"Killed them?" Gordon asked in restrained anger, his clenched knuckles turning white.

The Mayor's pained expression didn't falter, "Yes, not all of them directly though. But she is nonetheless responsible for killing many humans herself."

"What happened?"

"After the Battle of Everfree, the largest battle of the invasion and the one that resulted in the Changeling's defeat, the surviving injured humans were placed in the 'tender loving care' of Starswirl the Bearded."

"Who was he?"

"He's considered Equestria's greatest warlock ever . The humans were placed in his care as he managed to persuade Princess Celestia he had the resources to help them recover. But what Equestrian history airbrushes away is the fact he was a brutal misanthrope."

"How brutal?"

"Princess Celestia loves humanity by comparison."

Is that even possible? though Gordon.

"What did he do to the humans?"

"He experimented on them, tortured them, sometimes for amusement, practised new spells on them......"

"How did he get away with it? Didn't anyone stop him?" Gordon asked with increasing exasperation in his voice.

"He had exceptional skill at getting ponies to like him, no one outside his inner circle ever suspected what he really did. But when he was discovered, courtesy of a tip off from one of his guards; Ponies, Griffons and civilian humans stormed the Castle of the Two Sisters to try and liberate them."

"What happened?"

"It was a disaster. The castle, though no longer used by Princess Celestia, was given to Star Swirl as his own private sanctuary; a place where he could create spells without disturbance. He had his own security guards and the invaders, where subsequently captured and used as experiments. As was the guard who tipped them off."

"What happened after that?"

"Starswirl vented his spite and fury on his prisoners, particularly the humans."

"Why did he hate humans so much?"

"Apparently his wife was killed by a human."

"That's tragic but his behaviour afterwards was inexcusable."

"Agreed, but it's also airbrushed from the history books that Starswirl was extremely racist against anything that wasn't a unicorn or alicorn."

"I've been inside the Castle of the Two Sisters, and saw the torture chamber myself. I saw skeletons of all three pony tribes, humans and what I assume are Griffons."

There was a few seconds of silence as the Mayor recalled what he knew of the events of the time. One unsolved disappearance in particular came to mind.

"One of the unicorn skeletons could be that of Bosphoramus Heartstrings. Known at the time of being the greatest lyre player in Equestria and staunchly pro-Human. He disappeared and his body was never found, he was last seen in the area around the Everfree Forest."

"There's a unicorn mare in Ponyville called Lyra Heartstrings."

"She's a direct descendant of him. The Heartstring family tree is well documented."

"What else happened after Starswirl was discovered? Surely someone stopped him."

"The Thestrals."

"Luna's night guards?"

The Mayor nodded, "They were still seen as the enemy of Equestria, due to them being servants of Princess Luna and in a way, Nightmare Moon. Once they discovered what was going on they launched a massive attack on the castle and slaughtered Starswirl's guards, before killing Starswirl himself. They freed all the victims that were still alive and got them back to Trottingham, where they all told their story; hence why I can tell you now. Otherwise Princess Celestia would have succeeded in erasing it from the history books."

"From the looks of things it appeared that no one bothered to clear out the castle."

"The Thestrals went back into the shadows soon after to protect themselves from Princess Celestia and her Solar Guards. But, the humans were blamed for the deaths of Starswirl and his guards. Powerful, anti-human nobles of the time made up the story that the humans were the ones who killed Starswirl and his guards; and by doing so showing their 'true nature' to well-meaning ponies."

"I take it Celestia believed them."

"Yes, when Celestia saw the mutilated body of Starswirl and his team with her own eyes; it was easy to convince her. Arrest warrants were issued for all remaining humans; even those who did not fight at all."

"What happened?"

"A contingent of Solar Guards were dispatched to apprehend the humans, but they refused to surrender; knowing what awaited them. The Solar Guards attempted to force the humans to surrender, so the humans fought back and killed most of the contingent of around 100 guards."

"How did Celestia react?"

"She was furious, and responded by leading a Regiment of 2,000 of her Solar Guards and attacked the humans in Trottingham. Most of the remaining humans were untrained civilians with only rakes, pitchforks and the like as weapons, so they were easy pickings for Celestia's fully armed guards."

"Celestia herself lead her troops to slaughter humans?" Gordon asked, his blood boiling.

"Yes, there are multiple eye witness accounts and records on the matter; though Equestria's history books depict the incident as Celestia's guards killing 'feral' humans with the disease, and that killing them was the only way to prevent them causing harm to Equestrian citizens."

"Is this the same disease that Celestia claims wiped out humanity?"

"Yes."

Gordon's rage was building to such a degree he felt he might burst a blood vessel, "Celestia claimed that the disease only killed around 1,500 humans, and that between 40-50 humans were imprisoned for their crimes."

The Mayor scoffed in disgust, "Are there no depths our benevolent Princess will sink to?"

The Mayor recomposed himself, "Apologies, but hearing that.......whilst her figures are accurate, the rest isn't. We have records showing only around 120 humans succumbed to the disease, the other humans in that statistic were the ones killed in the final fight in Trottingham. She probably altered the facts so as to not look like she took part on the slaughter of innocents."

"What about the 40-50 humans imprisoned?" Gordon asked, his knuckles becoming whiter and his blood pressure rising.

"They were in fact ponies who attempted to depose Celestia. The ponies in question were tortured, put on 'trial' and found guilty on charges of High Treason amongst others. We assume that she told everyone that humans were responsible, as they were the perfect scapegoats and thus could imprison those ponies without anyone noticing or questioning it."

"Surely the families would have said something?"

"And announce to the whole nation that their family members tried to kill the Princess?"

"Point taken. What happened to the imprisoned ponies?"

"Officially, they were killed by humans. Unofficially they spent the rest of their lives in the Canterlot dungeons, never once did they ever see sunlight again. The youngest imprisoned was just eighteen, and she spent sixty-four years locked in a dungeon cell before dying of heart failure."

"Bloody hell, didn't they try to escape or even kill themselves?"

"It's very difficult to escape when all of your limbs are shackled to a wall all day, and as for taking their own life? The poor sods were force fed food and water, the guards had strict instructions to not allow the prisoners to die by their own hands."

"How do you know all this?" asked Gordon, curious as to how anyone would know something like this.

"Detailed official reports and accounts were anonymously delivered to us in secret."

"Any idea who it was?"

"None, but we do know it had to be someone with considerable authority to be able to get past security without any problem. Our guess is either a powerful Noble or a high-ranking military officer."

The Mayor and Gordon walked for a few more minutes through the cemetery, allowing the peaceful tranquillity to calm their feelings. While his outward appearance suggested calm, on the inside Gordon was seething in undiluted rage. Not only was the treatment of humans far worse than he'd been let on to believe, Celestia had lied to him.

She looked me square in the face.

AND LIED!

From what he'd been told by the Mayor it seemed as if ponies were just as bad as humanity when it came to violence and a thirst for bloodshed.

Deciding to move the conversation on, or back to the Museum of Humanity, Gordon had more questions to ask.

"Does Trottingham have any more human artefacts apart from the ones at the museum?"

The Mayor nodded, "We have our own highly restricted vault which contains an abundance of information regarding humans and events of the time, as well as items and other artefacts belonging to the humans. We originally hid them because not too long after the last human died, Princess Celestia began searching the nation for anything of human origin, she succeeded in destroying many artefacts before we could act."

"Does Celestia know about it?"

"Yes but she won't attempt to do anything to it or what's inside, lest she wish to incur the wrath of the Griffonian government."

"Anything else she do?"

"Used her influence on book publishers to write 'facts' in a manner that portrayed humans entirely negatively."

"Do you have evidence of this?"

"We have a few letters we managed to 'acquire' through our allies in the Royal Court."

"So Celestia knew humanity suffered great losses defending her realm, sent the survivors to a sadistic misanthrope and then portrayed humans as the bad guys; even when she realised what Shitswirl did," Gordon paused for a moment at that last thought, "She DID eventually find out didn't she? What he did?"

"Yes, it was then she discreetly began altering records to make it look like the disease killed of all humans, rather than massive losses in battle and the final slaughter in Trottingham."

"Why did she do that though?"

"Tell me Gordon, do leaders in your world ever make 'corrections' to 'incorrect information' to avoid scandalous or controversial incidents?"

"Point taken. How did Trottingham survive considering it was founded by humans and its citizens were and still are staunchly pro-human?"

"Trottingham is a huge trading parter with the United Kingdom of Griffonia. Doing anything to the city or its inhabitants risked incurring the wrath the Griffonian government, Griffonia has a better equipped military than Equestria not to mention soldiers who can actually fight. Our Solar Guards couldn't punch their way out of a wet paper bag, the fools STILL use gold armour for crying out loud!"

"I take it the Griffons are more powerful?"

"They already use bolt action rifles and armour that actually protects your body, not to mention far tougher discipline. In our armed forces, Princess Celestia had limited beastings to nothing more than a severe talking to and cleaning the latrines."

"I hardly call cleaning latrines a beasting."

The mayor chuckled, "You'd get on well with the Griffons then. They might even let you have a go at a training exercise."

"Sounds fun, but from what you've told me I think I'd get much more fun out of screaming at Celestia's 'soldiers'."

The mayor laughed again, "I'd almost pay to see that."

"Do you think Celestia would let me?"

"I have no idea, though Princess Luna probably would. She puts her Thestral guards through far tougher training, almost in the same way as the Griffons."

"I'll ask her then. Going back to earlier, can you tell me more about the Battle of Everfree?"

"I have little information, and there are no written texts on the matter in Equestria, but the Griffons have extensive information on the battle."

"Then I'll definitely have to arrange a trip to Griffonia."

"That would be your best option, also the Griffons don't sugar coat the horrors of war; they tell it exactly as it is."

"How well would I be received there?"

"You'd be akin to Royalty."

"That much? But why do Griffon's have such a high regard for humanity?"

"Because had it not been for humanity; the Changelings, after consuming Equestria would have then moved on to Griffonia. The Griffons knew that Celestia's pathetic excuse for soldiers in the Solar Guard wouldn't be able to fight the Changelings, and they were right. But human soldiers they saw as true warriors, as their equals."

As they continued to walk they found themselves back in front of entrance where the girls awaited. Rainbow walked bristly towards Gordon and the two embraced each other.

"Hey Gordon, you OK?"

"Not exactly?"

"What do you mean?" Rainbow asked, looking at him with concern.

"I'll tell you later, on the train tonight."

"OK," she replied quietly.

"How about you, are you OK?"

"Sorta, it's a little overwhelming to see so many graves of ponies......sorry, I mean people, of people who died in a battle."

"I know how you feel. I felt the same way when I first saw the Tyne Cot memorial, located near Passchendaele in a country called Belgium."

"H-how many soldiers are buried there?" Rainbow asked hesitantly.

"........around 12,000."

Tears began to fall from Rainbow's eyes. Gordon pulled her gently into his chest and was approached by the other girls; all of them concerned about their friend.

"Rainbow darling?"

Rainbow lifted her head up and turned around, wiping the tears away, "Don't worry about me Rares, I'm OK."

"What about you Gordon?"

"I'm OK Rarity, nothing I haven't felt before."

Gordon and the girls looked over to the Mayor and saw him talking to another pony, a small unicorn mare. The Mayor nodded his head at her before she walked away and he walked over to Gordon and the girls.

"I'm afraid we must part company, official business matters."

"Understandable," replied Gordon, "Thank you for the tour."

"You're welcome Captain. I bid you and the ladies a pleasant farewell."

Gordon and the girls said their goodbyes and the Mayor went on his way. Looking at the girls, Gordon could see the visit had left its toll on them, all of them looking like the reality of the place had hit home.

"How are you girls?" he asked.

"We're OK," replied Twilight.

The group slowly made their way out of the memorial, Gordon with his arm draped around Rainbow in a comforting manner. As they approached the exit, Gordon saw a kiosk with what looked to be brochures for sale. Interested, he began to walk over, followed by the other girls. As he looked at the brochure cover, he saw the title in large letters superimposed over a photo of the graves.

THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

Picking one up and having a look through, the brochure gave a history of the memorial and of the battles of the Changeling invasion itself.

"Those are free by the way."

Gordon looked up to see a young Earth pony stallion with light brown fur and black mane, who continued speaking.

"But donations are welcome. All proceeds go to the upkeep of the cemetery."

Gordon took out his wallet and put all the bits he had, around 40, on the kiosk counter. The young stallion's eyes went wide.

"Are you sure about this sir?"

"Absolutely, take it."

The stallion began to take the bits and put them in a collection box, "Thank you sir."

"Any time."

What happened next surprised Gordon. Each of the girls, including Twilight, picked up their own brochure and put their donation of bits on the kiosk. Rarity, as Element of Generosity, unsurprisingly put a large pile of bits on the kiosk. The shocked young stallion behind the counter was almost beside himself at the amount of bits being donated, but was able to extend his thanks and gratitude nonetheless.

Afterwards the gang left the cemetery and made a slow walk back to the town centre.

"We'll soon have to head back to the ferry terminal if we want to catch the night train back to Canterlot tonight," Twilight said.

Gordon turned his head to Rainbow, "Want to bunk with me again tonight?"

"Sure, we are a couple now."

The two held hands once more and continued walking with the others as the warm orange glow of the setting sun shone gently through the trees, indicating the day out was coming to a close.

"Are we getting something to eat on the ferry or on the train?" asked Gordon.

Twilight was the one to speak up, "There's only fast food on the ferry, but on the train we can have a three-course dinner in the restaurant carriage.....and some wine."

"I'm sold, what about you Dashie?"

"A three course dinner and wine? Do you really need to ask?"

"Point taken. What do they have on the menu?"

"It varies between routes, but we'll find out later. Though they have a reasonable choice considering the limited space in the galley."

"Speaking of later," Rainbow said, "There's heavy rain scheduled for almost the entire night stretching from Manehatten to Canterlot."

"Sounds like home."

"Did it rain much there?" asked Rainbow.

"Not as much as foreigners think it does, but we still get a fair amount of it. What time does the train leave by the way, Twilight?"

"21.38, and there's a ferry leave Trottingham at 6pm. I suggest we head there now, unless you want to catch an even later trip back to Ponyville."

"I'll go for the earlier one, less waiting around."

"Same here."

"What about you girls?" Twilight asked the others.

The other girls all agreed to the 21.38 train, the long day and travelling having tired them out.

Several uneventful hours later, the gang were waiting on the platform; heavy rain already pounding hard on the station roof as a chilly wind passed through the station. Station porters and crew were quickly restocking the train and cleaning the carriage interiors as passengers waited to board. The steam engine was reminiscent of a streamlined LMS Coronation Class, and the carriages it was pulling were in a matching maroon colour. The train service itself was called 'The Equestrian Highlander', while the engine pulling this particular train was called 'Duchess of Fillydelphia'.

"Made it just in time to avoid getting wet," Gordon commented.

"Not afraid of the rain are you?" asked Rainbow teasingly.

"I'm not.....you are though."

"What!" Rainbow spluttered, "I am NOT afraid of the rain!"

"Is that why you nap on top of clouds rather than below them?" Gordon asked, grinning cheekily.

Rainbow scowled fiercely, prompting Gordon to straighten out his index finger.

*BOOP*

Rainbow blinked, "Did......did do you just boop my nose?"

"Yes, I, did," Gordon replied, accentuating each word with a nose boop.

Rainbow grit her pearly white teeth, "Do that....one more time, and I swear that I'll-"

*BOOP*

"You'll do what, Dashie?" Gordon asked grinning.

Rainbow's scowl turned into a devilish smirk.

"You'll find out."

She said no more as she boarded the train, now allowing boarding, taking the room key from Twilight on the way. Gordon shook his head and followed her only to be stopped by Rarity.

"Take these darling."

"What are they?"

"A suit for you and a dress for Rainbow."

"What for?"

"Evening dinner of course, surely you didn't expect to just dine in a first class carriage wearing clothes you've been wearing all day?"

"No not at all, perish the thought," Gordon replied, his answer fooling no one.

"Then I expect to see you in your best later then."

"Of course, but there is one thing though?"

"What's that darling?"

"When did you get time to make these?"

"I brought them with me this morning and left them here for now."

"I didn't see them."

"Too busy ogling Rainbow no doubt."

Gordon blushed, "I wasn't ogling her, I was admiring her."

"Sure sure, whatever you say darling."

Gordon took the bags containing the clothes and walked towards the train carriage door, and turned back to Twilight."What room am I in?"

"Carriage B, compartment 2."

"Thanks."

Gordon boarded the train and made his way to the relevant room, being careful not to damage the clothes. After a minute or so he reached the appropriate cabin and went inside.

Or would do if the door wasn't locked.

He knocked on the door, "Rainbow?"

He heard movement inside, followed by the door opening. In the doorway was a naked Rainbow Dash, her cyan blue furred body on show for all the world to see. Wasting no time, Gordon went in and closed the door. Looking around, the reasonably-sized-for-a-confined-space compartment had a maroon and burgundy colour scheme throughout, with door handles and light fittings being made of polished brass, and the furniture being mahogany.

"Rarity gave us these to wear tonight," he said, holding up the bags.

Rainbow walked over and unzipped the sides to have a look. She grinned and took one of the bags and handed it to Gordon.

"Here, I think this one's yours."

Gordon took that bag and handed Rainbow the other. He hung the bag up and fully unzipped it, only to see a piece of clothing not meant for him. He turned around and saw Rainbow on the bed, splitting her sides laughing.

Gordon looked back to the clothing, a full length red, sleeveless, strapless dress.

Looks good.

"Does this mean you'll be wearing my suit then?" he asked Rainbow.

"Yeah, I thought we could switch outfits tonight and liven things up a little."

"Sounds good, pity the dress is too small for me. And you look far better in dresses than I do."

A shit-eating grin appeared on Rainbow's face, "How do you know what you look like in a dress?"

"..............I'm going to get a shower," Gordon replied monotonously.

He began walking towards the cabin 'bathroom', which consisted of nothing more than a shower, toilet and sink, until he was stopped by Rainbow. She spun him round and wrapped her tail around his waist and her arms around his neck.

"You can't get a shower until we start moving. Train rules."

"I can wait."

"We can fill the time by you answering my question."

"Which one?"

"You know, the one I asked just now," she replied with a seductive grin, "The one where I asked you how you would know what you look like in a dress."

"Oh that one.........I was just assuming. Guys tend not to look becoming in ladies clothes."

"They would if Rarity made them."

"I'm not dressing in drag, Dash."

"I never asked you to."

Gordon said and did nothing as the pair stood in awkward silence, beads of seat beginning to form on Gordon's forehead. At this point, if one were to watch the pair right now, they could be forgiven for thinking that Gordon was the prey species and Rainbow the predator.

"Are you OK Gordon?" asked Rainbow, stifling giggles, "You look a little hot. Maybe you should wear a light, airy dress instead of a stuffy suit. You know, to help keep you cool."

Gordon laughed uncomfortably, "As much as I...apreciate, you kind offer, I must respectfully decline. The respective clothes Rarity made were clearly made for beings of a specific physical stature. It's too late now to make adjustments."

"You don't know just how talented Rarity is."

"Still, I would much prefer the suit."

Rainbow sighed in 'disappointment', "OK, but if you ever change your mind, all you need to do is ask."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Just then the train locomotive whistle screeched and the train began moving.

"Well, it seems I can get a shower now."

Rainbow though, didn't unwrap her arms or tail from Gordon, "You have to wait a little longer."

"Eh?"

"Well, unless you wish to shower alone."

"Oh," Gordon replied, going red in the face, "Well when you put it like that."

The pair unwrapped themselves from each other and walked into the shower room. The shower, whilst not big, was just big enough to fit two people if they huddled up close together. Gordon removed his clothes, much to Rainbow's delight, and dumped them on the floor. Making sure there were towels in the room, the pair stepped into the shower and closed the screen door.

Rainbow, with her back to the shower knobs, stood still while Gordon reached behind her and turned them.

Rainbow hissed as the unexpectedly cold water splashed onto her.

"Sorry," said Gordon, "It'll warm up quick."

The water did just that, though Gordon adjusted the temperature to a level that comforted both of them. Using the sponges and lotions provided, Gordon grabbed and squirted some lotion onto a dampened sponge.

"Want me to help clean your back and wings?"

Rainbow once again felt like butterflies were in her stomach, "Yeah, I'd love that."

She turned around slowly and allowed Gordon to get to work lathering her back.

With slow, clockwise motions; he carefully washed her lower back, beneath her wings and around her tail, being careful not to be too rough.

"I'm going to do your wings now."

"OK, one at a time though."

Rainbow unfolded her right wing as much as the tight confines of the shower allowed, allowing Gordon to properly clean them.

"Just be careful though," Rainbow continued, "Pegasus wings are really sensitive."

"I will be."

Gordon lathered the sponge in more lotion and gently began cleaning her wings, being extra careful not to damage the feathers. He spent a few minutes on each wing, making sure to properly clean them before Rainbow grabbed another sponge.

"Your turn Gordon, turn around."

"Sure."

He turned around and soon felt the same clockwise motions of a sponge on his back.

"It's much easier without wings getting in the way," Rainbow commented.

"What do you mean? What happened to my wings?!"

Rainbow rolled her eyes, "Oh be quiet, you big drama queen."

"Easy for you to say, you still have yours. I'll have to resort to flapping my arms."

"Good luck with that dude. I'll be sure to be there though when you try, if only so I can laugh at you when you make a fool of yourself."

"You're much too kind Dashie."

Rainbow continued washing his back for another minute before finishing. Gordon turned around and saw Rainbow too had turned around, so her back was once again facing him.

"Dash?"

"Mind if you help me wash again?"

"I've already done your back."

"It's not my back I need washing."

Gordon looked on for a couple of seconds, confused as to what she meant before the penny dropped.

"Y-you mean...."

"My front needs washing," she replied, holding out the other sponge behind her.

After a few seconds Gordon took the sponge and stood right behind Rainbow. So close in fact, his bare chest touched her fur and wings. He reached around and nervously began the clockwise motions on her abdomen, not wanting to start 'higher up' so soon.

Rainbow gently lent back into Gordon as he washed her, criss crossing her arms over her breasts as she did so, thoroughly enjoying the close, sensitive and intimate contact.

"Ready for me to move higher up?" he asked, after another minute of silent washing.

"Go ahead," she replied, moving her arms out of the way.

Gordon slowly moved upwards, nervous about touching Rainbow in that area. His nervousness became clear to Rainbow when she gently took his hand and moved it up to her breasts.

"Don't be so nervous Gordon, if I didn't want you touching me there I wouldn't even shower with you."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure," she replied.

To prove the point, she placed her hand over Gordon's and moved it up to her breasts and began washing them. Gordon, was both nervous and excited. The motions carried on for a few seconds until Rainbow removed her hand, allowing Gordon to continue.

After another minute or so, he finished, much to Rainbow's disappointment.

"Pity it had to end so soon," she said, turning around to face Gordon, "Wanna have me clean your chest?"

"Well, it's only fair."

Rainbow giggled and began on his chest, trying not to wince too much at the sight of his scars. Gordon however, was transfixed on her rainbow mane. He raised a hand and began to gently stroke it. After his third stroke he finally realised Rainbow had stopped washing him, and was in fact looking at him.

"Errr s-sorry," he said sheepishly, removing his hand.

"Don't worry about it, I don't mind. My mane is awesome, so knock yourself out."

"Oh.....well in that case," he started, kissing her on her muzzle tip, "I will."

Rainbow blushed and, just in her field of vision, saw something trying to make a point. She looked back up to Gordon and smirked, "Do you want me to clean that as well?"

Gordon cocked an eyebrow, "Clean what?"

"That," Rainbow replied, pointing.

Confused, Gordon looked to where she was pointing which interestingly was at him. More specifically, at his waist area.

His eyes boggled at the sight, the only sound being that of Rainbow guffawing.

Gordon was still grumbling under is breath as he tied the cravat around his neck before putting on the black jacket. The dress shirt was the same scarlet red his full dress uniform had. Black trousers and black shoes finished off his attire.

Rainbow, in addition to the red dress, also wore a diamond necklace and earrings and red shoes. Red eye-liner also helped finish off her look.

"So how long before dinner?" asked Gordon.

"About half an hour, so we should probably get going."

"Yeah, they'll probably be waiting for us. We're in the first class restaurant carriage aren't we?"

"Yeah."

"What's the difference between 1st and Standard on this train?"

"In first you get more refined food which is cooked fresh, whereas in standard they're pre-cooked and brought on board, and the compartments are bigger and more luxurious."

A bit like on an airliner, thought Gordon.

"Oh and it's all you can eat at the restaurant, it's all included in the price."

"Anything else included?"

"As much alcohol as you want, complimentary box of chocolates and an amenities bag containing lotions and stuff."

"Sounds good."

"You bet, even better; we're not paying personally for it!"

"Who is paying for it?"

"Twilight paid for it."

"Wow, can't imagine it was cheap."

"Just in this leg of the journey costs 160 bits per person."

Gordon made a mental note to thank Twilight. Though she and him weren't even close to friends and she was still extremely suspicious and wary of him, he still appreciated the gesture.

"Speaking of Twilight, do you think she'll ever come round?" asked Gordon.

"What? You mean like stop seeing humans as blood thirsty beasts?"

Gordon nodded.

"Maybe, if you keep acting like you are."

"What do you think of humans?"

"Well, before you came I thought they were exactly as I was told they were, savage barbarians who enjoy killing."

"But now?" Gordon inquired.

"But now, I don't think that. Humans may have been violent back then, but from my time with you, our experiences today in Trottingham and hearing what they think of humans, and our trip to the museum and cemetery; I think humans have been given a bad rap."

Hearing this meant a great deal to Gordon and like a great weight had been lifted. He'd achieved far more than he intended in a very short space of time, and somehow managed to get into the start of a relationship. Though on the flip-side he'd had a few issues with being framed for crimes he didn't commit, an attempted arson attack on his home with the intent to kill him and Rainbow; even if she was probably an unintended target.

And beginning to find out the truth as to how bad the lies about humanity had festered.

Gordon walked over to Rainbow and wrapped his arms around her, "Thanks Dashie."

"No problem," she replied, returning the hug.

"So, shall we get going?"

"Yeah, before Twilight comes here and-"

Just then there was knocking at the door.

"Are you two coming?" came a demandy voice.

"Does that," finished Rainbow, "We're coming Twilight!"

They quickly opened the door and saw Twilight stood grumpily with folded arms. She too was wearing a full length dress of dark purple, strapless and sleeveless like Rainbow's, with a dark magenta 'belt' wrapped around her waist, tied into a bow at her side. Her mane was tied up into a bun and kept in place by two silver, six pointed stars joined back-to-back.

Like Rainbow, she too had a diamond necklace and earrings.

"We're all waiting for you," Twilight said, slightly irritated.

"Sorry Twi," replied, Rainbow, "Gordon was helping me put on my dress."

Gordon and Rainbow walked out of their compartment and began to follow Twilight, locking their compartment door on the way out. They followed Twilight through several carriages until they got to the First Class Restaurant in carriage E. The train they were on being 13 carriages in length, and consisting of four first class sleeper carriages, two first class restaurant carriages, a carriage containing solely of a galley, and the reaming six being five standard class births and a standard class restaurant.

The carriages they walked through had the same mahogany furnishings, burgundy carpet and brass handles and fittings as their compartment. They carefully made their way through the train, being mindful of other passengers; none of whom paid Gordon any attention.

They finally reached the restaurant car where, as Twilight said, the girls were waiting. Whereas on the previous train there was a 2-1 seating arrangement, forcing the group to split up, this carriage had a 2-2 seating plan, allowing all seven of them to sit opposite. The chairs were too made of mahogany and had red leather cushioning and back rests.

Pinkie, Applejack and Fluttershy occupied one side, whilst Rarity and Twilight occupied the table on the other, making sure to allow Rainbow and Gordon to sit together. All the other girls were also dressed in Rarity's finest creations which, as usual, were colour matching to the respective pony.

Even Applejack had dolled herself up for dinner.

"Somethin' on yer mind sugercube?"

Gordon felt himself get elbowed gently by Rainbow.

"Sorry, I just didn't recognise you without your hat. You certainly look different without it."

Applejack laughed, "Yeah, ah get that a lot."

"Are you sitting down darlings?" asked Rarity, who looked as fabulous as you can imagine in her sparkling blue dress that draped over her left shoulder.

"Yeah," he replied before turning to Rainbow, "Do you want the window seat?"

"Nah, you can have it."

"Thanks."

Gordon sat himself down, but not before pulling Rainbow's chair out for her.

"Thank you, my charming prince."

"You're welcome, my lady."

Rainbow stood in front of the chair and allowed Gordon to push the chair forward to just behind her legs, allowing her to sit down.

"Such a gentlecolt," Rarity commented.

"It costs nothing to be polite."

"Would any of you like a drink before they bring the starter menu?" asked Twilight.

Everyone did and gave Twilight their preference, Gordon and Rainbow deciding to share a bottle of red wine.

"So," Rarity started, "What did you make of Trottingham, Gordon?"

"I thought it was a great place, thanks for taking me."

"It was no problem at all darling. I must say, it was quite the eye opener......especially the war cemetery."

"Same here," replied Rainbow, "Gordon was telling me about a military cemetery in his world near a place called Passen...Passchen...?"

"Passchendaele."

"That was it."

"What can you tell us of it?" asked Rarity.

"It's a Commonwealth War Graves Commission burial ground for the dead of the First World War. It is the largest cemetery for Commonwealth forces in the world, for any war, comprising close to 12,000 graves."

The only sound that could be heard was that of the carriages going over the joins in the rails.

"I last went a few months ago, but before they died I took Michelle and the children, in addition to visits to Menin Gate and the In Flanders Field Museum. The latter two located in the town of Ypres."

"What's the Commonwealth War Graves Commission?" asked Twilight.

"It's an intergovernmental organisation of six independent member states whose principal function is to mark, record and maintain the graves and places of commemoration of Commonwealth of Nations military service members who died in the two World Wars. They have over 23,000 separate burial sites and over 200 memorials in 153 countries."

"How long have they done this?"

"They were founded originally as the Imperial War Graves Commission in May 1917, over a year before the First World War ever ended. The changed their name to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in 1960, as the word 'imperial' was no longer appropriate given that Britain lost most of it's Empire."

Twilight was about to ask, but Gordon cut her out.

"I'll give you a history lesson on the British Empire another time."

"OK. But could you tell us a bit more about those other places you mentioned, the Menin Gate and the In Flanders Field Museum."

"Sure."

Before he could, a waiter arrived bringing with him menus.

"Thank you," Twilight said too him.

The group quickly decided on their starters, Gordon going for vegetable soup, the girls having salads.

"While we wait for them, I'll continue," Gordon said, "The Menin Gate is another war memorial in Ypres, dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the Ypres Salient of World War I and whose graves are unknown. It's location marks the starting point for one of the main roads out of the town that led Allied soldiers to the front line. On the inside of the archway, there are close to 55,000 names carved into the stone."

Gordon took out his phone, and after a few seconds held it up showing a picture of Menin Gate.

"This is a photo of Menin Gate, " he said handing it over to Twilight, "Just gently swipe the screen to the left to view the next picture."

Twilight did so and saw more pictures from outside and inside the Gate, stunned at the shear number of names carved into the stone. Also in the picture, were men in ceremonial uniform playing bugles.

"Who are those men?" she asked, turning the phone to Gordon and pointing to the men in the photo.

"Those are buglers from the local fore brigade. Every night at 8pm, they play the 'Last Post'. Except for the occupation by the Germans in the Second World War, the ceremony has occurred every night since the 2nd July 1928, so far that's around 33,000 times if my maths is right."

"What happens during the ceremony?" asked Fluttershy.

"People begin to gather around an hour before the ceremony; half an hour later local police close the road, all traffic is stopped from driving through the Gate until 8.30pm. At 7.55pm the buglers arrive and stand ready at the eastern entrance. They then step into the roadway under the memorial arch and make their way to stand in the centre of the Hall of Memory, where they stand in a line across the eastern entrance facing towards the town. Then, at 8pm, they play the Last Post, followed by a minute silence then the Réveille bugle call."

"Is that when the ceremony ends?" asked Twilight.

"Most of the time, there are occasions when the ceremony may be extended when participants and/or wreath layers are present. The daily ceremony has no wreath layers."

"How did the tradition begin?"

"In 1928, a year after the inauguration of the memorial; Ypres citizens decided that some way should be found to express the gratitude of the Belgian people towards those who had died for its freedom and independence. They do the ceremony they do every night regardless of the weather. Even on the night the city was liberated by Polish forces, they continued on with the ceremony, despite the heavy fighting still going on in other parts of the town. You can even see the bullet marks from that time."

Once again, the only sound that could be heard was the sound of the wheels rattling over the joins in the rails; the girls deep in thought as Gordon's history lecture sank in, Twilight in particular looking intently at the photos.

Another couple of silent minutes later, a waiter arrived pushing a trolley.

"Something smells good," Gordon said as the waiter put his vegetable soup in front of him, along with a a sliced Prench baguette.

The waiter then put the girl's salads in front of them and left them to their starters.

"Here's your phone."

"Thanks," Gordon replied, taking it from Twilight.

He put the phone back in his pocket and began eating his soup.

"This is really good," he said aloud.

"The Equestrian Highlander is known for its excellent food," Twilight replied, "The Star Light Express, its sister service, runs between Canterlot and Vanhoover, the White Tail Express runs between Canterlot and Las Pegasus, the fourth sleeper night service is the Green Hill Highlander that runs between Canterlot and Baltimare and finally there's a fifth sleeper service called the Emerald Coast Express."

"Where some of those the trains we saw at Canterlot Piccadilly?"

"Yes. The ones that were in the station were the Star Light Express and Green Hill Highlander. The other trains would have already departed."

"You seem to be quite knowledgeable on trains."

"Well you're not the only one who's a train enthusiast."

Gordon chuckled, "Who got you interested in them?"

"My dad did."

"Same here."

"Growing up as a filly he'd take me on no end of trains, including the night services I mentioned earlier."

"How often do you travel on trains?"

"Not as much as I used to since I started living in Ponyville, but I still get an annual network pass each year."

"I take it that allows you to travel anywhere as many times as you want on Equestria's railways?"

"Yes, it's a little pricey at 2,000 bits but that includes access to first class facilities on the train and in the stations."

"What's your favourite journey?"

"The Crystal Riviera. It takes you from Manehatten to Vanhoover all the way along the Crystal Mountains. It takes a full day as the train moves at slower speeds through the Crystal Mountains, large windows in the specially designed observation carriages allow for a great view of Equestria from high above. It's a very long train pulled by powerful 2-10-0 locomotives, the most famous engine being the Crystal Star. The last of its type of be built in Equestria."

"Sounds a bit like Evening Star. She too was a 2-10-0 locomotive and was the last steam engine to be built by British Railways, fortunately it's been preserved and is now a static display at the National Railway Museum in York."

"Do you have a photo of that as well?" asked Rainbow.

"Yeah I think I do," Gordon replied, getting his phone out.

He flicked through the menus until he found what he was looking for.

"There it is," he said, showing the girls the photo.

"That's very similar to Crystal Star!" replied Twilight, wide eyed in shock.

Gordon laughed, "Well if you like them, then I can't wait to see Dashie's face when I show her jet fighters, or the Airbus A380."

"Yeah, I read a bit about them in that book you let me borrow," Rainbow replied, "It's hard to think something that big can fly."

"I've flown on the A380, first in economy but after my lottery win I only ever flew first class. British Airways first class though is dreadful, it barely qualifies as Business Class on the likes of Qatar Airways, Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways."

"Isn't British Airways from your country though?" asked Rarity.

"It is but due to cost cutting measures by BA management it's no longer the airline it used to be."

After a few minutes, everyone had finished their starters and had soon ordered their main meals. Gordon ordering roast pork with crackling, complete with roast potatoes and vegetables. Rainbow went for the smoked haddock.

"Gordon dear," Rarity said, "Could you tell us more about this In Flanders Field Museum?"

"Sure, what would you like to know?"

"Maybe start with the museum's origins."

"Very well. The museum itself occupies the 2nd floor of Cloth Hall, a 700 year old medieval building, and is specifically dedicated to the study of the First World War. The building itself was left in ruins after artillery fire devastated Ypres during the same war but was soon rebuilt. Eventually it was named after the poem of the same name by Canadian poet John McCrae."

"What's the poem like?" asked Twilight.

"I'll show you some time, I don't have it on me at the moment."

"OK, could you tell us any more about the museum?"

Gordon nodded, "The museum exhibits tell the story of the invasion of Belgium, the first months of the mobilisation, the four years trench war, the end of the war and the permanent remembrance ever since. Also there are stories of how the war affected the lives of individuals as well as displays of actual equipment used from gas masks, medical equipment, munitions and so on."

"Is it like the museum we went to today?" asked Twilight.

"No," replied Gordon, shaking his head, "The Human Museum has to portray humans as violent savages with biased personal opinions, In Flanders Field doesn't go out to glorify war, rather it suggests its futility."

"How bad was the First World War?" asked Twilight.

"So bad it was also known as 'The War to End All Wars', because people believed that the sheer horror of it would never be repeated, that it would end all war forever."

"Just how bad was it?" asked Rarity, beginning to look uneasy.

"It'll be better if I waited until tomorrow, because if I told you now I'd put you off your dinner."

The girls all looked uneasily at each other, wondering just how bad the the First World War really was.

Surely it couldn't have been so bad even a combat veteran feels uneasy talking about it.

An hour later, everyone had finished their main meals and were ready to turn in for the night. They were also now well on their way and were thundering down the mainline at a steady 80mph, the crystal clear night allowing a brilliant, unobstructed view of the night sky; stars, nebulae and Equestria's own 'Northern Lights' scattered the night sky.

Gordon and the girls were now back in their respective compartments, Gordon in particular helping Rainbow out of her dress.

"Pity you have to take it off so soon," he commented as he unzipped the back.

"Pity I had to put it on in the first place."

"Now now Dashie let's not be unkind, Rarity put a lot of work into this and admit it; a small part of you enjoys it."

"Maybe a little."

After unzipping the back, Gordon helped Rainbow remove the dress and place it back on it's hanger, being extra careful not to damage it lest they wish to suffer Rarity's wrath. Whilst Gordon was removing his suit, Rainbow sat down at the dresser table and began removing her make up, covertly watching Gordon undress in the mirror.

She was watching so intensely she didn't realise she had stopped doing what she was doing.

"You're not peeking at me are you?"

A startled Rainbow began fumbling with her eye shadow remover, "NO I WASN'T!"

Gordon laughed, noting Rainbow's beet red cheeks, and walked over to her. He bent down and gave her a light kiss on the cheek, "I'm only joking Dashie, we're a couple now. You can watch me all you want."

Gordon went back to removing his clothes, watched by Rainbow, before going into the bathroom to brush his teeth. He re-emerged a few minutes later and got into the double bed, waiting for Rainbow.

"I won't be long," she said, "Just removing the false lashes."

"I can wait."

A few minutes later and after brushing her teeth, Rainbow joined him in bed. Rainbow once again resting partially on top of him with his arm wrapped around her back, gently resting on her wings.

"Hey Gordon?" she said softly.

"Yeah?"

"Do you think the truth about humans will ever be known to everyone?"

"I don't know, I hope it will be....but I wouldn't bet on it."

There was a few more seconds of almost silence, the only noise coming from the train as they rolled over the tracks.

"Gordon?"

"Yeah?"

"What did you and the Mayor talk about at the cemetery?"

Gordon sighed through his nose. He had a good idea what could happen if the truth ever got out, and Twilight.....considering she borderline worships him, he doubted she would believe even a scintilla of it.

"We talked a bit more about human history."

"Anything in particular?"

"Only that I sense a storm on the horizon."

"What do you mean?"

"I feel like that things are going to get a lot worse, and not just for me."

"How much worse?"

"If there's one thing that history can teach Rainbow, is that it has a tendency to repeat itself."

Author's Notes:

The 100th Anniversary Ceremony occurred a few days after I wrote the part about Tyne Cot, where Gordon tells the girls about WWI and Passchendaele I decided to do while watching the ceremony. In November 2003 I went on a school trip to Ypres and Hill 62, In Flanders Field Musuem, and visited both Allied and Axis cemeteries. Too many people nowadays don't realise just what those men went through. The same for the women nurses.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40661568

Also, here's what a streamlined LMS Coronation class loco (and what the train Gordon and the girls travelled on) looks like.

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