bed, "Fine, but I'll be watching."

Oriana, Rose, and Vaiawa had gotten down from the bed by that point. They gathered around Razor in a way that reminded Artex of an actual herd. The green Unicorn mare trotted up to the left side of Artex' bed and adjusted her glasses with her magic before clearing her throat, "Pardon the family drama, your Lordship..."

Artex cut her off, "I'm no Lord, ma'am. I'm just a guy who happens to be passably good with getting folks to get along," he looked to Razor and back, "Although here recently, my record seems to be more than a bit tarnished. In either case, please just call me Artex." He rolled part way onto his left and held out his right hand, "And you are...?"

"Clean Cut," she said, shaking his hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you." She lowered her hoof, "Regimental Commander Peach Pit tells me that I am cleared of the investigation that Numbers set into motion. He also tells me that you had a bit of a positive opinion about your treatment, yet you were verbally abusive toward my nurse here. Why is it that I'm hearing two conflicting stories?"

Artex put on his most disarming smile, "That would be because of how angry I was about waking up after being nearly eviscerated, and I was chained down hands, feet, and neck. And stripped naked to boot. On top of that, I had been flatly turned away from a hotel because I was Human, I was threatened with a weapon by a bookseller mare, and I was hit with a tomato, all in the course of one day. I think most would be more than a bit unhappy."

Clean Cut nodded sadly, "I knew about all that. I had the idea that you had received terrible treatment here in Trottingham. I'm so sorry." Her tone was earnest.

"So, are you my doctor?" He asked.

Clean Cut let a small smile crease her face, "I am. Oh that reminds me, the Regimental Commander said something about Humans having special laws about who can know about their medical history?"

Artex nodded, "It's true... to a certain extent." He said with a devious smile, "I... might have bent the truth just a little to give the Commander a little extra impetus. While the Hippocratic Oath is very real and it is strictly enforced, it is not quite as stringent as I might have led the Commander to believe, at least to medical professionals. While a Human is ensured doctor/patient confidentiality, the patient may designate individuals to make medical decisions for them. In this case, my lovely ladies here all constitute my designated decision makers should I be incapacitated or otherwise unable to respond."

Clean Cut smiled a little wider, "So then... you lied to get me back here and make me look good."

"Not quite, I exaggerated a little, but the basis was absolutely correct, just not all of the specifics." Artex admitted sheepishly.

"Clever." Was Clean Cut's only response.

Artex shrugged, "I have to be at least a little clever. It's not like I can get around on good looks."

"Speaking of which, since you designated me as your doctor, what happened to your face?" Clean Cut asked.

"A single kick which was the result of a misunderstanding between myself and a Unicorn stallion." Artex replied, "Humans are frail compared to Kavim. So, are we going to discuss my ugly 'mug' or are you going to check up on my sutures?"

Clean Cut nodded, "I was about to say the same thing. I trust you will let me know if I need permission to see some specific part of you?"

"Just don't peek at my genitals and we won't have a problem." Artex replied.

Clean Cut smiled, "That should not be an issue. Hold still please. I'm going to remove the clothes you have covering the wound and I need to apply some pressure to the surrounding area. Let me know if there is an unusual amount of tenderness." Artex held still while she lit up her horn and pulled up his shirt. She performed a quick scan then gently prodded the area. Nothing hurt any more than usual.

The light of her horn dimmed, "Do all Humans heal this fast? I would have guessed that you had been here for four or five days from the look of the wound."

Artex shook his head, "No. My body emits a passive Noun and Verb of Repair and Flesh all the time. It is one of the unusual things about Human magic. We are generally blind to several Nouns and Verbs but the ones we do have are more powerful and some are active all the time. My hands, for example, have Destroy and Magic constantly so if I touched anything you're holding with your magic, it would cancel out the levitation and give you a painful backlash. The big downside is that I have almost no Finesse with my magic so it is brutish, forceful, and direct."

Clean Cut stepped back and motioned for the nurse to come forward, "I hope this is edible for you. If not, I can have the kitchen serve up something specific to your dietary needs."

Artex reached over and picked the tray off the cart, "No problem for me. Humans can't digest most grasses and flowers, but after I received a transfusion, I am basically a Kavim on the inside. I can eat anything you can and some things that you can't. That's why I'm marrying Razor. I can't father children with Human women, only Kavim." He started eating the eggs, strawberries, and toast with gusto.

"On that note," Vaiawa suddenly spoke up, "Artex hasn't been sized yet. I don't want to worry about him splitting me open on our wedding night."

Artex turned his head slowly toward his mares, his entire face beet red, "Wh... I'm not having one of Razor's MOTHERS size me!"

Vaiawa cocked her head to the left slightly, "Is there something wrong? She IS a doctor and I'm sure she has done so for other males before." She looked to Clean Cut, "I may be presuming too much, but have you?"

Clean Cut nodded, "I have on several occasions. In order to do that though, I need permission. I would also need to examine all of you as well to make a comparison. Not all mares are made the same." She turned her gaze to Artex and raised her eyebrows "Would that be acceptable?"

Artex swallowed hard, "Uh... how uh... in depth are these measurements?"

"Well I need to take measurements of the length and girth of your penis while fully erect and compare it to the size of the vulvas of your mares." Clean Cut said in a tone she might use while discussing the weather.

Artex blinked, "Sooooo you need me to strip down and get a hard-on so you can measure my... me."

Clean Cut nodded, "That is correct."

"Would your nurse have to be in the room? And can I get assurances from you that you will be completely professional about it?" Artex asked.

Clean Cut smiled, "Do not worry. She does not have to be in here and I promise not to make fun of you." She turned to her nurse, "Could you step outside for a moment please? I will let you know when we're ready to have you come back in." The nurse nodded and left the room, closing the door behind her.

Clean Cut then levitated a sheet of paper out of one of the pockets of her lab coat, "I'm afraid I don't know anything about Human genitalia so I will begin with the mares first while you figure out how to develop an erection."

"If you let me take a look at the girls, I can pretty much guarantee I'll have one by the time you're done." He said taking a big bite out of his toast.

Clean Cut giggled behind her hoof, "I suppose there are some things that are true with males of all species." She turned to the mares, "Would one of you be willing to unfold yourselves in front of him?"

"Only Oriana or Razor." Artex said quickly, "I have not proposed to Rose or Vaiawa yet. I would feel wrong about it."

Oriana gulped and raised her right forehoof while Razor's tail tucked firmly between her hind legs. Clean Cut nodded, "It seems we have a volunteer. Alright ladies, line up facing toward your fiancé or boyfriend and unfold yourselves please."

Vaiawa looked away, "I'm afraid I can't."

Clean Cut gave her a reassuring smile, "It's alright. I won't Open you." She gestured to Artex, "That's his job. I just need to measure the outside of your vulva."

Rose spoke up, "That's not the problem. Unless I'm off about this, you won't get an accurate measurement."

Clean Cut raised her eyebrows, "How do you mean?"

Razor stepped in, "Petamine," she said evenly, "I need you to be open minded. Can you do that? I need you to promise me, PROMISE me that you won't freak out or panic or scream."

Clean Cut looked openly worried, "Razor dear, what's wrong? Why would you ask me that?"

Artex opened his screfula and formed his fingers in a casual manner while he finished off his breakfast. If Clean Cut started to scream, he would wrap her lab coat around her muzzle and hold it closed. Razor took a deep breath, "Vaiawa is a wonderful mare. She's done a lot to help us and the Humans. Keep in mind that what you've seen from her is exactly who she is... no matter what species she is."

Clean Cut looked puzzled for half a second, "What do yo..." she trailed off as her eyes widened.

Vaiawa lowered her head bashfully, "I'm sorry I deceived you." Green fire erupted from her hooves and spread over her entire body, revealing a Changeling mare as tall as Chrysalis was, "As you can see, I'm not a Pegasus."

Clean Cut was silent as she stared at Vaiawa. The silence lasted for more than half a minute before the Unicorn doctor spoke, "And... you haven't used any mind altering spells on Razor wit or any of the others?"

Vaiawa shook her head, "No. I would never do such a thing. Well, except to save their lives and I highly doubt that would ever happen."

Clean Cut straightened her lab coat and nodded, "Very well. I have never measured a Changeling before."

The entire room breathed a sigh of relief and Clean Cut continued, "As I said, ladies face Artex, shift your tails to the side, and unfold yourselves please. This will only take a moment."

Rose, Razor, and Vaiawa all stepped up to Artex' bedside and shifted their tails to the left as Clean Cut came up behind them. They all locked eyes with Artex but their expressions varied. Rose looked stern, but as Clean Cut took the measurement, the tough Earth Pony mare inhaled sharply through her nose. Razor Wit chewed on her lower lip and when her Petamine took the measurement, she squeaked adorably while keeping her eyes locked on his. Vaiawa held his gaze calmly. The only sign that she was uncomfortable was her eyes bulging only by the tiniest bit.

Clean Cut trotted out from behind the three mares, "You can refold and cover yourselves ladies. I'm all done." She trotted over to Oriana and looked at her kindly, "I'm sure this is completely new for you so what can I do to make you more comfortable?"

Artex set the tray on the table next to his bed. Oriana blushed bright red and laid back her ears, "Uh, well..." she glanced to Artex, "Can you see well enough from up there?"

Artex smiled at her, "I can see just fine, Ori. Are you sure you're alright with this?"

Oriana nodded nervously, "I-I mean you're going to see me back there eventually, right?"

"Yes... sweetie, if you're worried about being unattractive back there, you're worried over nothing. You could never be ugly to me." Artex said softly.

Oriana slowly turned toward him and lifted her tail. While Artex watched in fascination the muscles on her haunches contracted and much like the name sake, her pelvic curtain opened from an invisible seam in the center of her backside. It was very odd to see for the first time. It really did look like a curtain being drawn apart. Artex' eyes were drawn by the jarring realization that she was completely bare of any sort of fur or hair under the curtain save for a small tuft of the good ole 'short and curlies' nestled around her outer lips. Those soft looking mounds drew his eyes like a moth to a flame. From top to bottom the cleft of her slit was only barely longer than his index finger. The tender skin looked as smooth as silk, the perfect image of healthy naughty bits. There was not a single crease or wrinkle marring her luscious flesh. There was nothing peeking out from between the fleshy lips her labia but he wanted to see what was hidden. Oh how he wanted to see. He wanted to crawl out of the hospital bed and explore her like Magellan. Just above her lips was a small bright pink little pucker. His eyes did not linger on her back door for too long though. He was glad to see that every inch of her was squeaky clean and the most tender, perfect shade of pink. She looked as pure as untouched snow and he had never desired her more than he did at that moment.

Clean Cut measured her quickly then stepped back, looking at Artex, "Have you seen enough?"

Artex shook his head to clear away the lecherous thoughts, a goofy smile adorning his face, "For now." He looked down to his crotch and chuckled, "Looks like I'm ready to go camping. This tent is very pitched."

Clean Cut trotted over beside his bed and propped herself up on her hind legs, "Alright, let's get you measured. Did you want me to remove your clothes or would you feel more comfortable doing that yourself?"

"Give me a second." He used his hands to feel for his belt buckle and unlatched it. He then unbuttoned his pants and pushed them down, along with his underwear. He could see his penis pop free of the fabric, "Go ahead." He turned his head in embarrassment and looked to his mares. They had all averted their eyes.

Clean Cut was quick with her measurements and was finished within moments, "All done. You can cover yourself back up now." Artex quickly pulled his underwear and pants back up and began fastening them while Clean Cut spoke to the mares, "You girls have nothing to worry about. While he doesn't have quite the usual length, he more than makes up for it with girth, but none of you should experience any more discomfort than normally occurs during intercourse. It may take some time for your bodies to stretch enough to accommodate him, but I don't foresee any major problems. Just take it very slow," she shot Artex a pointed look before turning back to the mares, "And try to be patient the first couple of times." She cleared her throat looking at Vaiawa, "You might want to change back now." A green flash of light later and Vaiawa was back in her Pegasus disguise.

Clean Cut then raised her voice, "You may come back in now." A few seconds later the nurse came back in the room. She grabbed the empty tray off the bedside table and waited patiently while Clean Cut finished up, "I'm going to have the nurse here bring you up some more pain medication shortly. You need to stay in this bed until I say you can leave. Do I make myself clear?"

Artex saluted from his position lying down on the bed, "Yes, ma'am."

Clean Cut flashed a small smile, "Good. I hope that we can get the rest of this nasty business taken care of as soon as possible. I will come and visit you after I get off work. If you are unable to come to the house to meet the family, we will come to you."

"I'm looking forward to it." Artex replied, "I can't guarantee that I can make anypony show any leniency toward, uh Cloud Cutter, but I might be able to help a little."

Clean Cut sighed sadly, "It was a STUPID thing for him to do. We love him dearly, but he needs to be taught a hard lesson. What he did was beyond unacceptable. I'm almost inclined to ask if a Rectifier can give him your memories of the event so he can know how it feels." She looked up and met Artex' eyes, "I can't imagine how hard this has been for you and I understand if you're bitter about it, but we aren't bad Ponies. We supported Razor when she went off to find the Diamond Dogs. We were worried, but she was always a stubborn filly and an independent mare. We love her and I know that most of us will love all of you." She glanced to Vaiawa, "Although in some cases it might take a little while. Numbers isn't a bad mare either. I know there's some bad feelings between her and Razor, but she really is a wonderful mare. She gets hung up on a few things and we've had to speak with her about them before. I can't promise that she'll come with us when we visit tonight, but if she does please be patient with her. Where do you think Razor gets her stubborn streak?"

Razor growled quietly in reply, "I won't be here if she's here. I said I was done with her and I meant it. Even if she accepts Artex and Vaiawa, I'm still not talking to her ever again."

Clean Cut's face saddened, "Razor, she took steps which got me in trouble, and she did it on behalf of your fiancé, despite him being a different species. I agree that she should have spread word about how Humans really are, but you need to at least be open to the possibility of forgiving her. She loves you, you know that. Give her another chance."

"She's already HAD chances!" Razor shrieked, "She was mean to Lamane's Minotaur friend and she was mean to Slobber Chops! You met them, you liked them! Slobber Chops was the first Diamond Dog brave enough to officially visit Trottingham. He didn't know the first thing about table etiquette and he had better manners than my own Mother!" Razor shook her head, "As Humans say 'strike three, you're out'. I'm done with her." She trotted toward the door, "I need to go for a walk to clear my head. Anybody else want to join me?"

Artex reached into his shoulder bag, which was hanging off the corner of his bed close to his head, "Could you go to the Traveler's Lodge and return this key for me? Doesn't look like I'll need it. Oh and tell Feather Tip that I'm sorry for walking away while she was trying to talk to me. It was rude." He tossed the key through the air.

Razor caught the key in her magic, "I will. I haven't seen her in years anyway." She left and Oriana and Rose went with her. Vaiawa stayed behind.

Clean Cut sighed sadly, shaking her head at the floor, "There's such a rift between them right now. Numbers was up all night crying after Razor left. She didn't even go to work today because she couldn't get out of bed." She looked up to Artex, "Is there anything you can think of that would help?" She turned to Vaiawa, "Either of you... please."

Artex crossed his arms, "Not unless she can come in here and talk to us."

Clean Cut shrugged, "She didn't know who you were to Razor when she filed the charges in your stead. She knows who you are now, but only you. She hasn't had a chance to meet the other mares. As soon as she got home, Razor laid into her like a tidal wave."

Artex shrugged, "It's on her then. I already like Cloudy Skies and you seem nice enough. I don't have a problem with either of you, only with Visceral Slaughter and Cloud Cutter."

Clean Cut nodded, "I appreciate that. It was just so shocking to hear that he'd done such a thing. He'd always wanted to be in the Civil Guard. We were all so proud of him when he flew to Canterlot to warn the Princesses about the Diamond Dog attack..."

Artex' head snapped to attention, his brows creased, "He... he was the one who delivered the warning about the Diamond Dogs?"

Clean Cut nodded looking unsure, "Yes... why?"

Artex clapped his hands together loudly and bellowed, "Guards!"

Two armored Pegasi burst into the room almost before the word had left his lips, "I need you to send a message to Princess Celestia immediately. Tell her that I need to see her right away, quote: I have found an instance of Natural Magic at work. Send it as soon as you can. It HAS to reach her before the trial of the Pegasus who assaulted me." The two Guards saluted, turned, and left, closing the door behind them.

Artex crossed his arms and smiled smugly, "You don't have to worry about Cloud Cutter. I know just what to do."

Author's Notes:

Let me know if you spot any typos. I'm sure most of you don't remember, but I specifically introduced Cloud Cutter in the first story:
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/167251/33/the-unity-pact/chapter-275-the-warning